Perhaps the must difficult to understand and to master of all the Texas Principal Proficiencies is that of climate.

As any educator understands, there are a countless number of variables that contribute to either the positive or negative climate of the school. Unfortunately, a strong school climate is difficult to create and to attain. However, when a positive school climate is created, the impact on student learning and attitude is immeasurable.

Again, the key to creating and maintain a positive school climate is teamwork. All stakeholders, parents, faculty, students, administration and others must work to create and maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning.

The archive I have included for this domain is a portion of the Livingston High School Handbook. I believing this is a very telling example of some of the work I have done regarding school climate in the past.

Clear communication, guidelines and expectations are needed to ensure a positive school climate. The handbook is and example of Livingston High Schoolís efforts to offer those elements. The handbook is a work in progress. It is updated, altered and revised continually throughout the year. In the beginning of each academic year the newly published copy reflects the changes and efforts of the Livingston High School stakeholders.

As assistant principal, I have the opportunity to coordinate the community effort that goes into creating the handbook. The final document that goes before the school board is ultimately my responsibility.