The Effect of the Social Organization of Schools on Teachers' Efficacy and Satisfaction

Abstract

Research suggests that the social organization of schools has an important impact on both teachers and students. Using hierarchical linear modeling techniques, the authors explore the links between school organization and the self-efficacy and job satisfaction of secondary school teachers. They also investigate the relationship between a teacher's sense of control over classroom practice and self-efficacy. Drawn from the Administrator and Teacher Survey from High School and Beyond, the sample includes 8,488 full-time teachers in 354 Catholic and public high schools. Such elements as principal leadership, communal school organization, an orderly environment, and average levels of control granted to teachers influence average efficacy. Higher levels of efficacy in Catholic than in public schools are explained by organizational differences.