Role of School Climate in School-Based Violence Among Homeless and Nonhomeless Students: Individual- and School-Level Analysis

• In Event: 64.079 - Racial, Ethnic, and Class Dimensions of School Climate

Abstract

This study examines the role of school-climate with relation to school-violence for homeless and nonhomeless students. Two samples from a California statewide dataset, were used: an individual-level sample of high school students (n= 389,569), and a school-level sample (n=811). Bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to examine the relationship between school-climate and school-based discriminatory bullying, behavioral victimization and weapon involvement for homeless students (including multiple subgroups) and their nonhomeless peers. At the student level, supportive school climate was significantly negatively associated with all outcomes. At the school level all models were significant and positive school-climate was associated with decreased school violence. The results highlight that positive school-climate serves as a protective factor for all students and particularly for homeless students.

Authors

• Hadass Moore, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Ron Avi Astor, University of Southern California

• Rami Benbenishty, Hebrew University