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School Climate 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

  1. Conduct a school climate survey and collect data. Analyze the data in order to identify the most appropriate measures and programs.
  2. Identify measures and programs that are best suited for your school and implement them.
  3. 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 infographic to learn more about school climate strategies and access a sampling of resources.

Guidance
School Climate
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 Climate
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
Mental Health
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
School Climate
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
Mental Health
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.
Guidance
Mental Health
Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities

Third Party, 2023

The guide provides detailed and actionable recommendations for families, communities, technical assistance providers, and professionals who work with and support LGBTQIA2S+ youth. It considers current events and legislation that impact these youth, the long-standing and current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other realities that these youth face daily.
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