A connection between school climate and school success

The goal of this study from West Ed was to determine what makes successful schools different from other schools - in terms of whether or not a school is performing better than predicted given the characteristics of the students it serves. Using data from over 1,700 California public middle and high schools, 40 schools were identified that consistently performed better than predicted on standardized tests of math and English language arts achievement. These schools were labeled "beating-the-odds" (BTO) schools. 

Results of the study show that BTO schools had substantially more positive levels of school climate than other schools, as measured by the California Healthy Kids Survey, which examines such dimensions of the school environment as safety, academic supports, social relationships, and school connectedness. BTO schools had climate scores at the 82nd percentile, on average, whereas other schools were at the 49th percentile, on average. Differences in school climate were twice as large between BTO schools and 20 schools that were consistently performing worse than expected. According to West Ed's report, these differences were attenuated, but remained large and significant, even after adjusting for schools' student characteristics and personnel resources.

Johns Hopkins University

School of Education

Center for Research and Reform in Education

Research in Brief