There is a growing body of research, including Alaskan data, that shows an association between positive school climate and connectedness and academic achievement and reduced risk behaviors. When students feel safe, connected and engaged in their schools, they are more successful and effective learners, and exhibit fewer risk behaviors.
School districts that are intentionally focusing on both academic and school climate issues are seeing success. Many of them are using AASB’s School Climate and Connectedness Survey (SCCS) to collect data that allows them to target specific aspects of climate and connectedness. Increases in climate and connectedness ratings over the last few years bode well for higher learning into the future. (see graph below)
Alaska now has five years of statewide data that show a significant improvement in student perceptions of overall climate and connectedness. Climate and connectedness ratings are associated with higher school-wide proficiency rates in reading, writing and math.
“Findings from Alaska’s School Climate and Connectedness Survey show correlations between student social emotional learning levels and improved academic achievement and reduced risk behaviors, reflecting findings from rigorous national research.”
- CASEL brief, 2010
The School Climate and Connectedness Survey is a tool to gauge and improve overall school climate and raise student achievement. The 2011 SCCS ran from late January through April 2011. Twenty-six districts participated including all 2006 and 2008 CDL laptop project districts and all QS2 districts. There were almost 22,500 valid student responses and 5,000 valid staff responses.