School Climate

A positive school climate can prevent violence.

The circumstances that lead to violence are complex and far ranging, often the culmination of months and years of individual experiences. School climate refers to the quality of school life. Developing students with strong character who are connected to their peers, educators, and communities in meaningful ways can improve school climate and prevent violence from occurring. Research suggests that a positive school climate can lead to a significant decrease in the likelihood of crime, aggression, and violent behavior.

Schools and districts should implement social, emotional, and behavioral support systems to create a climate that supports and responds to student behavior. School leaders can make character development a priority by supporting practices in the classroom and school, as well as collaborating with families and community organizations.

Strategies to Consider

Conduct a school climate survey and collect data. Analyze the data in order to identify the most appropriate measures and programs.
Identify measures and programs that are best suited for your school and implement them.
Consider expanding beyond school climate to incorporate social and emotional learning and provide students access to treatment programs or professionals.

Use the filter below to sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning about school climate. Use these resources to support and improve your school climate. Members of the school community can also download this SchoolSafety.gov issue brief to learn more about school climate strategies and access a sampling of resources.

Guidance

Guiding Principles for Creating Safe, Inclusive, Supportive, and Fair School Climates

Department of Education, 2023

This resource provides guidance on how to maintain safe, inclusive, supportive, and fair learning environments for students and school staff and includes specific recommendations for evidence-based practices to give students what they need to learn and grow. It identifies five guiding principles, suggests actions schools and school districts can take to create inclusive, safe, supportive, and fair learning environments, and lists federal resources to support these efforts.

Webpage

School Connectedness Helps Students Thrive

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage describes school connectedness, the benefits of school connectedness, and the ways schools can take action to promote school connectedness.

Training Program

Trauma-Sensitive Schools Training Package

Department of Education

This resource package offers school and district administrators and staff a framework and roadmap for adopting a trauma-sensitive approach school- or district wide. It includes a variety of resources for educating school staff about trauma and trauma-sensitive practices and for providing school leaders with a step-by-step process for implementing a universal, trauma-informed approach using package materials.

Tool

LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools: A Self-Assessment Tool

Department of Health and Human Services, October 2020

This self-assessment tool was created to assist school and district staff in addressing the health and academic needs of LGBTQ students, and to understand current policies, programs, and practices that may contribute to safe, inclusive environments where all youth can be successful.

Filter Resources

All School Climate Resources

The federal government identified additional resources that highlight strategies for school safety. Use these resources to learn more about school climate.

New

Report

Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends Report: 2011-2021

Department of Health and Human Services, 2023

This report provides surveillance data, as well as 10-year trends, on health behaviors and experiences among high school students in the United States related to adolescent health and well-being. These include sexual behaviors, substance use, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, experiences such as violence and poor mental health, social determinants of health such as unstable housing, and protective factors such as school connectedness and parental monitoring.

Fact Sheet

Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Well-Being and Success: Strategies for Schools to Enhance Relationships With Families

Department of Education, 2023

This fact sheet illustrates ways to improve communication and collaboration between schools and families to support students’ needs.

Fact Sheet

Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Well-Being and Success: Strategies for Educators and School-Based Staff

Department of Education, 2023

This fact sheet discusses actions educators and school-based staff can take to support and respond to students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs in classrooms or other instructional settings. It highlights several key evidence-based practices staff can implement to make immediate, impactful changes and provides supporting tools and resources.