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 infographic to learn more about school climate strategies and access a sampling of resources.

Tool

School Climate Improvement Resource Package

Department of Education, 2018

This resource package includes a variety of items to meet a range of needs among public schools and districts interested in improving school climate, including a reference manual, action guides, data resources, and online modules.

Guidance

Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources

Department of Education, April 2019

This guide provides general information about the concept of school climate improvement, suggestions for leading an effective school climate improvement effort, and additional resources for those interested in more information.

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

Podcast

The Science of School Safety

Department of Justice, 2022

This podcast episode discusses bullying, school climate, mental health, and other important school safety issues. The episode also covers the National Institute of Justice's research portfolio on school safety.

New

Guidance

Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Schools Toolkit

Department of Justice, 2021

This toolkit outlines a framework for implementing trauma-informed, resilience-oriented approaches in any school or school district. It utilizes tools, videos, professional development slide decks, and concise instruction to explain the concepts of trauma and toxic stress; offers individual and school-wide strategies for addressing trauma and fostering resilience for students, staff, and families; and offers strategies to assess the impact of these adaptations throughout the school community.

Guidance

Stronger Connections Grant Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Department of Education, 2022

This downloadable frequently asked questions document is designed to assist state and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) in guiding effective use of Stronger Connections funds to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments and to respond to inquiries the Department of Education has received from SEAs, LEAs, and students and families, about program implementation. The Stronger Connections Grant Program competitively awards subgrants to high-need LEAs to establish safer and healthier learning environments, and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact school communities at individual and systemic levels, among other programs and activities.