Creating Positive School Climates
|Director of Professional Development Services|
The Importance of Positive School Climates
Educational research spanning the last 20 years highlights the importance of school climate and the effect on individual student experience. Positive school climate is directly related to increased student achievement, better social and emotional well-being, lower rates of challenging behaviors, lower drop-out rates, fewer instances of absenteeism, and risk prevention in students.
New Connecticut Legislation
The Connecticut legislature enacted Public Act No. 11-232: An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, in 2011. The law prevents bullying and protects the rights of students to learn without fear of humiliation, teasing and/or assault. The law was proposed in response to research that found a correlation between lower student achievement and bullying. Among other provisions, the law requires that all school districts in Connecticut engage in annual training to prevent and respond to student bullying, abuse and suicide.
Create Respectful School Climates
C.E.S. assists schools and districts with creating a positive school climate by providing customized services for planning and implementation in addition to the following professional development opportunities:
- Investigation Training
- Updates to State Legislation Seminars
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- Cyberbullying Workshops
- Training for Paraprofessionals
- Training for Noncertified School Staff
- Youth Suicide Prevention
- Training for Parents