Educational Leaders' Perceptions of School Climate Data

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: New Directions in School Climate Measurement

Abstract

Given the national interest in school climate as an accountability measure, it is important to understand how school administrators perceive and use school climate data. Using a convergent mixed methods design, this study examined how administrators use school climate reports from a statewide survey of students and staff. Data sources included a survey of high school principals (n=283) and semi-structured interviews with district and school level administrators (n=10). Most respondents found survey content and reports to be informative and useful. Recommendations included disaggregating data by student demographics, supporting data interpretation, and flagging areas for school improvement. These results can help improve administrator use of school climate data to guide school improvement efforts.

Authors

• Jennifer L. Maeng, University of Virginia

• Katrina Debnam, John Hopkins University

• Kelly D Edwards, University of Virginia

• Dewey G. Cornell, University of Virginia