Climate & Culture

Office of School Climate and Culture (OSCC) supports safe, positive, equitable learning environments in which all students can experience belonging, build strong relationships, and fully engage with academic and social-emotional learning.

About

About School Climate and Culture

We work alongside schools to create safe, positive, equitable learning environments in which all students can experience belonging, build strong relationships, and fully engage with academic and social-emotional learning.

Our team provides specific support to school leaders and staff that include professional development, school-based coaching, planning, and assistance with using data to improve learning environments for all students. Equity is at the heart of all our work with schools.

Please explore our site to learn more about how we can help your school.

How We Support Schools

How we Support Schools

Our team works with schools to build safe, positive learning environments where all students know they belong. We do this by providing training, coaching, and resources that prioritize relationships and  create cultures of caring and restoration.

We offer many different programs and supports. During 2023-24 school year, we are supporting:

  • All district schools with resources and supports through our Social-Emotional Learning Toolbox
  • All district schools with planning & best practices for orderly school climate
  • 127 District schools with Culturally Responsive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (CR-PBIS)
  • 67 District schools with Relationships First (RF)
  • 51 District schools with School Wide Social and Emotional Learning
  • 19 District schools school-based youth courts
  • All K-5, K-8, and standalone middle schools with prosocial recess
  • All schools with mindfulness and stress-management tools and resources
  • All schools with training, resources, and support for Restorative Progressive
  • Discipline and the Guide to Student Discipline
  • All schools with school climate practices and procedures

Looking for something else?

Social-Emotional Learning Toolbox

Social-Emotional Learning Toolbox

Our office offers a wide range of resources and tools for helping schools develop students’ social and emotional competencies. These tools are available to schools for free through our office, we can support their use, and they require little or no extra PD time.

The School District of Philadelphia has adopted CASEL’s 5 social and emotional learning competencies. View a video that details these HERE

Tools for Staff

Other training resources:

Slide deck: Building Your SEL Toolbox for School Staff

Tools for Building a Schoolwide Culture of SEL

Community Meeting Resources

Tools for Students

“There is no significant learning without a significant relationship.” Dr. James Comer

School Climate Practices & Procedures

School Climate Practices and Procedures

More Coming Soon!

Relationships First

Relationships First

Relationships First is a schoolwide restorative justice-practices program. Relationships First combines a human-centered philosophy with a set of practices that align with the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.

The Relationships First implementation and resource guide is available HERE.

67 schools are implementing Relationships First in 2023-24. We support these schools with training, coaching, modeling, and resources.

For Students and Families

Students
A school community using the Relationships First model breathes restoration and uplifts individuals through empathy and healing. RF schools have a vibe of intentional peace-making. Students use their agency to transform their schools for positive outcomes.

Caregivers
The RF tools used within schools, like Restorative Conversations, apply to how we think about interactions outside school as well. A core principle of RF asks practitioners to speak and listen from the heart, meaning to be open and authentic. One of the ways that is demonstrated is by fully sharing the RF model with the community with district-level contacts and sharing resources. Caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in the school culture and climate by doing heart work at home.

Relationships First Strategies & Tools

Through meaningful relationships, teachers and school leaders create an inclusive educational environment that embraces all members. The five core RF practices encircle the school community with a Firm + Kind = Love mindset.

  • Restorative Conversations are foundational to Relationships First and structure how we interact within the community. They prevent and address disruptive behavior, by focusing on understanding the underlying issues. Learn more here HERE. Check out THIS self-guided learning module in Cornerstone. 
  • Community Building Circles are preventative, community-building practices for every classroom, adult team, family, or other school-based community. They create positive classroom and school cultures through equitable participation, shared values, and connection. Learn more HERE and HERE
  • Harm & Healing Circle is a mediation protocol for resolving conflict in a peaceful way. This intervention addresses the causes of harm while promoting healing and accountability among conflicting parties. Learn more HERE
  • Circles of Support and Accountability to create restorative systems of support around students who are struggling. The goal of this intervention is to engage the student and their caring adults in generating an actionable and restorative support plan. Learn more HERE
  • Welcome Circles use the Circle process to welcome new or returning students, facilitating reintegration after an absence. Learn more HERE

Youth Empowerment sits at the heart of Relationships First. When the community of educators believes and practices Relationships First, youth are encouraged and empowered to take ownership of their school community. Youth Relationships First Coaches help implement Community Building Circles and support with mediation. Learn more HERE.</p

