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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.

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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.

Webpage
Mental Health
Creating Trauma-Informed Schools

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage features tools and materials to help educators, school staff, and administrators understand and respond to the specific needs of traumatized children in a school setting.

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.

Webpage
School Climate
Creating Safe Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth

Department of Health and Human Services

This brief provides key learning objectives that schools and school districts can incorporate in their professional development offerings to help teachers and other school staff build core competencies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth in schools.

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