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https://extension.psu.edu/what-makes-the-good-community

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What is it about your community that makes current and future residents and businesses want to locate, live, work and/or play there? Evidence suggests that businesses and residents place considerable importance on community characteristics that go far beyond simply a vibrant economy. Importantly for many communities, a strong social and aesthetic foundation is critically important to building a healthy and sustainable economy - and not necessarily the other way around.

While everyone is likely to answer the questions above a bit differently, research over the years suggests a number of commonalities in our preferences that are worth considering in our efforts to build strong and vibrant communities. Looking at your community through the lens of these considerations may well suggest strategies for strengthening your community's social, economic, and environmental well-being - and long-term success.

While there's a good bit of social science research that addresses one or more aspects of what we're looking for in the 'good community', two studies are particularly relevant.

Perhaps best known, David McMillan and David Chavis (1986), in their analysis of previous studies found that four factors consistently show up as community attributes we all look for in a good community.

Membership - that feeling that part of us is invested in the community, that we have a right to belong and feel welcome

Influence - that sense that we have some say in the community issues that affect us and that our perspectives are appreciated and respected

Integration and fulfillment of needs - based on the notion that the community has numerous opportunities for both individual and social fulfillment including basic needs, recreation, and social interaction. Some scholars have referred to this as the meeting the needs of 'whole person' in all our roles, (e.g. goods, services, recreation, desirable social interaction activities etc.)

Shared emotional connection - based in part of shared history or sense of community and quality of interactions within the community

The second study comes from the Soul of the Community Project conducted in 26 communities across the nation by the Knight Foundation and Gallup (2010). The focus of this work was to look at those factors that facilitate "community attachment". In addition to highlighting individual factors, they found that those communities with the highest levels of community attachment also had the highest rates of growth in local gross domestic product.

The 10 community characteristics that most influenced community attachment (in order of importance) were: social offerings, openness, aesthetics, education, and basic services. While there were some differences in the relative strength of each of these factors across the 26 communities, these 5 factors consistently had the strongest influence on feelings of attachment. Other important, but somewhat less influential factors included leadership, economy, safety, social capital, and civic involvement.

Taken together, this and other research provides strong evidence for communities to pay close - and specific - attention to the social as well as economic conditions in their communities. While these are often related, the evidence suggests that businesses and residents are clearly looking for community characteristics that go far beyond simply a vibrant economy. Perhaps even more importantly, it seems clear that a strong social and aesthetic foundation is critically important to building a healthy and sustainable economy - and not necessarily the other way around. How would you assess your community on each of these characteristics? And what strategies can you put in place to begin strengthening this foundation?

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What is it about your community that makes current and future residents and businesses want to locate, live, work and/or play there? Evidence suggests that businesses and residents place considerable importance on community characteristics that go far beyond simply a vibrant economy.

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https://optimistminds.com/good-community/

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As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided

This blog presents a descriptive note on a good community. This blog mentions what a good community and why is it important to live in a good community.

Here you will be told about the ways in which you can make your community a good and better place to live.

So let's not delay more and find out what is actually a good community.

What is a Good Community?

A good community is defined as a group of people living together safely, confidently, successfully, and happily.

Each member in a good community treated equally. No crimes occur in a good community and the rate of poverty is also almost negligible.

The people living in a good community have a good quality of life and their rights and values are always respected.

The Importance of Positive Communities

Positive communities hold great importance. Positive and motivating community effects and individuals overall well being, awareness about self and entire performance.

Positive communities give opportunities to individuals for having positive experiences with people, feel safe, and connected with each other as well as the environment.

Feeling connected also helps individuals gain support for the sympathy of people when they are in need of it.

It also helps people in combating physical or psychological illnesses with bravery.

Positive communities allow individuals to express their true selves without the fear of being judged. It creates a self of belongingness in people.

As a result of this people feel free to express their ideas or opinions which help them in understanding each other's perspectives more closely.

Positive communities also support self-reflection and help individuals identify their values and beliefs.

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10 Traits of Positive Communities

The 10 major traits found in positive communities include working towards a common goal, allowing freedom of expression, promotion of fairness and eliminating any kind of racism or discrimination, the setting of clear rules and obligations, maintaining empathy among community members, celebrating the success of community together, encouraging interaction between community members, selecting the leaders that support the values of community, maintaining effective communication and making smart decisions that result and progress of the community.

Four Attributes of a Good Community

David McMillan and David Chavis perform several studies and found out that there four factors that positively influence the community.

These four factors are known to be the determinants of a good community.

The four attributes of a good community according to David McMillan and David Chavis are:

Membership - it is the feeling of being connected to the community and welcomed in the community for we have contributed to the community.

Influence - it is the feeling that we have a right to speak on the community issues that affect us and our opinions are heard, valued, and respected.

