We know that a positive school climate (California State Priority 6) is an essential component of a high-performing school. But we need to transform “school climate” from being just another state-mandated performance metric to becoming a strategic lever for improvement. How do we identify student groups that have less positive experiences in school, whether it’s with teacher relationships, bullying, or adult expectations? Unpacking school climate gaps helps us target resources, and build connections with our most vulnerable learners.
YouthTruth will engage a panel of education leaders on these important questions at the California Superintendent’s Symposium in Monterey. Join Manager of Partnerships Sachi Takahashi-Rial alongside Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD), and the district’s Ord Terrace Elementary School Principal Joseph Sampson. Superintendent Penelope DeLeon for Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) will also join the conversation. McFadden, Sampson, and DeLeon will share how they are working to establish systems to connect every student to a positive and engaging school climate.
Both districts’ efforts were recently featured in YouthTruth’s new guidebook on putting student voice into action to improve learning for all students by measuring school climate. MPUSD and OUHSD shared strategies and protocols to bring students into transformation efforts on themes like achievement in order to catalyze improvements and train youth to lead alongside adults in defining and meeting district goals.
Learn where to find YouthTruth at ACSA here, and explore the full Student Voice in Action Guidebook: Engaging Students in School Climate Data here.