School Climate

Purpose of Indicator

The School Climate indicator gives insight into teacher and student perceptions of a school’s environment. 

What This Means

This indicator is worth 10 points for elementary and middle schools, and 5 points for high schools. A high rating point indicates that teachers and students have favorable perceptions of their school environment which includes instructional focus and working conditions, safety, and the social-physical environment. Each of these factors impact positive student outcomes. 

What makes up the indicator that leads to a Rating

The School Climate indicator is made up of three teacher perception factors (instructional focus, working conditions, and safety) and two student perception factors (safety and the social-physical environment). These factors are captured by surveys given to teachers and students. All 3rd to 12th grade students can complete a survey, though survey responses from 12th graders are not included in the indicator rating. (12th grade responses are provided to school and district leaders).  

What information is measured in the indicator, but not used to calculate overall ratings ? 

For Elementary and Middle Schools: 

student retention rates 

rate of chronic absenteeism 

Principal’s/Superintendent’s/Director’s years at school/district 

percentage of students served in a gifted and talented program 

For High Schools: 

rate of chronic absenteeism in a school 

Percent of students served by gifted and talented program 

Principal’s/Superintendent’s/Director’s years at school/district