Integration and fulfillment of needs - it is the sense of need fulfillment. It is the responsibility of the community to fulfill the needs of the community members such as the basic needs of food and water, services, social interaction activities, and so forth.

Shared emotional connection - the feeling of being connected to each other in the community emotionally, socially, and so forth.

Recommended Books

The following is a list of some books that can help you learn more about good communities.

These books are a helpful source of finding out how you can contribute to forming a good community.

To find out more about a good community in these books, you can access them by either searching them on the internet or by simply clicking them to get redirected to the page from where you can read these books.

What we recommend for Relationship issues

If you are suffering from relationship issues then ongoing professional relationship counselling could be what you need. Relationship Counselling can be done individually or with one or more partners.

Relationship counselling helps you regain the amazing elements of your relationship and provides you with the techniques needed to avoid conflicts, misunderstandings and the most common issues most relationships struggle with.
What is a good community?
A good community is defined as a group of people living together safely, confidently, successfully, and happily.

Each member in a good community treated equally. No crimes occur in a good community and the rate of poverty is also almost negligible.

The people living in a good community have a good quality of life and their rights and values are always respected.
What makes a successful community?
A successful community is formed when the community members are encouraged to express their true selves, given opportunities for self-discovery, feel connected to each other, feel free to express their ideas, opinions, values, and perspectives, and so on.
Why is a good community important?
A good community is very important because it supports the community members, give them opportunities to interact and communicate effectively with each other, share opinions or experiences, and feel empathetic for each other.

Good communities provide opportunities to community members to build up healthy, positive relationships with each other to develop a sense of belongingness etcetera.
How can you describe a healthy community?
A healthy community is defined as the community in which each member of the community is provided equal chances for accessing quality education, secure and healthy homes, good employment, transportation, social interaction activities, and nutrition in addition to good health care.
What is the ideal community?
An ideal community is the one in which the members of the community don't have to face discrimination on the basis of their color, race, sex, or caste. It is the one in which everyone is accepted along with their opinions, beleifs, and values.

It is the one in which community members are provided with all basic necessities of life and each one of them can access the houses of worship, education, and recreational activities.
What are the 10 characteristics of a healthy community?
The ten characteristics of a healthy community include the absence of crimes, availability of adequate security to ensure the protection of the people, availability of basic necessities of life and services for people, presence of love and unity among people, absence of any kind of discrimination, fear of God, access to health as well as affordable food, presence of educational facilities, emergency services, and employment opportunity.

This blog aimed to give you details about a good community.

This blog explained what a good community looks like and why is it so important to have a good community.

This blog mentions the traits and attributes of a good community.

Various books are also recommended to you for finding out more about a good community.

If you have any queries or questions regarding this blog, let us know through your comments. We will be glad to assist you.

References

10 Traits that Make a Good Community by Stephanie Caldow (2019)

What Makes the 'Good Community'?

Google books

Unsplash images

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Good Community (Why Its Relevant) | OptimistMinds

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As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided This blog presents a descriptive note on a good community. This blog mentions what a good community and why is it important to live in a good community.

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https://davidauercpa.org/the-top-qualities-of-positive-communities/

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David Auer CPA | Community Engagement - David Auer CPA's community engagement website

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Many of the most positive living communities in the world have certain traits in common. Learning how to adopt these traits can help other communities around the globe become more positive with happier citizens. Here are some of the top qualities of positive neighborhoods.
A Prioritization of Safety
Communities that make a commitment to keeping their neighborhoods safe for all residents and visitors can bolster more positive effects. Neighborhood watch groups where citizens look out for one another and report suspicious activities are commonplace in many of the most positive communities. These residential areas are also known for their reliable police and fire departments.
Elections of Leaders Who Share Community Values
The elected officials of a community can make or break morale among the residents. Communities that are considered to be positive have reputations for electing officials who share common values with the citizens and are committed to making the locality a better place to live for everyone. The shared values of these officials should influence their decisions in making important decisions for the community. These leaders also believe in promoting fairness and justice among the citizens.
Promote Social Interactions
People who live in neighborhoods where social interaction is highly encouraged tend to build stronger communities. These social interactions may take place at annual festivals or townhall meetings. Communities that offer people many opportunities to volunteer to make the local area a better place can also foster good social interactions among its residents.
Fulfillment of Needs
The needs of the people tend to be fulfilled faster in positive communities. These needs often extend to the education and recreation sectors that sometimes require fundraising efforts or funds from city, state or local government. Positive communities are also known for fulfilling the needs that pertain to the " whole person " instead of just a few select areas.
Rooted in Heritage
People can gain a greater appreciation of history and local pride by living in a community that promotes its strong heritage. Historical societies in the most positive communities provide educational tools for people to learn more about how past citizens worked to make the area a better place to live. These communities are also known for hosting lively events that promote the local heritage.

Communities that work to build more positive settings for everyone have managed to earn solid reputations for their success. Other communities can try learning these traits to improve their conditions for all people.

