The Development and Validation of the Schoolwide Climate Scale

The purpose of this study is the development and validation of the Schoolwide Climate Scale by integrating the most relevant existing perspectives described in scientific literature. The main objective of the investigation has been the empiric test of the validity of the construct. The sample consisted in 3,146 pupils of primary and secondary compulsory education in Andalusia, Spain. We have contrasted, through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the suitability of an explanatory model of the school life composed of eight dimensions. The results show the relevant effect on the construct of the interpersonal management and the example given by the teachers to the pupils as regards good relations, as well as of the need of including its positive and negative aspects in the construct.