About the AASB-CDL School Climate and Connectedness Survey

A growing body of research shows a direct correlation between positive school climate and connectedness, and academic achievement—students who feel safe, connected and engaged in their schools learn more successfully.

Recognizing the importance of positive climate and connectedness, the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB), the American Institute for Research (AIR), and the Anchorage School District (ASD) collaborated in the development of a survey instrument to measure student and staff perceptions of school climate, how peers treat each other, observations of student behavior at school and connections between school and the community.   The instrument—Student Climate and Connectedness Survey (SCCS)—is now being used widely by many districts including the Anchorage School District that administers the survey annually to all school staff and to students in grades 5-12. 

The SCCS is a key component of AASB’s long-term evaluation strategy for measuring the effectiveness of the 4-year CDL initiative. The SCCS is administered at the beginning of the initiative and repeated midway and at the end.

All students (grade 5 and above) and staff participating in digital learning initiatives across Alaska are required to take the survey. SCCS questions have been developed in a manner that active parental consent is not required. The online survey is anonymous and does not ask questions about students’ families. Participants complete the 20 minute survey using their assigned computer and the Internet.

The student survey consists of four major parts with sample questions as follows.

Background Information

-Is there an adult who really knows what you do with your free time?

-Do you have someone outside of school who can help you with your homework?

About My School

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

-At school, decisions are made based on what is best for students.

-There are lots of chances for students in my school to talk with teachers one-on-one.

How Often in My School?

In the past 12 months, how many times have you personally seen students do these things at school or at school events? (0-12 times)

-Under the influence of drugs (marijuana/coke/crack)

-Threaten or bully

About Me

Select the answer that shows how true you think each of the following statements is most of the time.

-I know what I do well and know what areas I need to work on.

-I get along well with other students.