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The Top Qualities of Positive Communities - David Auer CPA | Community Engagement

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Many of the most positive living communities in the world have certain traits in common. Learning how to adopt these traits can help other communities around the globe become more positive with happier citizens. Here are some of the top qualities of positive neighborhoods.

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https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-work-climate.htm#:~:text=A%20work%20climate%20is%20the,the%20work%20environment%20is%20poor.

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A work climate is the workplace environment. Business climates affect how well company goals are being met because maximum efficiency, production and employee motivation are impossible when the work environment is poor. Effective workplace climates ensure that employees are clear about their purpose in the larger realm of the company and know exactly what is expected of them. In this way, companies can better function as a whole to meet their goals.

In a poor work climate such as one of ineffective communication and unfocused supervision, the productive goals can become unclear. Employees may lack interest or motivation which is likely to decrease productivity even further. Even if employees are still productive, it may be wasted if they are working on tasks that don't fit into crucial company goals. In this way, a good climate is one that is supported and enhanced by effective management.

Business climates that work with employees to set and achieve clear goals can be very successful. This is one reason why performance management is so important in many companies today. Regular performance reviews can help motivate employees to keep improving as well as remind them exactly what tasks are expected of them within the work climate. Incentives such as raises, promotions and bonuses for jobs well done further motivate employees to continue their best efforts in the workplace.

Just as weather climates affect people who live in them, the same can be said about a work climate. Healthy, communicative work environments support an efficient work force that is ready to commit daily to its assigned tasks to keep the company running profitably. A poor work environment, on the other hand, doesn't support a strong, motivated team environment.

Ultimately, positive work climates can drastically reduce employee turnover rates by retaining more employees. Healthy, happy employees are likely to stay in a company longer. High employee turnover rates can be damaging to a business because too much time and resources may be needed such as constantly hiring and training new staff. Employees in a positive workplace climate often go above and beyond their job description to help the company thrive.

What To Do If You Work in a Bad Work Climate

If you find yourself in an unhealthy work environment, you may feel powerless to change it. Despite factors that may be out of your control, there are still plenty of steps you can take to manage your situation.

1. Do Connect With Positive Colleagues

Seek out a colleague who shares similar viewpoints regarding your work climate. Be each other's sounding board to offload grievances. Brainstorm ideas to improve workplace dynamics. When you need a reprieve from the negativity, collaborate with your co-worker on a work-related activity that will infuse joy into your day.

2. Don't Engage in Toxic Behavior

It's easy to get drawn into gossip and bad-mouthing, especially when it surrounds you. If a co-worker starts running the rumor mill or making disparaging remarks about a supervisor or colleague, give a neutral reply and steer the conversation in a different direction.

Conversely, you can model positive workplace behaviors such as communicating respectfully, resolving conflicts peacefully, and demonstrating a strong work ethic.

3. Do Establish Trust With Leadership

From micromanaging to ineffective communication, bosses are common culprits of negative work climates. You can avoid a contentious relationship with your supervisor by being proactive. Clarify their expectations about your role, provide periodic progress updates and follow through on all assignments.

Consistent high-quality work and a team player attitude will demonstrate what an asset you are to your company and allow you to establish trust with your boss. From there, you can seek allyship in eliminating workplace toxicity and promoting a more positive environment.

4. Do Confront Responsible Parties

Whether it's your boss or a co-worker, you can effectively confront the individual at the center of your workplace drama. Before you approach someone, consider any potential risks that may follow a confrontation such as retaliation or disciplinary action. The nature of your grievance and the level of anticipated risk will determine your course of action.

If you are able to confront the person without an audience, plan your talking points in advance so you can convey your message with confidence and poise.

In a more severe situation, you may want to involve other colleagues, the human resources department or even your union representative if you're in a unionized setting. Your goal is to take appropriate action before a situation intensifies.

5. Don't Bring Stress Home With You

While it's easier said than done, let your work problems stay at work. Venting from time to time can be helpful and cathartic but harping on the same topic can cause workplace negativity to seep into other areas of your life and adversely affect personal relationships.

6. Do Create an Exit Plan

Despite your best efforts, if your job situation becomes unbearable, it's time to move on to a different setting. Spontaneously quitting is not feasible for most people due to financial obligations. You can, however, prepare a contingency plan well before you intend to leave. Spruce up your resume, tap into your professional network and initiate a job search. Resigning from your position will be that much easier if you have something else already lined up.

What Behaviors Are Considered Criteria for a Hostile Work Environment

Many people have experienced unpleasantness at their jobs, but a hostile work environment is a different ball game that comes with legal ramifications and is characterized by specific behaviors. Hostile work environment claims are substantiated using the following criteria:

The behavior must be discriminatory against a protected classification such as age, race, gender or disability.

The conduct must be pervasive and severe enough to significantly disrupt the employees' work.

