SCHOOL CLIMATE AND SCHOOL CULTURE School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students’, parents’, and school personnel’s experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures. All of these perceptions combine to help form the school culture. Attitudes and beliefs of the staff, students, parents and community are among the main elements of a positive culture. In study after study, not to mention our own personal experiences, we learn that positive relationships form the foundation for a classroom where ALL students can learn. Students and adults are able to be at their best in a setting where they are cared for, respected and appreciated. Positive relationships create an optimal learning environment, which gives your school the best possible chance for success in improving
student achievement. In Affirming Diversity, Sonia Nieto talks about “What Matters Most to Students?” The most important characteristic students look for in educators is CARING, as evidenced by: 1) The time they take in teaching their students; 2) Their patience; 3) How well they prepare their classes; 4) How they go about making classes interesting; 5) The time they take to listen to students and answer their questions 6) The time they take for extra-curricular activities; 7) Their attention to, calling on and valuing students’ language and cultural knowledge and 8) The demonstration of knowledge, willingness to learn about and comfort with other cultures. Kentucky has instituted several means to measure the school climate and culture. From a students’ Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to the TELL Kentucky survey to the upcoming student survey which will add their voice, multiple measures are being used to strengthen school culture.
Resources:
• http://www.schoolclimate.org/climate/ • https://www.kycss.org/index2.php • http://www.schoolculture.net/ Kentucky Education Association Guide to Effective Teaching
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