School climate is an imprecise but useful metaphor. The authors of this piece believe it is time to expand the term to reflect an intention of giving all children access to positive school environments. Their expanded definition recognizes that equitable school climates are central to education equity, and it calls on educators and policymakers to deepen awareness of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic differences


Creating Equitable School Climates



Related Content



Also In this Issue

Teacher and boy talking. Image credit: iStock

Why School Climate Matters and What Can Be Done to Improve It

By Linda Darling-Hammond and Jennifer DePaoli

Educators’ abilities to forge strong relationships with students lie at the heart of strong schools.





School Climate and Measurement

By David Osher, Sam Neiman and Sandra Williamson

All schools should be using climate data, which can be used statewide for accountability, too.





African-American teacher reading to school children. Image credit: iStock

Why School Climate Matters for Teachers and Students

By Matthew Kraft and Grace Falken

Teachers in strong climates get better faster, stay longer, and propel their students to greater heights.





Unhappy teen boy in office. Image credit: iStock

School Discipline Reform Is Still Needed, but Is Discipline Policy Still the Solution?

By Kristen Harper

Addressing disparities requires a broader, deeper look at school culture, process, and practice.






Measures of SEL and School Climate in California

By Taylor Allbright and Heather Hough

CORE Districts plumb the possibilities of using holistic measures to improve schools.





Aerial view of crowd connected by vectors. Image credit: iStock

Creating Equitable School Climates

By Randy Ross, Philip Brown and Kori Hamilton Biagas

How states and districts are weaving equity into their efforts to improve climate.





Removing Barriers to LGBTQ Student Safety and Achievement

By Aaron Ridings

Comprehensive protections from bullying and harassment help everyone.





African American father and adorable son building constructor tower. Image credit: iStock

What Learning and Developmental Science Says about Optimal Learning Environments

By Pamela Cantor MD and Nora Gomperts

We know what leads children toward healthy development. We just need to build it.








Featured Items

i

NASBE Series Highlights State Innovation to Transform High Schools in Washington, Kentucky, and Indiana

The Washington, Kentucky, and Indiana state boards of education are advancing bold policies to create more personalized, flexible, and future-ready high school experiences.
Credit: iStock i

Supporting Principals in the Science of Reading

State boards of education can deepen the impact of their literacy initiatives by ensuring that principals are equipped to implement schoolwide instructional changes.
Portrait of cute little girl walk on a rope bridge in an adventure rope park. i

Transitions

State policymakers have a role in ensuring that schools work together to prepare students to transition well.

Upcoming Events

From the States