The employer had knowledge of the behaviors and failed to properly address and rectify the situation.

Behaviors that meet the following criteria include:

Sharing sexually explicit photos

Telling offensive jokes

Using racial slurs

Inappropriate touching

Acting in a threatening or intimidating manner

How to Create a Positive Work Environment

Managers and human resource professionals are responsible for promoting a healthy workplace culture and they need buy-in from employees to do this successfully. Here are five ways to create a positive work environment:

1. Clearly Communicate Goals

Employees should always know what is expected of them and how their work contributes to company goals.

2. Show Authentic Appreciation

Offer personalized praise that demonstrates sincerity.

3. Solicit Input and Feedback from Employees

Involve employees in decision-making and be open to their ideas.

4. Support Work-Life Balance

Avoid burnout by promoting flexibility and supporting wellness initiatives.

5. Implement a Zero-Tolerance Policy

Prioritize employees' safety and comfort with a zero-tolerance policy against unethical and illegal conduct.

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A work climate is the workplace environment. Business climates affect how well company goals are being met because maximum efficiency, production and employee motivation are impossible when the work environment is poor. Effective workplace climates ensure that employees are clear about their purpose in the larger realm of the company and know exactly what is expected of them.

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https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/positive-working-environment

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Your work environment can greatly influence how you feel about your job. Because of this, it's important to find an employer that fosters a positive atmosphere and encourages you consistently. When you have a positive work environment, it can improve your happiness, increase your productivity and motivate those around you. In this article, we discuss what a positive working environment is, why it's important and the various characteristics that comprise a positive working environment.

Related: 6 Different Work Environment Types and Example Career Roles

What is a positive working environment?

A positive working environment is a workplace that promotes employee safety, growth and goal attainment. These environments are most conducive to a successful workforce as they encourage employees to perform to their highest ability. Companies can achieve a positive working environment by focusing on their overall culture, supporting employee growth and making employees feel safe and comfortable.

Related: 5 Types of Work Environments (and How to Identify Which Is Right for You)

Why is a positive working environment important?

Positive working environments provide several benefits for both employees and employers. This is because this type of environment can lead to employee success and happiness both personally and professionally. Here are four reasons why a positive work atmosphere is important in the workforce:

Increases productivity

Having a positive working environment is a great way to increase your work output. When you're happier, you may be more productive and more equipped to complete your tasks efficiently. This can also help you become a better employee, which leads to raises and promotions.

Improves morale

Because your mood and attitude affect your team members, a positive working environment can be a good influence on those around you. When you view your work in a positive way, it can influence how others in the workplace see their responsibilities too.

Fosters growth

When you're motivated to succeed in your position, you're more apt to find opportunities to advance in your career. When your employer provides positive reinforcement, it can make you feel like a valuable contribution to the company, and it may motivate you to continue or improve upon this behavior.

Promotes collaboration

When you're motivated on an individual level, you're more likely to support and encourage others in your company. This can also lead to improved professional relationships with your colleagues. The greater the bond is between coworkers, the better chance a company has of achieving its short- and long-term goals. This is because teamwork is often the foundation of company success.

Related: How to Deal With an Unhealthy Work Environment

Characteristics of a positive working environment

A positive working environment has several noticeable factors. To better understand this atmosphere, it's important to know its common attributes so you can look for them with your current or future employer. Here are seven characteristics of a positive working environment:

Productive atmosphere

A positive working environment has a calm atmosphere that leads to greater productivity. When you're able to work with minimal distractions, you're more likely to stay on task and accomplish more of your daily responsibilities. It also means you're able to work in a stress-free setting that promotes your cognitive performance and physical well-being.

Related: How to Balance a Fast-Paced Workplace

Open and honest communication

Positive working environments often include clear communication between various members of an organization. This includes communication between employees and upper management, and between coworkers themselves. When you have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback, it can help you feel valued in the workplace. It also allows you to grow by getting open, constructive feedback.

For example, if you're working on a new project that requires brainstorming, you can get ideas from your colleagues. Knowing you can ask them questions and receive honest feedback can help you grow your professional relationships and improve your overall quality of work.

Compassionate team members

A positive working environment encompasses a level of respect, empathy and overall understanding between colleagues. These sentiments can also foster collaboration and help you feel heard and valued at your workplace. For example, when a coworker thanks you for assisting them on a project, it lets you know that you're appreciated and that someone genuinely cares about your contribution to the company.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a way for employers to praise you for your good work. Companies that provide positive reinforcement can help foster a positive working environment for all. Here are some examples of positive reinforcement that you can receive from your employer:

Growth opportunities

It's important to have a positive working environment where you're encouraged to grow your individual skills and strengths. This can help you find contentment in your job. This facet of a positive work environment is important because it means you're able to advance in your field with the support of your employer, manager and coworkers. Also, the more motivated you are, the greater the quantity and quality of work you'll produce.

