Alabama School Climate Surveys

School climate plays a vital role in shaping the experiences of students, educators, and the broader school community. It reflects how members of the school community experience the school, including relationships, engagement, safety, teacher and other staff practices, and organizational arrangements. A positive school climate creates a supportive, engaging, and safe environment that enhances student learning and overall sense of belongingness.

The Alabama School Climate Surveys gather input from students, families, teachers, and administrators to capture perceptions of the learning environment. The results offer valuable insight into school climate, helping leaders identify strengths and address challenges that influence teaching and learning.

Viewing Survey Items

The Alabama School Climate Survey for the 2025-26 school year will open February 2 - March 31, 2026.

Alabama Administrator School Climate Survey

This survey is intended for school administrators including principals and assistant principals.

Access the Survey Items

Alabama Instructional Staff School Climate Survey

This survey seeks input from teachers and other staff who provide instruction to students.

Access the Survey Items

Alabama Student School Climate Survey

This survey is intended for students in grades 5–12.

Access the Survey Items

Alabama Family School Climate Survey

This survey is for parents and guardians of students.

Access the Survey Items

Check out the survey item alignment!

Reviewing and Interpreting eProve Survey Data

How to View Survey Data Results

School leaders can view the survey results by logging into the Cognia MyJourney website and selecting their institution.

Video Tutorial:

Directions:

Step 1. Select the Surveys option from the menu.

Step 2. Locate the specific survey you wish to review. Click the three-dot menu to view options. Then, click the Generate New Report option.

Step 3. You will receive an email once your report is ready. Click the link within the email to view your survey results.

Step 4. Review the survey data for the selected stakeholder group.

How to Analyze Survey Data Results to Identify Strengths and Priorities

Group responses by school climate categories (e.g., relationships, safety, teaching and learning, physical environment) to look for trends.
Highlight 2–3 areas where positive school climate is reported to build on those successes.
Pinpoint 2–3 areas that show the most need for improvement based on low scores, negative comments, or concerning trends. These are the areas that you will use to write PLP school climate goals.

Using Survey Data to Develop PLP Goals

School leaders are required to have a Professional Learning Plan (PLP) that includes at least one goal for school climate. Best practice is to use data from the Alabama School Climate Surveys to pinpoint the areas of most concern and

write goals to target the priorities.

Guidelines for Goal Writing

When writing your PLP goals for school climate, consider using the SMART approach.

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Example Statements of School Climate Goals

In one year, Alabama School Climate Survey data will indicate greater emotional safety by at least 5% for instructional staff, students, and families.

In one year, Alabama School Climate Survey data will show at least a 5% increase in instructional staff, students, and families feeling safe at our school.

How to Add School Climate Goals in the APLDS Evaluation System

School leaders complete the APLDS Evaluation System in AIM TE.

Directions:

Step 1. Log into the AIM portal.

Step 2. Select the Teaching Effectiveness (TE) tile then APLDS - School Leadership Evaluation System dashboard.

Step 3. Select the PLP step. (Note: this step will not be available until the prerequisite step has been completed.)

Step 4. Select APLDS Goals.

Step 5. Write at least one school climate goal.