What will we do to guide all learners if they don't know it, know it already or need other supports?
The environment in which students learn and the support they are offered to meet their individual needs is just as important as solid curriculum, instruction, and systems of continuous improvement and assessment. Students need to know they are safe and their needs will be met, no matter what those needs are.
Key Core Work Process for Establishing Learning Environment and Culture
Mission
The mission of the Learning Environment and Culture key core work
process is to assist schools with creating safe, inviting and engaging learning
environments through the implementation of a continuum of school-wide,
evidence-based practices that are matched to each student’s individual needs.
Through environments that foster effective instruction, sound interventions,
and data-based decision making, achievement gaps can be closed by reducing the rate of students performing below proficiency - resulting in improved outcomes for all students. Reference Addressing School Climate: 5 Ways Schools Can Positively and Proactively Support All Students found on the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) website.
What is school climate?
“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 interactions, teaching and learning practices and organizational structures.” -National School Climate Center (NSCC)
Why is school climate important?
A positive school climate is associated with:
Academic Achievement
Student Engagement
Positive Social Skills
Does my school have a positive school climate? How do I know?
The National School Climate Council and NSCC suggest there are four major areas that any school climate assessment should include:
Safety
Relationships
Teaching and Learning
External Environment
Which cycle represents my school climate?
Consider the Coercive Cycle and the Positive Reinforcement Cycle from the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports website and decide which cycle best represents your current school climate.
How do I improve my school climate?
In order for students to be academically successful, school must start with a school climate that is safe, inviting, and engaging for students and staff. The 30-60-90 Day Plan listed under related resources is designed to help schools begin the process of improving the school climate. Additional resources are available to assist schools throughout the process.