School Climate Survey
What Is School Climate?
School climate includes a wide range of factors that contribute to a student’s educational experience. A positive school climate is the result of a school community’s efforts at fostering safety; promoting a supportive academic, disciplinary, and physical environment; and promoting respectful, trusting, and caring relationships throughout the school community in any given setting. Research has shown that a positive school climate is related to student success as it can improve attendance, achievement, and graduation rates.
National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE). Retrieved March 2, 2023
Community and Youth Collaborative Institute School Experience Survey (CAYCI)
The CAYCI school climate surveys are designed to gather feedback from educators, parents/guardians, and students about their experiences in a school. This voluntary survey is administered online during the spring of the school year. All responses are completely anonymous. Results are analyzed at the group level and cannot be linked back to a survey participant. School leadership uses the compiled results to help identify strengths and to inform decision-making for school improvement efforts.
The Parent & Caregiver Survey is designed to elicit feedback from families about their perceptions of the school environment, their student(s) experiences with academic programs and school climate, and their engagement with the school community.
The Student Survey (Grades 5 -12) is designed to gather feedback from secondary students about their experiences with academic programming, school climate, diversity, engagement with their peers and teachers, and student well-being. Student participation for this survey requires written parental consent (opt-in).
The Teacher & Staff Survey is designed to gather feedback from educators about their perceptions of the school environment, including learning supports, school engagement, safety, school connectedness, and student well-being.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) has designated the CAYCI survey as a valid and reliable school climate measure.
Data Privacy: Responses are housed securely in anonymous format with The Ohio State University - College of Social Work for evaluation research purposes. All evaluation research projects are in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act 343 CFR 99.31 (6) and Protection of Human Subjects 45 CFR 46; OSU IRB #2008B0182.
Citation for surveys: Anderson-Butcher, D., Amorose, A.J., Iachini, A., & Ball, A. (2013). Community and Youth Collaborative Institute School Experience Surveys. Columbus, OH: College of Social Work, The Ohio State University.