School Climate Improvement FAQs
Learn more about the survey that will gather important input from Kenilworth Public Schools families, students and staff members. The New Jersey School Climate Improvement (SCI) Survey was developed by the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education and is used by more than 175 school districts across the state.
What is school climate?
School climate describes how it feels to learn and teach in a school community. Members of a school community typically have varying perceptions of the school climate based on their unique backgrounds and experiences.
Why is school climate important?
Research shows that having a positive school climate promotes successful teaching and learning, enhances well-being for students and staff, and leads to better academic and developmental outcomes. A beneficial school climate also makes every member in the school community feel safe and valued.
Why are Kenilworth parents and caregivers, students and staff being asked about school climate?
We prioritize relationships with our school community through providing regular communication, resources and outreach events. The School Climate Improvement Survey is an extension of those efforts: We want to serve our community’s needs and ensure the best possible environment for Kenilworth students. The survey will produce data that helps us meet those goals.
How can parents and caregivers, students and staff offer their opinions?
The School Climate Improvement Survey will be posted on the district website and emailed to parents and caregivers. Faculty meeting time will be provided for staff to take the survey, and students can take the survey during class time. There is an opt-out form for parents who do not want their students to participate.
Topics will include academic and classroom practices, social and emotional learning support, behavioral expectations and more.
Are survey takers expected to share their names and personal information?
No, the School Climate Improvement Survey is anonymous.
What can a School Climate Improvement Survey tell us about our schools?
The survey measures the overall school environment. It offers insight into the strengths and needs of a district or school through the respondents’ collective perceptions. The survey gauges the school community’s views on safety, sense of connection, learning environment, social and emotional support, and more.
How is the climate survey different from other surveys?
The New Jersey School Climate Improvement Survey is based on extensive research that found it to be a reliable tool for identifying school strengths and needs. It’s part of a School Climate Platform with data analysis features to make the most of the school community’s feedback.
The survey, available in 33 languages, was specifically designed as part of a larger process to help schools and districts improve their school climate.
How will the data be used to impact Kenilworth schools?
The data from the survey will provide an ideal launching pad for Kenilworth Public Schools’ upcoming strategic planning process, a community-based initiative that develops district goals over a five-year period.
We also will review the information with an eye on opportunities to create a more positive and inclusive school environment.
How does the survey fit into a comprehensive School Climate Change Process?
The School Climate Change Process is based on a behavioral consultation model. The model provides steps for success and conditions that support the development of a comprehensive school climate improvement plan.
First, a school climate leadership team collects and analyzes data using tools such as the School Climate Improvement Survey. The team uses the information gathered to develop a strategic plan that will enhance the school climate for all members of the school community. Equity is prioritized throughout the entire School Climate Change Process.
Once schools begin implementing their plans, they evaluate, monitor and, if needed, modify their ideas based on new data collected. This process occurs over a few years, with research showing changes related to school climate typically take three to five years.
How can I learn more about the School Climate Transformation Project that generated the survey?
For more information about the School Climate Transformation Project, Survey, Platform and Change Process, visit https://njschoolclimate.org and https://gsapp.rutgers.edu/sctp.