This describes the qualities that are usually found at school, particularly with regard to social interactions. It may refer to the relationship between students, teachers, parents, and other staff. In other words, school climate refers to the character of school life and reflects goals, norms, values, learning and teaching practices, organizational structures, and interpersonal relationships.
When the school climate is positive and sustainable, it encourages youth development and learning essential for a contributing, productive, and fulfilling life in a democratic society. Typically, such climate includes:
· Values, norms, and expectations that support people feeling emotionally, socially, and physically safe
· Feelings of being respected and engaged
· Students, educators, and families working together to build and contribute to a shared school vision
· Nurturing attitudes and education models that highlight the satisfaction and benefits obtained from learning
· Contribution of every person to the school’s operations and taking care of its physical setting
Having a supportive and effective school climate is vital for encouraging positive life outcomes for young adults. That’s why a growing number of local, state, and federal educational agencies are endorsing and supporting school climate improvement practices and policies.
A positive school climate can bring several benefits for students. For one, it enhances the level of safety in school. This causes decreased rates of student discipline and suspensions issues, in general. Even risky behaviors in students undergo a sharp decline. All these can have significant social, physical, and emotional benefits for students.
An effective school climate leads to an enhanced motivation to learn, improved academic results among diverse groups of students, and higher graduation rates. Studies have also found a correlation between positive school climate and reduced student absenteeism in high school and middle school, in addition to lower student suspension rates in high school.
A supportive school climate helps boost staff morale and even improves adolescent health and academic outcomes. Schools that provide the students with a safe and better-structured learning environment, have fair discipline practices, and encourage and nurture positive student-teacher relationships reduce the possibility and frequency of student behavioral problems. Additionally, they foster a greater attachment to school and offer the optimal foundation for academic, emotional, and social learning.
To improve their school climate, schools can conduct a climate survey, collect and analyze the data, and identify the measures and programs best suited for the school. Next, they should implement them and even consider going beyond academic learning to integrate emotional and social learning for their students’ overall development.
