Building a Positive School Climate (BPSC) Cohort

The Building a Positive School Climate (BPSC) Cohort is a year-long cohort experience for educators committed to building strong school communities, most often through the implementation of house systems. Students learn best when they feel safe, connected, valued, and supported. A positive school climate strengthens a student’s sense of belonging, which can positively impact their attendance, engagement, behavior, and academic success.

The work of our BPSC Cohort strengthens students’ future ready skills such as leadership, collaboration, communication, and perseverance. In addition, it also supports educators by improving morale, strengthening collaboration, and creating a more connected school community within the district and with educators in other districts.

Since 2024, the BPSC Cohort has brought together over 200 educators from 20 school district teams committed to building belonging, developing student leadership, and fostering a positive culture through the implementation of house systems and other belonging initiatives.

Throughout the year, participating schools collaborate to share strategies, examine data, problem-solve challenges, and celebrate successes as they grow and refine their work. Most teams continue with the cohort year-over-year to refine their work and deepen relationships with other districts.

Program Outcomes

These schools experience progress in areas that matter most for both students and educators.

Student Outcomes

Increased attendance
Improved academic performance
Greater family and caregiver involvement
Decreased disciplinary actions
Strengthened social-emotional well-being

Educator Outcomes

Collaboration within and across schools
Integration with existing initiatives
Boosted morale and staff retention
Improved social-emotional well-being

Program Components

The program has three main components.

Cohort Meetings – Members from all district teams gather together in person to review topic-specific content, share best practices, network, have team planning time, and enjoy lunch. These meetings are typically held in early October, mid-late January, and in early March.
Site Visits – Teams experience house systems (and other belonging work) in action by visiting local schools, learning from their experiences, asking questions, and meeting with their students. We typically offer at least three site visits per year, taking place in October and November.
Virtual Team Check-Ins – Offered 2 – 3 times per year (and on an as-needed basis), program staff meet with teams virtually to offer targeted guidance, resources, and support.

Complete the BPSC 2026-2027 Interest Form