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.

Webpage

Toolkit for Schools: Engaging Parents to Support Student Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Department of Health and Human Services, 2021

This toolkit is designed to help education leaders and schools raise parent awareness about school connectedness and its role in supporting student mental health and emotional well-being, and why family engagement both in and out of school is important. It includes background information, sample social media posts, social media graphics, and newsletter text.

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Whole Child Toolkit

This toolkit provides a centralized location of basic information and resources to support efforts of educating the whole child. Educating the whole child means to acknowledge and address non-academic factors that impact academic outcomes while expanding learning opportunities.

Fact Sheet

Building Peer-to-Peer Engagements

Department of Homeland Security, 2020

This briefing paper describes how peer-to-peer engagements can help communities build resilience against violence and terrorism and provide critical protective factors for youth.