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.

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.

Webinar

Violence Prevention: School-Based Approaches to Conduct Problems

Department of Education, 2011

This webinar provides detailed guidance for the management and design of an education system’s violence prevention strategy. It features specific, practical strategies for implementing and sustaining school violence prevention efforts and includes information on the impact of positive school climate and relational strength on student violence.

Case Study

Integrated Student Supports

Department of Education, 2020

This blog post explains how schools can implement Integrated Student Supports, an educational approach that works to improve students’ academic outcomes by systematically supporting their academic and non-academic needs.