Maintaining a positive school climate has never been more challenging for districts — or more essential. With rising concerns about mental health, school violence, academic recovery, and the politicization of education, K–12 districts that fail to set climate goals and make steady improvements risk higher staff turnover and poorer student outcomes. By regularly assessing the social-emotional well-being and mental health of students, staff, and families, districts can better foster feelings of safety, connection, inclusion, engagement, and, ultimately, success.
Download The Why and How of a Positive School Climate infographic to learn:
- What a positive school climate looks like
- Who benefits from a positive school climate
- What methods will improve your district’s climate
- How to conduct a school climate survey
“Nationally, only 54% of secondary students feel like they belong at school, compared to 74% of staff members who believe students do.”
Measuring K–12 Climate Data
Without a positive climate, K–12 schools face a host of added challenges. But knowing the right way to approach climate improvements takes skill. Moreover, many states require public school districts to report on their culture and climate, with annual surveys being the most common and efficient assessment tool used. To gain the most accurate picture of the current state of school climate, it’s critical for districts to ask the right survey questions and follow best practices in survey administration to properly capture and interpret the perceptions of students, staff, families, and other community members.
Hanover’s climate survey is designed to help districts accurately assess the state of their climate and fulfill their reporting requirements, saving district leaders time, resources, and data analysis hassles. Using the framework for survey questions provided in this infographic will ensure your district will be on the right track to assess and set goals to improve key climate indicators in the 2023–24 school year.