Contact

Paul Robinson
Director of Restorative Programming
pdrobinson@philasd.org

View Relationship First Team Contact Information(coming soon)

CR-PBIS

Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (CR-PBIS)

Culturally Responsive PBIS is an evidence-based framework for developing, teaching, and reinforcing schoolwide behavioral norms, and for using data for continuous improvement. It creates positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

127 schools are implementing CR-PBIS in 2022-23. We support these schools with training, coaching, modeling, and resources. The School District of Philadelphia is a national leader in Culturally Responsive PBIS, which emphasizes inclusiveness, equity of voice, and social-emotional learning.

Resources for Students and Families

coming soon

Resources for School Staff

Contact

Tynara Blount
Director of CR-PBIS
tblount@philasd.org

View CR-PBIS Team Contact Information

School Wide Social Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Coming Soon!

Contact

Jaimie Piotrowicz
Director of SEL
jpiotrowicz@philasd.org 

Recess

Recess

Coming Soon!

Student Well-Being Survey

Student Well-Being Survey (SWBS)

The Student Well-being Survey (SWBS) is a 5-minute survey we ask each student (in grades 3-12) to complete, three times a year. The survey asks the students how they feel about their experiences and relationships at school. The answers they provide give us insight on the question “and how are the children (Kasserian Ingera)?”

Data from the SWBS is a powerful tool for schools and networks to leverage in their efforts to create supportive environments for students and adults alike. Please explore the resources below and reach out to schoolclimate@philasd.org for additional support.

Contact Us

Email: schoolclimate@philasd.org
Phone: 215-400-4870

Survey administration dates for school year 23-24:

  • Window 1: October 9, 2023 – October 20, 2023
  • Window 2: February 12, 2024 – February 23, 2024
  • Window 3: May 13, 2024 – May 22, 2024

Current School Year Data (Windows 1-4)

Previous Years Data 22-23

District-Wide Relationship Scores

  • Positive Adult Relationships – 80.5%
  • Positive Peer Relationships – 80.8%
  • Positive Self-Development – 69.4%

Key Findings by School

School Name Learning Network Window 1 - Snapshot Link Window 2 - Snapshot Link Window 3 - Snapshot Link Window 4 - Snapshot Link
Forrest Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
McClure Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Swenson Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bethune Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Washington, Grover Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Taylor Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Wagner Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Gideon Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
McKinley Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
AMY at Martin Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Peirce Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Wright Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Cayuga Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Day Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Cramp Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Fels Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Parkway W. Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kelley Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Randolph Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Edison Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Duckrey Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Elkin Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Blaine Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Key Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Southwark Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Dobbins Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Jackson Coppin Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Arthur Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Childs Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kirkbride Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Overbrook High Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Sharswood Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Stanton Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Jenks, A.S Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Dick, William Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kenderton Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Furness Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bartram Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Morton Learning Network 11 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Comegys Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Patterson Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
West Philadelphia Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Sayre Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Catharine Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Penrose Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Harrington Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Fell Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Tilden Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Longstreth Learning Network 10 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bache-Martin Learning Network 12 View Report View Report View Report View Report
South Philadelphia Learning Network 13 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hancock Demonstration Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Loesche Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Comly Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Spruance Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Moore Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Greenberg Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Farrell Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Frank, Anne Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Fitzpatrick Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Brown, Joseph Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Rhawnhurst Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Holme Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Solis-Cohen Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Pollock Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Fox Chase Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Mayfair Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Decatur Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Crossan Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Baldi Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
FSAS Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Ziegler Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Prince Hall Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Olney Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Rowen Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lowell Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Propel Academy Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Castor Gardens Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Morrison Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Allen, Ethan Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bridesburg Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lawton Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Disston Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Stearne Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Franklin K8 Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Feltonville Int Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lingelbach Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Harding Learning Network 8 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Cook-Wissahickon Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
AMY at Northwest Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Pennypacker Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Finletter Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Shawmont Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Dobson Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Carnell Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kelly Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Ellwood Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Howe Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Logan Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Emlen Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Houston Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Pennell Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Fitler Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Edmonds Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Mifflin Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Conwell Learning Network 9 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Jenks, J.S. Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
McCloskey Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Marshall, Thurgood Learning Network 7 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Henry Learning Network 6 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hopkinson Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Washington, George Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Juniata Park Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kensington H.S. Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lincoln Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Frankford Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Olney High Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kensington CAPA Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kearny Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Welsh Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Willard Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Webster Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Roxborough Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Munoz-Marin Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Kensington Health Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Sheppard Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
MLK Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Casarez Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Spring Garden Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Stetson Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lamberton Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Ludlow Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Parkway N.W. Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Meade Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Moffet Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Mastbaum Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Brown, Henry Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
De Burgos Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Adaire Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hunter Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Richmond Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Overbrook EC Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Dunbar Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hackett Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hartranft Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Franklin HS Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Strawberry Mansion Learning Network 4 View Report View Report View Report View Report
McCall Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Meredith Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Gompers Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Cassidy Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Greenfield Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bregy Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Morris Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Overbrook Elem Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Girard Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Waring Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Vare-Washington Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Taggart Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Nebinger Learning Network 3 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Powel Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Penn Alexander Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hamilton Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Locke Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lea Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Washington, Martha Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Barry Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Mitchell Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
MYA Learning Network 2 View Report View Report View Report View Report
McMichael Learning Network 5 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Sullivan Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
The Workshop Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
PVA Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Lankenau Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Roosevelt Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Northeast Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
U School Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Clemente Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Rush Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Steel Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Girls Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Cooke Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Central Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Hill-Freedman Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Saul Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
LINC Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Marshall, John Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Widener Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Vaux High Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Penn Treaty Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Allen, Ethel Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Constitution Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
SLA at Beeber Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Rhodes Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
SLA Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Parkway C.C. Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Building 21 Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
McDaniel Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Heston Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Potter-Thomas Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Carver Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
PMA Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bodine Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
HS of Future Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Robeson Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Bryant Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Motivation Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
GAMP Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Rhoads Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Masterman Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
CAPA Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Anderson Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
SLAMS Innovation Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
Blankenburg Acceleration Network View Report View Report View Report View Report
FLC Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
Palumbo Learning Network 1 View Report View Report View Report View Report
PLAN Opportunity Network View Report View Report
Crossroads Accel Opportunity Network View Report View Report
Pennypack Opportunity Network View Report View Report
PLAS Opportunity Network View Report View Report
PJJSCS Opportunity Network View Report View Report
Crossroads @HP Opportunity Network View Report View Report