Positive thinking

Looking at work with a positive mindset can help spread a good mood throughout the day. For example, if you're a team leader and you experience an issue with a client, the way you handle the situation can impact the attitude of others on your team. If you're able to overcome the obstacle with an optimistic outlook, your team is more likely to follow your example. Ultimately, a positive outlook can help you and your team focus on the pros rather than the cons.

Related: How to Improve Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction

Good work-life balance

A positive working environment consists of a healthy balance between your personal and professional life. This ensures you can continue to find job satisfaction without letting your job overtake other areas of your life. Ultimately, a positive working environment encourages employees to find fulfillment in both their work and personal lives.

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Positive Working Environment: Definition and Characteristics

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Your work environment can greatly influence how you feel about your job. Because of this, it's important to find an employer that fosters a positive atmosphere and encourages you consistently. When you have a positive work environment, it can improve your happiness, increase your productivity and motivate those around you.

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https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/10-signs-positive-workplace

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Does your office bear the marks of a negative work environment or a positive one?

Linnda Durré, Monster contributor

As a business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist for many years, I have been asked by many people, "How can I cope with negativity at work? Are there good companies to work for? How can I spot one and get hired?"

Positive workplaces tend to exhibit a common set of traits that foster excellence, productivity and camaraderie. Here are 10 characteristics of a healthy workplace to look for:

1. Positive values

A positive mission statement outlines the goals and demonstrative behavior that exemplify the highest commitment to quality and service to each other, the company, customers and shareholders. The company sets out to achieve its goals in ethical, honest ways with an elevated sense of purpose to improving the planet and humanity.

2. Relaxed and productive atmosphere

People enjoy coming to work and feel appreciated, acknowledged and rewarded. Signs of fear, domination, bullying, sexual harassment, and intimidation are absent. Creativity, productivity, and thinking outside the box flourish.

3. Commitment to excellence

Employees give 200%. They strive to be the best and to deliver top-quality products and services. They take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

4. Open and honest communication

Everyone communicates in a cards-on-the-table manner, solving difficulties in a positive way. They don't play nasty revenge games when given difficult feedback. Instead, they view feedback as an opportunity for growth.

5. Cooperation, support, and empowerment

Can-do, go-the-extra-mile and win-win attitudes are evident. Employees have a sense of camaraderie, cooperation, and empowerment. Healthy competition exists without vengeful, spiteful backstabbing.

6. Sense of humor

Employees keep things in perspective, have fun, and laugh. Laughter generates endorphins, our natural antidepressants.

7. Compassion, respect, and understanding

Kindness and understanding prevail when employees face challenges such as accidents, illnesses, personal tragedies, and natural disasters. People will usually go the extra mile for others when they're treated well and with understanding, compassion, and respect.

8. Flexibility

The company and its employees embrace change, accommodate new trends and technology, and incorporate new skills. They know if they don't, the business will end up a dinosaur. As the saying goes, "Change is the only constant."

9. Positive reinforcement

People need acknowledgement, appreciation, and gratitude to be motivated. Genuine compliments, rewards, bonuses, raises, promotions, and certificates of achievement are oil in the machinery. The company thanks employees regularly in these ways.

10. Emphasis on health, family, and environment

The company offers comprehensive health insurance, with weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and substance-abuse programs. The corporate cafeteria features a low-fat menu, and the company gym is stocked with exercise equipment.

The company offers reimbursement for childcare and/or on-site childcare. The office itself features natural and recessed lighting with incandescent bulbs rather than halogen or fluorescent. The organization is environmentally-aware by encouraging solar power and recycling.

Find a positive workplace

Great, so you know what to look for when choosing an employer, but where can you find them? Start by joining Monster today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume. Every day, recruiters search Monster hoping to find candidates for jobs at top companies. Make sure your own shining characteristics are front and center for them to see.

[Linnda Durré, PhD, a psychotherapist, corporate consultant, national speaker, and columnist, is the author ofSurviving the Toxic Workplace: Protect Yourself Against the Coworkers, Bosses and Work Environments That Poison Your Day. She has been interviewed on "Oprah," "60 Minutes," "The O'Reilly Factor," "Good Morning America," and "The Today Show," among others. She has been featured or cited in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and CNN Online, and has written for Forbes Online, American City Business Journals, and Orlando Business Journal.]

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Does your office bear the marks of a negative work environment or a positive one? Linnda Durré, Monster contributor As a business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist for many years, I have been asked by many people, "How can I cope with negativity at work? Are there good companies to work for?

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https://schoolclimate.org/school-climate/

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We can all remember childhood moments when we felt particularly safe (or unsafe) in school, when we felt particularly connected to a caring adult (or frighteningly alone), when we felt particularly engaged in meaningful learning (or not). These are the school memories that we all tend to vividly remember: good and/or bad. It is not surprising that these kinds of experiences shape learning and development.

