1. School Climate Development Canton School District Board of Education Presentation

2. Our Purpose Tonight we will discuss recommendations for improving the climate at Canton City High School. In what ways can the climate of a very segregated fourth through eighth grade school be improved?

3. Our Background Over its 6 year existence Canton High School has evolved into two distinct schools under one roof. The academically gifted students spend 4 th through 8th grade together as a cohort The artistically talented students spend 4 th through 8th grade together as a cohort

4. Our Challenge Discipline records show antagonistic behavior between the two groups possibly originating from the differences in their two worlds. Discipline records show antagonistic behavior within the two groups possibly originating from their 5 year stay together as a cohort.

5. The Research Good quality school climates cultivate a connection to the school for students and students that feel connected to the school are more likely to strive to meet society’s expectations and are less likely to engage in deviant behavior. Classroom climate has been linked to increased academic achievement.

6. The Research Continued Cohesiveness, limited friction, and satisfaction with the classroom lead to connectedness. Eighth grade students in a K-8 configuration may have lower levels of self-esteem than in 6-8. Eighth grade students report higher levels of conflict than younger students. Through the middle school years, positive perceptions of school climate decrease as behavior issues increase.

7. Additional Research Peer-directed aggression and antisocial conduct are closely related to bullying behaviors Bullying perpetration adversely affects school climate Many effective school-wide positive behavior support systems are available Valid survey tools are available to assess school climate

8. Short Term Recommendations Secure and administer the three school climate scales that are part of the School Climate Bullying Survey and analyze the results. Critically review the available school- wide positive behavior support systems. Choose an appropriate program with necessary modifications and ensure a high-level implementation.

9. Long Term Recommendations Enforcement of consistent and fair discipline. Renewed focus around the school mascot, colors, and logo increasing school identity and connectedness. Focused change efforts at the middle school grades. Staff discussions/professional development around the concept of a respectful classroom and around bullying as a detrimental force present in the school. Explicit rules for respectful and pro-social behavior are present in every classroom.

10. Questions?