SWBS Equity Indicators

  • Removing Barriers and Increasing Access & Inclusion
    25.2% of students reported they were treated unfairly because of something about who they are
  • Building Trusting Relationships
    81.7% of students agree or strongly agree that adults from their school try to get to know them
  • Creating a Shared Culture of Social Responsibility 
    63.8% of students agree or strongly agree that students at their school understand who they are

Resources

Administration & Implementation Resources

Data Review & Analysis Resources

Responding to Student Voice


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Youth Court

School-Based Youth Court

Youth court is a student-run restorative justice program that gives students who have a poor choice an opportunity to improve their behavior without punitive or exclusionary measures like suspension. Youth Court is run by a group of students that will find a way to help other students become responsible for their behavior and make better choices in the future. The goal of youth court is to help students take responsibility and teach strategies for students to become more successful.

Nineteen schools currently implement schoo-based youth courts. We support them with training and coaching.

Resources

Contact

John Papiano
jpapiano@philasd.org
215-400-4870

Restorative Progressive Discipline

Restorative Progressive Discipline

Restorative Progressive Discipline uses increasing levels of accountability outcomes to develop personal responsibility, and gives school a common language of expectations. Restorative Progressive Discipline decreases suspensions and other punitive responses, improves relationships and student engagement, and directly disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline.

Restorative Progressive Discipline is the School District of Philadelphia’s guiding philosophy, as reflected in the Guide to Student Discipline HERE. In collaboration with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, our team supports schools in implementation Restorative Progressive Discipline through professional development, coaching.

Contact

John Pappiano
jpapiano@philasd.org
215-400-4870

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an evidence-based process for ensuring that all students receive the academic and behavioral supports they need. Our office supports MTSS district-wide by:

  • Supporting schools in implementing strong supports for students’ behavior and social-emotional development at Tier 1 of the MTSS process
  • Providing training and resources to help schools use school climate and disciplinary data effectively to drive continuous improvement

Resources (Coming Soon)

Resources for Students
Resources for Families
Resources for School staff
Resources for Climate Managers

Contact

Tynara Blount
tblount@philasd.org

Contact Us

Contact

For general inquiries

Contact team members directly

  • Leadership Team
  • Climate & Culture Team
  • Relationships First Team
  • CR-PBIS Team
  • Social-Emotional Learning Team
  • Climate Implementation Team

For information about our specific Tier I Strategies, please see the contact information on their tabs.