School Culture In Slovakia From Perspective Of Innovations Of Educational Processes

Abstract

The need to change the education system in Slovakia is currently a subject of topical interest. Although the conditions for reform were formally created after 1989, the reform itself was not realized. Constant blaming and reference to the fact that schools have not created adequate conditions for innovation seem to be unconstructive. We want to draw attention to the schools themselves and their culture as an important determinant of the implementation of innovations. The aim of the study was to map the culture of primary and secondary schools in Slovakia. The dominant orientation of school culture was examined by School Culture Inventory by Maslowski, which was completed by 271 teachers from twenty elementary and secondary schools in Slovakia. The results pointed to dominant culture orientation to rational goals and internal processes, which does not correspond to support of innovations in schools. On the contrary, orientation of culture towards innovations and system openness is perceived by teachers in Slovakia as least realized, but it is preferred. The results confirm the need for introducing gradual, systematic changes, which would allow one to set the school environment in relation to support of innovative processes in more favorable way. It is the responsibility of pedagogical staff leaders, especially headmasters, whose work and style of leadership can significantly affect the character of the school culture as a whole.