Development and Validation of a Survey to Assess the Institutional Environment: The Missing Piece

• In Event: New Approaches to the Study of Learning Environments

Abstract

School climate is multidimensional and represented by four broad categories, one of which is the institutional environment. Most school climate surveys, however, do not assess institutional environment. This omission could create a knowledge gap concerning relationships between the physical environment and student outcomes. Therefore, this study developed and validated a survey to fill this gap. Developing the survey involved identifying key determinants that impact student outcomes. After development, an expert panel review and trials with students to establish content and face validity. Finally, a pilot study (N=717 students in three secondary schools) was used to support criterion validity. This survey could be valuable for researchers, and school and system leaders wishing to evaluate and improve the institutional environment in schools.

Authors

• Jill M. Aldridge, Curtin University

• Meghan Jill Blackstock, National School Improvement Partnerships