Address School Climate in Your Community

From the National School Boards Association

In the pressure of budget cuts and student test scores, it can be hard to focus on something as seemingly secondary as school climate. But we all know that what’s important is not always urgent. School climate is important.

We know this because of the work done by National School Boards Association's Center for Public Education. In their analysis of the research, they’ve found ample evidence that feeling welcomed and connected to school can have a huge impact on student achievement. That’s why our Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) conducted extensive surveys on school climate, and why NSBA’s The Key Work of School Boards emphasizes: “Students cannot learn in chaos, fear, or embarrassment.” It also says, “If you really want to know what people feel about their schools, ask them.”

Together with Pearson Foundation, we have put together this toolkit to guide you through one of the best ways to gauge school climate: talking to students. Honest conversations with students can be the quickest way you can move toward practical steps to sustain or improve school climate.

Download the brochure (pdf) "Students on Board: A Conversation Between School Board Members and Students"

Why School Climate is Important (ppt). Set the stage for the Students on Board conversation with this look at the impact school climate has on student learning and engagement.

Article HERE.