A growing body of research indicates that schools with positive school climate ratings have better test scores and higher graduation rates. School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. The first step to improving school climate is to measure and analyze it with a school climate survey instrument. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is a national leader in the collection and analysis of school climate data through the implementation of its annual Georgia Student Health Survey 2.0 (GSHS 2.0). The GSHS 2.0 is an anonymous, statewide survey instrument developed by many divisions within the GaDOE including the Assessment and Accountability Division and in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Georgia State University. The GSHS 2.0 identifies safety and health issues that have a negative impact on student achievement and school climate.
The survey is offered at no cost and provides Georgia public school districts (and private schools that wish to participate) with a measurement system to satisfy all requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The survey is also used to guide school prevention and intervention programs and for grant funding. The GSHS 2.0 for middle and high school students covers various topics such as school climate and safety, graduation, school dropouts, alcohol and drug use, bullying and harassment, suicide, nutrition, and sedentary behaviors. The GSHS 2.0 for elementary students includes school safety and school climate questions only.
Source: Georgia Department of Education
TMSA students in grades 3-8 will take the survey beginning Monday, February 5. Please note all Georgia public school must complete the survey by March 1. Below you will find links to the survey questions as well as letters to opt out. If you do not wish your child to participate, please return the passive permission letter to your child's homeroom teacher by Friday, February 1, 2019.