Teachers' Perceptions of the Impact School Resource Officers Have on School Climate

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-22 - School Workers and School Climate: The Underestimated Impact

Abstract

This research investigated teachers’ perceptions of the impact ISD School District School Resource Officers (SROs) have on school climate. Random selection was used and 172 SROs and teachers responded. Findings indicated that: (a) 99% of teachers suggested that SROs be used in schools, (b) high school SROs conducted more advising and mentoring to staff than did middle school SROs, (c) teachers reported that SROs promoted an atmosphere of trust, caring, and respect when they advised and mentored students and families, engaged in school events, and engaged in school safety planning, and(d) teachers reported that when SROs increased advising and mentoring to students and families, school climate indicators improved. Further 99% of teachers reported being victimized in school.

Authors

• Magdalena Anna Denham, Sam Houston State University

• Rebecca A. Robles-Pina, Sam Houston State University

• Barbara Eleanor Polnick, Sam Houston State University