School Climate and Wellbeing
Response from the Survey
Taking into account previous surveys across a selection of schools, we have noticed that there is generally a binomial response to this question. We have schools where on average percentage positive response is in the 70s and another set of schools with an average in the 90s. It is usually the case that if the school screens more than one year group, the average percentage is consistent with the previous years within the school suggesting an overall school culture influencing the students sense of safety.
For a response, it is worth looking at the other aggregate responses such as those around bullying and discrimination to see whether there are any other flags that might suggest to be drivers for this overarching indicator.
Please note that in May 2023, we will be hosting a webinar on this topic. Please see the event page for registration details.
Evidence Base on School Climate and Student Wellbeing
There is a growing body of evidence to support the idea that school climate and student well-being are strongly linked to academic outcomes.
For example, a 2018 study published in the Journal of School Health found that positive school climate was associated with improved academic achievement, as well as better mental health and fewer behavioural problems among students. The study also found that students who felt safe and supported at school were more likely to be engaged in their learning and have higher levels of academic motivation.
Another study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who perceived their school as safe and supportive were more likely to report positive academic outcomes, including higher grades and standardized test scores, compared to students who did not feel safe at school.
Similarly, a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that students who experience chronic stress, trauma, or other adverse experiences are more likely to have poor academic outcomes and be at higher risk for mental health issues.
Taken together, these studies suggest that a positive school climate and a focus on student well-being can have a significant impact on academic outcomes. Therefore, screening questions that assess student perceptions of school safety and support can provide important information for schools to evaluate and improve their efforts to support student well-being and academic success.
References:
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Bradshaw, C. P., Waasdorp, T. E., & Leaf, P. J. (2018). Examining variation in the impact of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports: Findings from a randomized controlled effectiveness trial. Journal of School Health, 88(9), 677-685. doi: 10.1111/josh.12662
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Li, Y., & Lerner, R. M. (2013). Interrelations of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive school engagement in high school students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 861-878. doi: 10.1037/a0032006
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Youth: A National Agenda. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25201
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