However, school climate is larger than any one person's experience. When people work together, a group process emerges that is bigger that any one person's actions. A comprehensive assessment of school climate includes major spheres of school life such as safety, relationships, teaching and learning, and the environment as well as larger organizational patterns (e.g. from fragmented to shared; healthy or unhealthy). How we feel about being in school and these larger group trends shape learning and student development. Peer-reviewed educational research has consistently demonstrated that a positive school climate is associated with academic achievement, effective risk prevention efforts and positive youth development.

How do we define School Climate?

School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students', parents' and school personnel's experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures.

A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and learning necessary for a productive, contributing and satisfying life in a democratic society. This climate includes:

Norms, values and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.

People are engaged and respected.

Students, families and educators work together to develop, live and contribute to a shared school vision.

Educators model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits and satisfaction gained from learning.

Each person contributes to the operations of the school and the care of the physical environment.

(This definition of school climate and a positive, sustained school climate were consensually developed by the National School Climate Council.)
Key School Climate Dimensions

There is not a national consensus about what school climate dimensions are essential to assess. Synthesizing past school climate research as well as NSCC's research efforts, the National School Climate Council and NSCC suggest that there are four major areas that school climate assessment needs to include: Safety, Relationships, Teaching and Learning and the external environment. Each of these areas includes a series of sub scales of indicators. To learn about these sub scales and indicators, click here.

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What is School Climate and Why is it Important? - National School Climate Centre

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We can all remember childhood moments when we felt particularly safe (or unsafe) in school, when we felt particularly connected to a caring adult (or frighteningly alone), when we felt particularly engaged in meaningful learning (or not). These are the school memories that we all tend to vividly remember: good and/or bad.

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https://youth.gov/youth-topics/components-positive-school-climate

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Although definitions of school climate vary, a comprehensive Safe Supportive Schools measurement model developed by the U.S. Department of Education, based on listening sessions and consultation with researchers and practitioners, reflects the most common concepts. This model includes three main components of school climate: Engagement, Safety, and Environment. The figure below¹ illustrates an adapted version of this model-its components and topical areas under each-adapted from the website of the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments ( http://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/school-climate). For more information on the importance of school climate, view a recorded webinar.
Engagement

School connectedness-students' perceptions of safety, belonging, respect, and feeling cared for at school-appears to play a particularly important role in healthy adolescent development. It has been found to provide protection against almost every health risk behavior measured, including substance use, risky sexual behavior, violence, and emotional distress.² Further, data on connectedness suggest that the more social domains in which adolescents experience connectedness, the less emotional distress and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress they will experience.³

Connectedness to school has also been shown to be a significant predictor of higher academic achievement among youth,⁴ including sexual minority youth.⁵ Analysis of data from the National Education Longitudinal Study shows that supportive, caring relationships between students and teachers, as well as teachers' positive perceptions of students' efforts in the classroom, resulted in higher academic achievement for students.⁶ Participation in extracurricular activities has been shown to be associated with positive academic, psychological, and behavioral outcomes and civic engagement.⁷

The importance of relationships was also reflected in student, staff, and family data collected through the Safe and Supportive Schools (S3) state grants, which identified support for improving student-student, student-adult, and adult-adult relationships as the highest need across the participating local education agency sites in both 2011 and 2012.⁸ The positive effect of connection and relationships can also be seen among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, who have been shown to be less likely to be truant from school if they have a trusted adult at school with whom they can talk about their sexuality.⁹ Learn more about what schools can do to help LGBT students.

Safety

Student safety includes feeling safe physically and emotionally from factors such as violence and teen dating violence, bullying and cyber bullying, and substance use. It also includes feeling safe as a result of emergency management plans in place. Students' perceptions of feeling, or not feeling, safe at school have been shown to have an impact on their educational outcomes. School environments characterized by victimization and hostility are linked to lower levels of engagement and achievement in mathematics and reading,¹⁰ and personal experiences with threats, theft, or assault at school have been shown to increase students' likelihood of dropping out.¹¹ Negative outcomes are pronounced for students who are victims of bullying because these students have been shown to have lower academic achievement than their nonbullied peers. Victims of bullying, as well as bullies themselves, also report feeling unsafe at school at a higher rate than other students.¹²

Recent data show that students reported a higher level of fear of an attack or harm at school (4 percent) than off school property (2 percent) during the school year,¹³ and about 6 percent of students reported that they avoided school at least once during the previous month because they felt unsafe at or on their way to school.¹⁴ These feelings are often exacerbated for LGBT youth and youth with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. These youth are more likely to face physical and emotional abuse, bullying, and physical assault because of their sexual identity, gender identity/expression, or disability.¹⁵ For example, data from a 2011 report show that 63.5 percent of LGBT youth felt unsafe from victimization at school because of their sexual orientation and 43.9 percent felt unsafe because of their gender expression.¹⁶

The use and sale of substances at school have also been linked to negative educational outcomes for students. A study conducted by the California Department of Education found that schools reporting a large percentage of students who stated they had been intoxicated or offered drugs on school property exhibited lower scores on academic achievement than other schools whose students did not report these experiences.¹⁷

Environment

The school environment includes a variety of factors such as the physical environment, instructional environment, student wellness, and discipline practices.

