ABC Power Series
According to the Center for Social and Emotional Education (2010), a positive school climate directly impacts indicators of success, such as dropout rates, on-time graduation rates, out-of-school suspension, incidences of bullying and violence, teacher retention and satisfaction, parental involvement, as well as student achievement. School climate is based on the quality, character, and nature of the learning environment. It includes the values, beliefs, norms, ideas, and assumptions of a school, affects the behavior of teachers and students, and influences the perception of parents.
The physical conditions, safety, teaching and learning, interpersonal relationships, and professional relationship are all part of school climate. Positive school climate fosters a sense of community by promoting positive relationships among students, between students and adults, and helps create an environment where students feel they belong. In schools where students get along with each other, a spirit of respect and trust exists; regular collegial conversation and consensus building is present among staff; building caring and wholesome relationships between adults and students is the apex of improving school climate efforts. School climate is further enhanced when opportunities for meaningful learning are extended to all through engaging and challenging activities in the classroom; students feel safe because of reduced incidences of bullying and discipline problems; and rules are clear and consistently enforced with respect and adherence to policy and procedures.
The Center on Innovation and Improvement (2009) suggests that addressing social-emotional learning, establishing a supportive school climate, building relationships, and engaging families are effective strategies to help students achieve success because they feel better about the place they spend many hours each day.
The Attitude, Behavior, and Conditions (ABC) Power Series address factors that impact school climate to foster student success. When implemented, teachers, students, and parents feel better about the physical and social/emotional environment of the school. The improvement in attitude, behavior, and conditions, result in lower dropout rates, increased on-time graduation rates, reduced out-of-school-suspension, decreased incidences of bullying and violence, increased teacher retention and satisfaction, increased parental involvement, and increased student achievement.
ABC Student Power, ABC Teacher Power and ABC Parent Power are the three programs in the ABC Power Series. Improving school climate and creating a culture for learning and high expectations are the primary goals for each.