School Climate and Culture

School climate refers to the overall quality and character of the school environment, encompassing the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of students, teachers, and staff. It includes a shared sense of safety, supportive relationships, effective teaching and learning practices, a physical environment that reflects all members of the community, and a positive social and emotional atmosphere within the school community.

School culture is the set of common values, beliefs, and traditions that influence how people in the school community act and interact with each other. It shapes the unwritten rules for how things are done and what behaviors are expected.

While school climate is more directly observable and experienced, school culture is the deeper, underlying force that influences and shapes the school climate. A positive school culture fosters a sense of identity, agency, and belonging, promotes academic achievement, and supports the well-being of all individuals involved in the educational process. It is an essential component of a healthy and effective learning environment, and its influence is reflected in the school's climate.

As described in New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, NYSED will continue to develop and build upon existing guidance and resources to reduce harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and to enhance efforts to build and maintain positive and healthy school climates. Efforts will be expanded to provide capacity-building guidance; strategies; best-practice resources; and professional development for school administrators, instructional staff, and non-instructional staff in the following areas to advance these initiatives.

Community Schools

A Community Schools strategy fosters a positive school climate by promoting strong partnerships between the school and surrounding community resources. By integrating services like health care, counseling, mentoring, and expanded learning opportunities directly into the school, it creates a centralized hub of comprehensive support for students and families. This holistic approach addresses barriers to learning and nurtures the whole child, leading to improved academic outcomes and stronger connections between the school and community. With partners collaborating to meet students' diverse needs, a Community Schools model cultivates a caring, inclusive environment where all students feel empowered to learn and thrive. The shared ownership instills a sense of community pride and investment in the school's success.

Dignity for All Students Act

The Dignity for All Students Act promotes a positive school climate by prohibiting discrimination and harassment against students based on factors such as race, color, weight, national origin, and disability. It requires training for staff and implementation of policies to foster civility and prevent discrimination, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Mental Health Education

Mental health education supports a positive school climate by providing students with knowledge and resources to better understand mental health, reduce stigma, and seek appropriate support when needed. This can lead to improved student engagement, behavior, and academic performance by promoting overall well-being. It also helps create a more supportive and understanding school community where mental health concerns are heard and responded to with dignity and grace.

Restorative Practices and Reducing Exclusionary Discipline

Restorative Practices help students and adults to build school community. When an incident occurs within that intentionally built community, restorative practices help students to understand the harm a behavior caused, what they could have done differently, offers opportunities to take accountability, and helps young people learn strategies and skills to use in the future.

Social Emotional Learning

Our Social Emotional Learning resources, including benchmarks and an implementation guide, support a positive school climate by nurturing the social and emotional skills young people and adults need to thrive in school and life. By developing these competencies, they are better equipped to navigate social situations, manage emotions, and build positive relationships, contributing to a supportive and nurturing school environment.

Trauma-Informed Schools

Trauma-informed school recognize the potential impact of trauma on students' learning, behavior, and overall well-being. By implementing trauma-informed practices, such as creating a safe and supportive environment, building strong relationships, and providing appropriate resources and interventions, these schools foster a positive climate that promotes healing, resilience, and academic success for students who have experienced adversity.

School Climate Survey Pilot

In the 2018-19 school year, NYSED worked with school and district administrators in approximately 100 school districts to implement a pilot of the U.S. Department of Education school climate surveys.