Improving a District Survey of School Climate to Better Inform School Practice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: School Climate Factors: An Examination of Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

Given the benefits associated with a positive school climate (e.g., better academic achievement, less school violence), improving school climate is crucial for improving student outcomes. Thus, developing effective methods for assessing school climate and using these assessments to improve school-wide outcomes has become a major focus in educational research. This study revised an existing measure of school climate to increase the usefulness of the data gathered, improve survey participation, and improve the quality and usefulness of results disseminated to school communities. Results describe the survey revision process which was guided by community feedback, psychometric analyses of the revised survey data, and improvements in dissemination and provision of resources to schools.

Authors

• Amie Bettencourt, Baltimore City Public Schools

• Kimberly Howard Robinson, Baltimore City Public Schools

• Kathryn Van Eck, University of Maryland