September 29, 2016: Using School Climate Data to Promote Safe, Supportive Learning Environments

 

School climate and student discipline are critical but often overlooked components of academic success. According to the latest Civil Rights Data Collection, the risk of high school dropout increases by about 20 percent with every suspension a student receives. And minority students and students with disabilities are the most vulnerable to being targeted for suspension. State policymakers can play a unique role in promoting safe, supportive learning environments for every student, and the first step could well be the review of data they already collect.

Join NASBE on September 29, 2016, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM (EDT) as we learn how Maryland is using school climate data to support efforts to close the achievement gap and improve school quality and discipline practices. NASBE’s Kimberly Charis and Kristina Kyles-Smith, Maryland assistant superintendent for the Division of Student, Family, and School Support, will describe some of the challenges of this work, and they will offer insights on the elements of a strong state accountability system that will allow for meaningful differentiation in academic achievement and school success.