Physical Environment: A well-maintained school environment has been shown to improve student achievement on standardized tests,¹⁸,¹⁹ and has been linked to increased teacher morale and commitment.²⁰
Violent incidents have been shown to repeatedly occur in the same physical spaces in schools. These locations, typically including lunchrooms, hallways, stairwells, and playgrounds, can often be characterized as "unowned," public spaces that no one in the school feels a sense of responsibility to monitor.²¹ Identifying these hotspots, assigning adults in the school to monitor them, and reducing student presence in these areas, has been shown to decrease students' perceptions of these spaces as dangerous.²²

Instructional Environment: Research has linked positive school environments to higher academic and behavioral outcomes for students,²³ but in the 2007-2008 school year, 32 percent of teachers reported that student tardiness and class cutting interfered with their teaching, and 34 percent agreed or strongly agreed that student misbehavior interfered with their teaching.²⁴ The implementation of classroom management strategies and practices can have a positive effect on decreasing problem behaviors, such as disruptions and aggression.²⁵

Mental Health and Well-Being: The Center for Mental Health in Schools estimates that between 12 and 22 percent of school-aged children and youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder.²⁶ Young people with mental health problems have been shown to have lower academic achievement than their peers. Among these students, 14 percent achieve mostly Ds and Fs,²⁷ and 44 percent drop out of school.²⁸ School-based mental health programs can help reduce conduct disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and depression symptoms in students receiving services.²⁹ Learn more about school-based mental health and hear from young people about how school-based mental health services have helped them.

Discipline: Punitive approaches to discipline such as zero tolerance, which embraces systematic suspension and expulsion, have been shown to lead to negative outcomes for youth. For example, data suggest that students who have been suspended are 30 percent more likely to drop out of school,³⁰ be suspended again in the future,³¹ and perform poorly academically than their peers who have not been suspended.³² Disciplinary actions may be disproportionately delivered; research has shown that African American students and students with emotional disabilities are more likely to experience suspension and expulsion, which places them at higher risk for these negative outcomes.³³ Conversely, proactive, schoolwide approaches to discipline have been associated with a decrease in discipline referrals and an increase in student attendance, academic performance,³⁴ and achievement on standardized tests.³⁵ Schoolwide approaches to discipline that focus on prevention reinforce a positive environment in which all students and staff are aware of behavioral expectations, which are enforced with predictability and monitored consistently.³⁶

Resources

National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments
The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students. NCSSLE provides resources, training, and technical assistance on school climate and its components to states, grantees, district administrators, schools, teachers and staff, families, and students. The NCSSLE website highlights the most up to date and seminal research on school climate and provides links to related products, tools, and websites.

StopBullying.gov
StopBullying.gov represents a multiagency federal effort to better understand the issue of bullying and how to prevent and respond to it. In addition to the resources provided for parents and other community members, StopBullying.gov features information to help schools educate students and staff about bullying and implement policies that create an environment of safety.

Office of Safe and Healthy Students
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS) funds and promotes initiatives, research, and publications on education, health, mental health, safety, and drug and violence prevention. The OSHS website provides an overview of the programs, initiatives, and technical assistance centers administered by OSHS and highlights relevant events, reports, websites, publications, and other available resources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Adolescent and School Health: School ConnectednessThis webpage from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a definition of and information on school connectedness and why it is so important.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Injury Center: School Violence
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Injury Center works to promote violence and injury prevention by gathering and reporting data, funding programs and prevention activities, and disseminating resources and tools. The School Violence topic page of the Injury Center provides statistics, risk and protective factors, and information about prevention efforts and tools related to school violence.

