School Security Measures as Predictors of School Climate: A Conditional Latent Class Analysis

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Abstract

School security measures have become an increasingly popular way of combatting in-school victimization and other problematic behaviors. However, there has been little research on the relationship between school security measures and school climate, which is associated with fewer problem behaviors in schools and better academic outcomes. This study explores the relationships between school security measures, student perceptions of school climate, and academic achievement. We used nationally representative data from 12-18 year old students (N = 6,547) to model a conditional latent class analysis where three school security measures (security guards, metal detectors, and security cameras) predicted latent classes of perceived school climate organized along the following dimensions: school culture, victimization, school administration/management, and school milieu. In turn, these latent classes were used to predict self-reported student achievement. A model with six latent classes of school climate fit the data best. The presence of school security measures tended to be associated with a more negative school culture and negative school administration/management, but a more positive milieu. Additionally, there was evidence of a significant association between better school climate and higher academic achievement, particularly around aspects of school culture, victimization, and school administration/management. Research and policy implications are considered.

Author

• Benjamin Fisher, Vanderbilt University