The School Climate Domain Assessment Tool is designed to evaluate the breadth and depth of schoolwide initiatives aimed at improving school climate. This comprehensive tool provides guidance for educators and school leaders who are looking for resources to foster a nurturing and productive school atmosphere. It explores the critical aspects of school climate, a multifaceted concept that encompasses the quality of relationships, the effectiveness of teaching and learning practices, and the efficiency of organizational structures. This tool is more than just an assessment instrument; it is a roadmap that helps schools identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth and aims to help schools in their pursuits to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive in a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
California Center for School Climate
Supporting School Climate Efforts: How California Districts Are Using School Climate Survey Results
This document discusses how California districts are utilizing school climate survey results to support their efforts in improving educational environments. It highlights the importance of data collection and analysis, as well as various approaches taken by districts in reviewing and interpreting the survey data. The document also emphasizes the need for collaboration among district staff, school administrators, students, and parents to develop action plans based on the survey findings. Overall, the resource aims to support continuous improvement efforts in schools and districts by using data-informed strategies.
Summary of CCSC Activities
The California Center for School Climate (CCSC) was a California Department of Education Initiative led by WestEd that provided free support and trainings on school climate and data use to local education agencies (LEAs) in California. This summary provides an overview of the CCSC’s major activities and accomplishments across its three years of operation, between July 2021 and June 2024.
California Center for School Climate Youth Public Service Announcements on Student Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Members of the CCSC Youth Advisory Team create public service announcements to share information about student mental health and substance abuse. Click on the videos below to learn about youth perspectives on these important topics. Transcripts for the videos are available.
Mental Health
Aayushi Khatri – What Everyone Should Know About Student Mental Health
Aayushi Khatri shares about the prevalence of mental health challenges among young people and encourages adults to consider how to provide easily accessible mental health resources to students.
Alexa Southall – What Everyone Should Know About Student Mental Health
Alexa Southall encourages a collective approach to supporting mental health, which includes talking openly and reaching out to others who may be struggling.
Aisha Bilgrammi – What Everyone Should Know About Student Mental Health
Aisha Bilgrammi shares her ideas on how schools can create environments where students can access mental health resources and have their emotional wellbeing supported.
Substance Abuse
Colin Do – What Everyone Should Know About Substance Abuse
Colin Do discusses underlying issues that may lead to substance abuse among young people and encourages those who are struggling to seek professional help.
Grounding Community Schooling in a Love Ethic (Oakland Unified School District)
As a part of Oakland Unified School District’s efforts to implement full-service community schools, the District launched an Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) to create structures, programs, and practices that support success for all African American male students in OUSD. In this audiocast, you’ll hear about how AAMA’s King Care program aims to empower “kings” and their families by focusing on academics, literacy, and transformative social–emotional learning.
View the transcript
Download the brief
Participants:
- Jerome Gourdine, Director of Targeted Strategies, OUSD
- Tiago Robinson, Program Manager, AAMA
- Omoaghe Kevin Akhidenor, Teacher, AAMA
- Jamal Muhammad, Program Manager / Student Leadership Advisor, AAMA
Creating Empowering, Peer-led Spaces on Campus (Humboldt Independent Practice Association)
In Humboldt County, the Humboldt Independent Practice Association partnered with 10 school sites to establish school-based wellness centers. Following widespread social isolation due to COVID-19 lockdowns, Humboldt IPA created youth Empowerment Groups, recognizing the role that belonging plays in student wellness. In this audiocast, you’ll hear about the peer mentorship model these groups are based on.
View the transcript
Download the brief
Participants:
- Vanessa Vrtiak, School Based Wellness Center Program Director, Humboldt Independent Practice Association
- Sky, Peer Educator, Sunny Brae Middle School
- Charlotte, Peer Educator, Arcata High School
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