Students Perceived School Climate: A Rasch Validation of Indonesian Version of WHITS Aisyah Khoirunnisa (a*), Santi Pratiwi (b), Hellen Lie Grace Ghautama (c), Tina Hayati Dahlan (d)
a) School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia, *aisyah.khoirunnisa[at]upi.edu
b) School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia, santipratiwi[at]upi,edu
c) School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia, hellenlie[at]upi.edu
d) School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia, tinadahlan_psi[at]upi.edu
Abstract
Schools not only serve as centers of knowledge but also function as microsystems that shape students^ social, emotional, and academic development. A positive school climate enhances engagement, fosters learning motivation, and reduces negative behaviors such as bullying, whereas a negative climate impedes growth. This study aimed to validate the Indonesian version of the Whats Happening in This School? (WHITS) instrument among 482 junior high school students. The final 48-item scale measured six dimensions: teacher support, peer connectedness, school connectedness, affirming diversity, rule clarity, and reporting and seeking help. Data were collected through convenience sampling using an online questionnaire, and Rasch analysis was conducted to evaluate reliability and item fit. The results indicated excellent psychometric properties, with a Cronbachs alpha of 0.95 and person reliability of 0.93, indicating strong internal consistency and response stability. These findings confirm that WHITS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing school climate among Indonesian students.
Keywords: WHITS, school climate, Rasch model, Indonesian version, high school students
