Development of Pennsylvania Department of Education School Climate Index Summary

This project explores the properties of Pennsylvania Department of Education school climate surveys with the aim of developing a summary index of school climate that could be calculated for each school using the surveys. Data to develop measures of school climate were gathered from surveys of students, teachers, other staff, parents, and community members. Survey results are intended to provide Pennsylvania schools and educators with information that can be used for needs assessments, program development, and short- and long-term improvement planning. The measures of school climate resulting from surveys can also be used to compare schools in the state.