The Facts
Studies show that a positive school culture and climate can have a profound impact on student achievement. We also believe that it can have a profound impact on student and teacher happiness, which leads to students waking up each day saying “I get to go to school today” & teachers waking up each day saying “I get to go to work today”!
Here is some great research for you to take a look at:
- A positive school environment, often called school climate, is characterized by caring and supportive interpersonal relationships; opportunities to participate in school activities and decision-making; and shared positive norms, goals and values. Wilson D. The interface of school climate and school connectedness and relationships with aggression and victimization. Journal of School Health 2004.
- Research has demonstrated a strong relationship between school connectedness and educational outcomes, including school attendance; staying in school longer; and higher grades and classroom test scores. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Connectedness: Strategies for Increasing Protective Factors Among Youth. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2009.
- School connectedness was found to be the strongest protective factor for both boys and girls to decrease substance use, school absenteeism, early sexual initiation, violence and risk of unintentional injury (e.g., drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts.) Resnick MD, Bearman PS, Blum RW, et al. Protecting adolescents from harm, Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA 1997.
Have a Resource we could use? WE want to hear from you!
Please use the form below to submit any resources you find that helps other positive school leaders and educators know that they are on the right track. Working together we can transform education in this country to a system based on positivity and rewards.