School Climate: Measuring, Improving and Sustaining Healthy Learning Environments

Like a strong foundation in a house, the climate of a school is the foundation that supports the structures of teaching and learning. This book provides a framework for educators to look at school and classroom climates using both informal and formal measures. Each chapter focuses on a unique aspect of climate in schools and classrooms and includes instruments that may be used in self-assessment or outside assessments by heads of schools or teachers to judge the health of their learning environment. Combining theory and practice, this collection of well-known and respected contributors share their perspectives on climate. Through case studies, they demonstrate how to measure, improve and sustain healthy learning environments through a number of key educational issues, including: assessment and feedback, classroom profiles, organizational health profiles, teacher professionalism, the participation of parents and community in the learning environment, and the impact of the principal.