1 Adapted from Harper, 2010
2 Resnick et al., 1997
3 Libbey, Ireland, & Resnick, 2002; McGraw, Moore, Fuller, & Bates, 2008
4 Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
5 Seelman, Walls, Hazel, & Wisneski, 2012
6 Muller, 2001
7 Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
8 Child Trends & American Institutes for Research, 2012
9 Seelman et al., 2012
10 Ripski & Gregory, 2009
11 Neild, Stoner-Eby, & Furstenberg, 2002
12 Glew, Fan, Katon, Rivara, & Kernic, 2005
13 Robers, Kemp, Truman, & Snyder, 2013
14 Centers for Disease Control, 2012
15 Kosciw, Greytak, Diaz, Bartkiewicz, Boesen, & Palmer, 2012; Stopbullying.gov, n.d.
16 Kosciw et al., 2012
17 California Department of Education, 2005
18 California Department of Education, 2005
19 Earthman, Cash, & Van Berkum, 1995
20 Cash, 1993
21 Corcoran, Walker, & White 1998
22 Astor, Meyer, & Behre, 1999
23 Brand, Felner, Shim, Seitsinger, & Dumas, 2003
24 Chapman, Laird, Ifill, & Kewal Ramani, 2011
25 Oliver, Wehby, & Reschly, 2011
26 Center for Mental Health in School, 2008
27 Blackorby, Chorost, Garza, & Guzman, 2003
28 Wagner, 2005
29 Hussey & Guo, 2003
30 Fabelo, Thompson, Plotkin, Carmichael, Marchbanks, & Booth, 2011
31 Tobin, Sugai, & Colvin, 1996
32 Mendez, 2003
33 Fabelo et al., 2011
34 Luiselli, Putnam, & Sunderland, 2002
35 Luiselli, Putnam, Handler, & Feinberg, 2005
36 Sprague, 2007

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Although definitions of school climate vary, a comprehensive Safe Supportive Schools measurement model developed by the U.S. Department of Education, based on listening sessions and consultation with researchers and practitioners, reflects the most common concepts. This model includes three main components of school climate: Engagement, Safety, and Environment.

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https://www.childtrends.org/blog/a-positive-school-climate-can-mean-a-successful-school-year

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As the new school year begins so, too, does the excitement and expectations felt by students, parents, teachers, and school staff. But sadly, that initial enthusiasm often fades as the routine of school takes over. What if we could gather up all the back-to-school energy and use it as fuel to propel students, school staff, and families through the school year to raise the achievements of students and staff alike?

An increasing number of schools and school districts across the country are focusing on creating a positive school climate, guided by a significant body of research attesting to the educational and developmental benefits of this approach.

But what, exactly, does a positive school climate look like for students, staff, and families on a day-to-day basis?
What does a positive school climate look like for students?

Students are engaged. They want to go to school, strive to do well, actively participate in the learning process, and take responsibility for their school work.

Students have supportive relationships at school with both peers and adults; they have friends and study partners; and they're not afraid of being bullied (and they're not bullying others either).

Students feel they can go to teachers or support staff for help when needed, for both academic and social problems.

Disciplinary actions are based upon written policies that are administered fairly and consistently for all students, which may also include processes for filing grievances.

School conduct codes and disciplinary experiences are viewed as learning opportunities, not as vehicles for excluding students; everyone in the school community - including principles, teachers, support staff, school resource officers, bus drivers, athletics personnel, guidance counselors, and others - work actively and continuously throughout the year to promote and reward positive behavior.

Supports are available for students who struggle with concerns ranging from learning disabilities or mental health challenges to families experiencing financial or other difficulties that affect students' abilities to attend or succeed at school. Schools - often working with community partners - provide direction and resources to help with these very difficult issues.

What does a positive school climate look like for families?

Parents partner with teachers to support their children's learning. They get to know their children's teachers during open houses and parent-teacher conferences or by scheduling individual visits, and they are comfortable exchanging information with teachers about their children's progress.

Parents understand school discipline policies and know that these policies are rooted in supportive approaches aimed at teaching students' appropriate behavior and problem solving skills, as well as minimizing exclusionary practices.

Parents talk to their children about school to learn firsthand about their experiences. When problems arise, parents participate in the disciplinary process to advocate for a fair and appropriate response.

What does a positive school climate look like for school staff?

School staff have a good rapport with many students and are responsive to their individual needs at many levels.

School staff regularly experience two-way communication with families and other staff about not only academic achievement but also students' needs and home and school events that affect learning.

School staff have at least the minimum necessary space, equipment, and supplies to do their job in a comfortable physical environment that is conducive for teaching and learning.

School staff is trained and equipped to follow the protocols for recognizing and managing student academic, behavioral, mental health, or social difficulties.

When certain students need more help than staff can provide, there are resources to turn to for support, in the form of teams, mentors, management, or services.

School staff communicates with subject area or school improvement team leaders and officials (such as the principal, superintendent, or school board members) about what their students need to effectively teach and learn.

What does a positive school climate look like for the entire school community?
These elements of positive school climate are a renewable energy source, fueling the hopes and aspirations of the new school year from fall to winter to spring. Schools, families, and communities can work together to develop and maintain a positive school climate that benefits student well-being and academic achievement.

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) is currently helping schools and communities contend with many factors that affect school climate, such as bullying, harassment, violence, and substance abuse. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Center supports the vision that all students will have the opportunity to realize academic success in safe and supportive environments. Child Trends is a key partner in the administration of this Center.

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A positive school climate can mean a successful school year - Child Trends

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the new school year begins so, too, does the excitement and expectations felt by students, parents, teachers, and school staff. But sadly, that initial enthusiasm often fades as the routine of school takes over.