A school climate survey is a questionnaire that gets anonymous feedback from students, teachers, staff, and families about their perceptions of the school environment, including academic climate, relationships, leadership, and school safety.
How does school climate differ from school culture?
School culture shapes school climate. School culture is a school’s identity – its shared values, beliefs, and traditions. (We’ll discuss this more in another blog).
School climate is the observable atmosphere, the experiential aspect of the school. It’s the “feel” of the school – oftentimes a result of the school culture. A positive climate can reinforce the school culture.
Why does school climate matter?
The Journal of the National Association of the State Boards of Education writes, “A positive school climate—where students feel a sense of safety and belonging and where relational trust prevails— improves academic achievement, test scores, grades, and engagement and helps reduce the negative effects of poverty on academic achievement.”
It has a direct effect on learning outcomes. It is the foundation for success.
What are the essential dimensions of school climate?
The five factors that shape a school climate are safety, teaching and learning, relationships, leadership, and the environment.
School Safety:
- Are the rules clearly defined and enforced?
- Is there a sense of physical safety? (Preparedness for emergencies?)
- Is there emotional safety? An environment free of harassment, bullying, and violence?
- Does the school teach and enforce online safety practices to keep students from harm?
Teaching and Learning (Academic Climate):
- Do teachers use varied instructional practices?
- Are there high learning expectations?
- Do students and teachers have the necessary resources to learn and teach?
- Is there differentiated instruction, academic support for diverse learners?
Relationships
- Does the school community respect diversity?
- Are there inclusion practices to improve learning opportunities?
- Are the relationships between teachers and students respectful, fostering a culture of trust and motivation?
- Are there strong relationships between students, fostering an environment of collaboration?
Leadership
- Do administrators and staff work to build a collaborative environment?
- Do school leaders promote and guide the vision and mission of the school?
- Do staff (administrators, teachers, and all of the community) work together, taking a shared responsibility for the well-being of the students?
The School Environment
- Are the physical surroundings of the school clean and well-maintained?
- Do students have classroom environments that support learning: good desks and chairs, good lighting, good room temperature, clean learning spaces, and more?
- Are there facilities that support students with disabilities?
- Is there an overall sense of belonging?
What is the purpose of a school climate survey?
A school climate survey is one of the most effective ways to get feedback from students, teachers, staff, and families. This can help school leaders identify strengths and areas for improvement. Results can become a blueprint for schools and leaders to make informed decisions – ones based on data, not feelings.
Benefits of CustomInsight for Schools, School Climate Survey:
- Get the information you need to identify your school’s and school district’s unique strengths and needs.
- Learn how different groups are impacted by their school climate.
- Identify high-performing areas, as well as those with specific needs, based on sub-group data, including grade level, gender, race, language, departments, and more.
- Harness the possibilities of AI analysis with an intuitive reporting platform, allowing your school leaders to filter and compare results by respondent subgroup.
- Create action plans that work – ones that build a foundation for long-term success.
“A good, inviting school climate is not a random occurrence. It is something that takes planning, hard work, and consistency.” – Judi Kimrey, teacher and administrator
