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.

Report

Relationships First: Creating Connections that Help Young People Thrive

Third Party, 2017

This report highlights the importance of healthy, supportive relationships to positive youth outcomes. It articulates the Developmental Relationships Framework and includes sections on why developmental relationships matter; how developmental relationships grow; activating relationships in organizations; and ideas for deepening one-on-one relationships (for parents, teachers, and youth workers).

Report

Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth

Department of Health and Human Services, 2023

This report provides behavioral health professionals, researchers, policymakers and other audiences with a comprehensive research overview and accurate information about effective and ineffective therapeutic practices related to youth of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity.

Fact Sheet

Social Emotional Learning at a Glance

Department of Justice, 2023

This resource provides an overview of social emotional learning and outlines facts, common misunderstandings, and benefits of the approach.