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.