CONNECTICUT SCHOOL CLIMATE POLICY 5131.911
Policy Statement
All schools must support and promote teaching and learning environments where all students thrive academically and socially, have a strong and meaningful voice, and are prepared for lifelong success.
Implementation of the following set of guiding principles and systemic strategies will promote a positive school climate, which is essential to achieving these goals.
This policy sets forth the framework for an effective and informed school climate improvement process, which includes a continuous cycle of( i) planning and preparation,( ii) evaluation,( iii) action planning, and( iv) implementation, and serves to actualize the Connecticut School Climate Standards, as detailed herein.
The Board recognizes that improving school climate is contextual. Each school needs to consider its history, strengths, needs, and goals. Furthermore, this policy will support and promote the development of restorative action plans that will create and sustain safe and equitable learning environments.
The Enfield Board of Education adopts this policy.
Definitions
1. " School climate " means the quality and character of the school life, with a particular focus on the quality of the relationships within the school community, and which is based on patterns of people ' s experiences of school life and that reflects the norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching, learning, leadership practices and organizational structures within the school community.
2. " Positive Sustained School Climate " is the foundation for learning and positive youth development and includes:
a. Norms, values, and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally, culturally, racially, intellectually, and physically safe.
b. People who treat one another with dignity and are engaged, respected and solve problems restoratively.
c. A school community that works collaboratively together to develop, live, and contribute to a shared school vision.
d. Adults who model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits and satisfaction gained from learning; and
e. A school community that contributes to the operations of the school and the care of the physical environment.
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