School Climate

What is school climate?

School Climate refers to the quality and character

of school life. School Climate is based on patterns

of students, parents, and school personnels
experience of school life and reflects norms, goals,
values, interpersonal interactions, teaching and
learning practices and organizational structures.

National School Climate Center - Link

Four Dimensions of School Climate

Safety: referring to the physical and emotional safety of students and
the rules and procedures in place to ensure student safety

Relationships: student social support from educators and parents, the

level of respect students have for others, school and community
engaged, and student and parental leadership
Teaching and Learning: a positive and professional student teacherschool relationship, social and emotional skills training, civic education,
and positive support for learning
Institutional Environment: the physical environment of the school
Source: National School Climate Center

School Climate Includes:

Norms, values, and expectations that support people feeling

socially, emotionally and physically safe.

People are engaged and respected. Students, families and

educators work together to develop, live, and contribute to a
shared school vision.

Educators model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits

and satisfaction gained from learning.

Each person contributes to the operations of the school as well as

the care of the physical environment

Research has demonstrated that a

positive school climate is associated with:
Academic

achievement

Student

engagement in school

Positive

social skills development

The effects of school culture and

climate on student achievement
Exemplary

schools were found to possess

healthier climates than Acceptable
schools

INT. J. Leadership IN EDUCATION, JANUARYMARCH 2009, VOL. 12, NO. 1, 7384

http://donnieholland.wiki.westga.edu/file/view/school+culture+climate+&+achievement.pdf

The walls speak: the interplay of quality facilities,

school climate, and student achievement

Teachers from 80 Virginia middle schools

Findings Results confirmed a link between the quality of school

facilities and student achievement in English and mathematics. As
well, quality facilities were significantly positively related to three
school climate variables. Finally, results confirmed the hypothesis
that school climate plays a mediating role in the relationship
between facility quality and student achievement.

www.emeraldinsight.com/0957-8234.htm

San Diego William and Mary

Take Action
Monitor

Real World Problem

Building Condition

Observe look around talk with students and teachers

Survey the appropriate group (teachers)

Narrow down the problem

Approach the person to discuss the issues follow up with a plan of

assistance

--

Interview potential candidates and provide support

Look at different schedules and number of custodians

Continue to monitor

Keys to Success

Focus on Student Achievement

Hiring good people that will fit into the school climate
and be willing to collaborate!

Observe Survey/Committee -Take Action -Monitor

Resources

Example Activities- Education

World

A Good Leader

Survey Example

School Climate-NASSP

Real World Example of Developing

Relationships and Becoming Involved