In 2007, the National School Climate Council spelled out specific criteria for what defines a positive school climate, including:

• Norms, values, and expectations that support social, emotional, and physical safety.
• People are engaged and respected.
• Students, families, and educators work together to develop and live a shared school vision.
• Educators model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits gained from learning.
• Each person contributes to the operations of the school and the care of the physical environment.