Why SPS Should Conduct a Climate Survey
09/27/2020
What is a Climate Assessment?
A climate survey assesses students' mental, physical, and emotional health. In 2019, the Andover student newspaper conducted a full climate assessment and published the results. Andover invited other schools in the Eight Schools Association (ESA) to participate. Participants included Milton, Exeter, Deerfield, and Northfield Mount Hermon. SPS was invited, but declined to participate. In the climate survey, Andover assessed: Fairness of disciplinary system, politics and world views, wellness (self harm,, happiness level, sleep, mental support systems, bullying etc), Sexual health and sex education, and drug and alcohol consumption. When SPS was invited to participate in the assessment, Aaron Marsh (former dean) wrote:
"St. Paul's is engaged in its own culture and climate work at this time, but hopes to participate in the Eight Schools project in the future.
However, we have never seen or heard about the results of this climate survey. How can a you fix things, if you don't know what is broken. SPS should participate in the climate assessment and publish the results every year in order to understand the school's strengths, weaknesses, and how to move forward.
ANDOVER'S FULL ASSESSMENT: www.esa.phillippian.net