School climate research helps us understand how students, educators, staff, and families experience learning environments—and how those experiences influence student success and well-being. The National School Climate Center (NSCC) advances this research through evidence-based frameworks, measurement tools, and partnerships with schools, districts, and researchers.
The National School Climate Center (NSCC) conducts research to understand how students, educators, staff, and families experience their school environments — and how those experiences shape learning and development.
Our work is grounded in an established school climate framework, providing a rigorous and practical model to examine the relationships, conditions, and experiences that define school life.
For over three decades, this framework has guided schools and districts in measuring and improving school climate.
Through empirical research and direct collaboration with schools, NSCC generates evidence that helps schools:
NSCC developed a structured framework to define and measure school climate, giving schools, districts, and researchers a consistent, evidence-based model to assess institutional, relational, and experiential dimensions of learning environments.
In partnership with Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, NSCC’s research established social inclusion as a central measure of school climate, helping schools create more equitable and supportive environments for all students.
Decades of data collection across thousands of schools have created a robust foundation for studying how institutional conditions affect student and educator experiences, enabling informed research and school improvement.
NSCC provides tools and methods for schools and districts to analyze their own environments, making institutional conditions visible and supporting data-driven decisions that strengthen learning and well-being.
The National School Climate Center actively collaborates with schools, districts, academic institutions, and other non-profit organizations to bridge the gap between empirical research and transformative educational practice.
NSCC’s research agenda advances understanding of how school climate functions and how institutional conditions shape educational environments.
Current Areas of Investigation:
NSCC’s scholarly publications examine the structure of school climate and institutional conditions.
Access findings designed for educators, researchers, and educational policymakers.
Scientific research consistently demonstrates that a positive school climate is the most powerful predictor of psychological well-being and long-term academic success.
Partner with NSCC to advance research, share insights, and transform school environments for students, educators, and communities. Whether you’re a researcher, school, or district, your collaboration helps build the evidence base that drives meaningful change.
Samantha’s primary research topics span school climate, social inclusion, and school climate improvement. Prior to joining the National School Climate Center, Samantha worked as Assistant Teacher and Research Assistant at the Barnard Toddler Center. Her research interests include early childhood education, childhood trauma and protective factors, social-emotional education, and mental wellness in schools. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Barnard College and a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
