How to Promote a Positive School Climate Through Human Skills Programs

We never stop learning. The ability to effectively comprehend and absorb information is valuable for success at any age. But that’s not the sole metric for excelling at school. Nor is it the most important. It’s critical to nurture students’ social and emotional well-being as much as their report cards. And that begins with a welcoming environment.

According to CASEL, “when students learn and educators work in an environment that is safe, supportive, and connected, they are more likely to develop the social and emotional competencies they need to be successful.”

In addition, students who feel connected to their school are more likely to thrive. They’re more likely to engage in their classes and have a sense of belonging when they feel included—when their individual interests, talents, social identities, cultural values, and backgrounds are affirmed. Human skills programs can be a powerful lever for creating the type of caring, welcoming school climate that supports students in reaching their fullest potential.

According to the Learning Policy Institute, a positive school climate “can provide all children with a sense of safety and belonging by creating safe . . . classroom communities, connecting with families, [and] teaching social-emotional skills.”

So, how can human skills programs help create a positive school climate?

1. By strengthening the emotional well-being of students and staff

When schools embrace human skills development as part of their mission, they are demonstrating that student well-being is just as vital as scholastic performance. Not only does this take the pressure off of students who may be struggling to learn, but it also gives educators the tools—and latitude—to make emotional development part of the experience. Human skills programs encourage a more collaborative, community-building mindset between teacher and student. They’re also designed to teach kids how to manage their emotions and build healthy relationships with their peers. A happier student is a better student. And a happier teacher is a better educator.

2. By fostering positive relationships

Positive relationships and trust with teachers can support students’ healthy development and learning. When everyone feels like they’re connected and part of something larger than themselves, it can bring out their best both in and out of the classroom. At its core, human skills instruction is about the relationship we have with ourselves and with others. Human skills programs are designed to help staff and students develop both intrapersonal and interpersonal relationship skills that focus on self-awareness, individual strengths, and self-management to guide more productive interactions with others.

3. By promoting a sense of empathy and compassion

Human skills programs encourage students to recognize and appreciate the diverse experiences and emotions of their peers. When students learn skills like empathy and compassion, they learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. This could lead to more respectful interactions, reduced bullying, and increased support for one another. In addition, human skills programs often emphasize prosocial behaviors, such as helping, cooperating, and showing concern for others. When students practice these behaviors consistently, they can contribute to a positive and caring school climate.

A Yale University report states that students who participated in universal school-based human skills interventions experienced improved school climate and safety as well as improved peer relationships, school functioning, academic achievement, and more.

Human skills programs are designed to teach students social-emotional skills that can set them up for success in school, work, and life—because having the skills to set goals, navigate relationships, and cultivate healthy behavioral responses can benefit students even after that final school bell rings.

Learn more about our Second Step® family of programs, which are designed for Early Learning through Grade 12.