In an effort to help local educational agencies evaluate the breadth and depth of schoolwide initiatives aimed at improving school climate, WestEd released the School Climate Domain Assessment Tool, which provides guidance for education leaders seeking to foster a nurturing and productive school environment.
The new tool explores critical aspects of school climate, defined as “the qualities of a school environment experienced by students and staff and encompassing relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures.”
Research shows students who attend schools with positive school climates have higher rates of attendance and academic achievement and demonstrate higher levels of motivation and connectedness. Additionally, among school staff, a safe and supportive school climate can foster a greater sense of safety, morale and pride among staff, leading to increased rates of teacher retention.
The resource identifies three core domains of school climate (each with their own interrelated subdomains):
- Belonging and connectedness, which fosters a sense of inclusion and community by addressing student agency, promoting healthy relationships, school connectedness and engagement, and involving educational partners
- Safety and wellness, which ensures both physical and social-emotional security
- Environment, which creates physical and academic settings conducive to a positive school climate by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, offering behavioral supports and addressing issues related to instructional and physical environments
These domains are instrumental in shaping a fulfilling educational experience, according to authors of the tool, and enabling administrators to assess the effectiveness of various resources and support mechanisms is critical to meeting the demands of each domain.
“To ensure the success of continuous school climate improvement efforts, it is crucial that these efforts be supported by ongoing data collection and analysis,” those who developed the tool wrote. “By continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact of these interventions, schools can make informed decisions and tailor their strategies to address specific needs and challenges. This evidence-based approach ensures that interventions are not only effective but also adaptable, fostering a safe and supportive climate that promotes academic achievement and the wellness of students and staff.”
LEAs can use the tool not only as an assessment instrument, but to help identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive in a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment, according to WestEd.
