Creating and Sustaining Positive School Climate during COVID-19 Pandemic

Southern Connecticut State University. 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515. e-mail: 203-392-7278; Web site: https:/go.southernct.edu/jelps/

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Positive Attitudes; Educational Environment; COVID-19; Pandemics; Principals; Leadership; Political Issues; Student Participation; Socialization; Stress Variables; Student Behavior; Behavior Problems; Faculty Workload; Preschool Education; Elementary Schools; Middle Schools; High Schools

2473-2826

The researchers used a qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of 10 principals in creating and sustaining a positive school climate during COVID-19. The researchers conducted interviews over Zoom from October to December in 2021. The principals have worked in two American states, one Midwestern state and one in the South region of the country. Findings indicated that although the principals knew about school climate, they did not have a complete understanding of the concept. In the present study, it was concluded that a positive school climate is created and sustained with specific leadership skills such as pertaining to communication and building robust relationships. The challenges experienced by the principals included the socio-political climate of the country, low student participation, lack of socialization, stress due to the pandemic, student behavior problems, and workload of teachers.

As Provided

2023

EJ1371923