A Statewide Analysis of School Staff Perceptions of School Climate in California

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-11 - Social and Emotional Support in Schools: Student, Teacher, and Staff Perspectives

Abstract

Current research and historical trends demonstrate the importance of school climate. However, the majority of school climate research is based on student perspectives, and the subsequent absence of staff views is a critical gap in the conceptualization of school climate. This study is among the first to explore school climate perspectives from school staff in California. Differences are explored between 1) elementary, middle and high school staff; 2) different jobs within schools (teachers/administrators/counselors); and 3) years of experience. Results suggest that commonly used dimensions of school climate created mainly from a student perspective can be slightly modified to represent staff perspectives. Findings also show there are meaningful differences in different types of staff perceptions of climate.

Authors

• Gordon Capp, University of Southern California

• Ron Avi Astor, University of Southern California

• Tamika Gilreath, Texas A&M University - College Station