How Students Can Help Shape School Climate Policy and Practice

Many schools are working to better support students’ physiological, social, and emotional growth in addition to their cognitive development as a part of their school improvement efforts. Moreover, students are playing a key role in helping education leaders develop and implement new policies and practices. In this episode, Danny Torres (host) and Grace Westermann (co-host) talk with Rebeca Cerna , Director for the California Center for School Climate (CCSC) , and special guest, Julian Berkowitz-Sklar, a graduating senior at Saratoga High School in California and member of the Center’s Youth Advisory Team. Berkowitz-Sklar brings a unique perspective as a high school student driving positive change within his school community. As a Youth Advisory Team member, he has played a pivotal role in collaborating with his peers and CCSC to design and implement resources that facilitate school climate improvements. From student-led initiatives to helping schools and districts tell stories with their school climate data, Cerna dives into the comprehensive approach taken by CCSC to empower students and foster safe and supportive learning environments. Their conversation includes the following topics: How a positive school climate affects outcomes for students Centering student voices to help improve school climate What school personnel can do to create a supportive environment The role of the California Center for School Climate Transcript Resources Mentioned in this Episode Cultivating Caring Relationships at School: 15 Activities That Promote Staff and Student Connection School Climate Audio Gallery Additional Related Resources from the CCSC Understanding School Climate: An Overview of School Climate Domains Participatory Systems Change for Equity: An Inquiry Guide for Child-, Youth-, and Family-Serving Agencies School Climate Data Use Webinar Series CCSC Resource Library Learn more about the CCSC and access their resources to support your school climate efforts.