Behavioral and Academic Climate in Schools

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-17 - The Importance of Active Learning Environments: Toward Greater Student Engagement

Abstract

Negative behavior in schools may detract from the learning experience and create a negative school climate. The current study investigated the relationship between academic and behavioral climate in a nationally representative sample of public school in the United States (N=2560). Structural equation modeling was used to model the relationship between the frequency of behaviors like bullying and non-verbal disrespect and the academic climate of the school. The results indicate that as negative behaviors in a school increase, the percentage of students who are likely to go to college or who consider academics important decreases. This finding has implications for policy and teacher education preparation programs.

Author

• Tracey Nicole Sulak, Baylor University