School Culture: A Study at SMAN 1 and SMAN 15 Padang

Budaya Sekolah: Studi di SMAN 1 dan SMAN 15 Padang

Abstract

This study was motivated by observed differences in school culture characteristics between SMAN 1 Padang and SMAN 15 Padang. SMAN 1 Padang demonstrated a stronger culture of achievement, whereas SMAN 15 Padang, while characterized by a conducive atmosphere and effective communication, did not exhibit an academic culture as strong as that of SMAN 1 Padang. The study aims to describe school culture at SMAN 1 Padang and SMAN 15 Padang from the perspectives of teachers and students and to analyze differences in school culture within and between the two schools. A quantitative approach with a descriptive-comparative design was employed. The population comprised 2,380 students and 123 teachers across SMAN 1 Padang and SMAN 15 Padang. The sample consisted of 342 students and 94 teachers, selected using accidental sampling with a proportional quota approach. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire that had undergone validity and reliability testing. Data were analyzed using mean scores, the Respondent Achievement Level (TCR), and the Independent Sample t-Test. The results indicate that school culture at SMAN 1 Padang falls into the “strong” category according to both teachers and students, whereas at SMAN 15 Padang, it falls into the “moderately strong” category. The mean school culture scores were 4.22 for students and 3.92 for teachers at SMAN 1 Padang, and 3.99 for students and 3.73 for teachers at SMAN 15 Padang. Independent Sample t-test results at the 0.05 significance level indicate significant differences between teachers and students at SMAN 1 Padang (p = 0.000) and SMAN 15 Padang (p = 0.022), as well as between teachers at the two schools (p = 0.047) and students at the two schools (p = 0.000). Among teachers, significant differences were found in academic efficacy and optimism and communication openness, while among students, significant differences appeared in achievement and appreciation culture, collaboration culture, and communication openness.