Research outlines six major categories or constructs of school climate:

• Safety
• Teaching and Learning
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Institutional Environment
• Leadership Efficacy

Under these categories are 14 dimensions that contribute to the school community’s overall perception of school climate: Rules and Norms, Sense of Physical Security, Sense of Social-Emotional Security, Support for Learning, Social and Civic Learning, Respect for Diversity, Social Support- Adults, Social Support- Students, School Connectedness/Engagement, Physical Surroundings, Social Inclusion, Administration and Leadership, and Collective Efficacy.

NSCC’s assessment tool, the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI), is a valid and reliable evaluation tool developed in 2002 to measure how critical groups of students, school personnel, and parents/families perceive the school’s climate for learning. The CSCI provides a detailed profile of strengths and areas of challenge to develop clear and measurable strategies for action. Learn more about the CSCI features and benefits here.