The quality of a school’s teaching staff is greater than the sum of its parts. School environments can enable teachers to perform to their fullest potential or undercut their efforts to do so.


Why School Climate Matters for Teachers and Students



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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.








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