Academics and Climate
Climate is an essential safety component that is also linked to academic success. For optimal learning, three systems within a school must work in concert: curriculum, instruction, and climate. Each is necessary, but not alone sufficient for the best possible learning.
A strong curriculum is standards-based to ensure a scope and sequence that builds on past learning and supports a variety of learning modalities. Teachers with strong instructional skills are competent in the subject matter they teach and have skills to provide an interactive classroom climate that engages all learners.
Even with a strong curriculum and skilled teachers, optimal learning cannot take place if the climate is threatening, unwelcoming, or disorganized. Neuroscience research has found that a positive and safe climate for all students and adults is a critical ingredient for safety, as well as student academic, social, and emotional success. This climate promotes “relaxed alertness.”
- The learner feels competent and confident as is in an optimal state of mind for meaningful learning
- Learners in a state of relaxed alertness experience low threat and high challenge
To hear Principal Tonya Strozier talk about climate setting the stage for learning, click play below.
To hear Principal Kent Thompson talk about vision, click play below.
What’s Next: To share information with staff and other stakeholders using the handout or PowerPoint. Now, move on to learn about Safety and Climate.
schoolsafetyinitiatives.org 