“They Make Me Feel Like a Human Being”: Student Perspectives on Overlapping School Climate Factors

• In Event: School Climate, Student Well-Being, and Engagement

Abstract

This study aims to understand how students answer survey questions related to school climate and instructional environment on an annual survey conducted by a large urban school district in the Northeast. During July 2022, 70 students from 42 different middle and high schools participated in cognitive-interview style focus groups. Findings reveal nuances and interconnectedness between student perceptions of safety and security procedures, discipline practices, staffing for security and school climate, facilities issues, and students’ relationships with school staff. Findings have important practical implications for better understanding what the survey can tell us about how to improve the survey topics and coordinate across departments to improve students’ in-school experiences in equitable ways.

Authors

• Erin McCrossan, The School District of Philadelphia

• Helena Pylvainen, The School District of Philadelphia

• Hannah Barton, School District of Philadelphia