Learning Climate – SSR Findings
| Strength Areas | Growth Areas |
|---|---|
| Positive Relationships & Sense of Belonging Vilas provides a welcoming, positive learning environment built on strong relationships. Adults model positive and respectful interactions, and students experience trusting relationships with staff. The small-school environment allows staff to know students personally and provide individualized support. | Student Voice, Leadership & Ownership While students have opportunities for choice, Vilas can strengthen formal structures for students to influence classroom and school decisions, provide meaningful feedback, and take leadership roles. Student voice should increasingly move from participation to authentic involvement in shaping their learning and school experience. |
| Safe & Inclusive Environment Students experience a safe, orderly, and accepting school environment. Clear policies, staff presence, positive behavioral expectations, and strong relationships contribute to students feeling secure and supported. The school also demonstrates respect for students’ and families’ experiences and backgrounds. | Student Understanding of Their Own Learning Students generally understand learning expectations, but there is an opportunity to strengthen their ability to evaluate their own performance against clear measures of mastery. Greater use of rubrics, exemplars, success criteria, reflection, and feedback would help students answer: Where am I now? Where am I going? What do I need to do next? |
| Personalized & Engaging Learning Environment Students have opportunities for choice, goal setting, and learning experiences connected to their individual interests. Students generally enjoy school and demonstrate curiosity, participation, and persistence, particularly when they are engaged in learning experiences they have helped select. | Growth Mindset, Resilience & Learning Dispositions Students demonstrate persistence and engagement, but these skills can become more intentionally developed across classrooms. Goal setting can move beyond grades and assessment scores toward students identifying specific skills, competencies, and learning behaviors they want to improve. |
| Strong Family & Community Connection Families and community members are active partners in the school. School events, enrichment opportunities, and community support provide students with additional experiences and contribute to a strong sense of connection between the school and community. | Consistency of Student-Centered, Engaging Instruction Vilas has examples of student-centered and engaging learning, but these practices can become more consistent across classrooms. Increasing opportunities for inquiry, student questioning, active learning, choice, collaboration, and deeper thinking would strengthen engagement throughout the school day. |