Climate is a necessary though not sufficient contributor to productive, robust learning environments. When done reliably and efficiently, measuring school climate can help improve schools’ vital signs and help state boards of education realize their goals and objectives for the system as a whole. Moreover, because it is as consequential to schools as checking heart rates and blood pressure are to humans, schools should always use climate measures for planning and continuous improvement. School climate data can be used appropriately as a metric for statewide accountability as well.
School Climate and Measurement
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