Conyers, GA – The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) just released the first School Climate Star Rating Report. The Star Climate Rating averages for Rockdale County Public Schools is shown below.

RCPS Elementary School Avg.	RCPS Middle School Avg.	RCPS High School Avg.	RCPS District Avg.
91.108	87.675	82.333	87.038
****	****	***	***/****

According to the GADOE, School climate refers to the quality and character of school life – the “culture” of a school. A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and student learning, which are essential elements for academic success, career-skill improvement and overall quality of life. The School Climate Star Rating helps determine whether a school is on the right path to school improvement.

“Research has shown us that school climate has a strong impact on student achievement,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The data used to develop the 2014 Star Ratings proves this once again. If your school has a positive climate, it’s giving students the environment they need to learn. You’ll likely see high achievement there – or a school that’s on the right track toward high achievement.”

Each school in Georgia received a 1-5 star ratings, with five stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate most in need of improvement. School Climate Star Ratings are an informational tool for schools, administrators, and parents; they do not affect the school’s College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score.

“I am pleased with our Climate Star averages,” says RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. “With this being a brand new measurement calculation, we will take the necessary time to analyze the report and determine areas for improvement.”

Parents are encouraged to take the Georgia Schools Parent Survey by March 27th which can be found on the RCPS web site at www.rockdale.k12.ga.us . Survey participation rates will be a factor in determining Star Climate Rating in next year’s calculation.