The SCCS is a voluntary statewide survey taken by students grades 3-12, all school-based staff, and ASD families since 2006, developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in partnership with Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) and Panorama Education. It measures school climate, how connected students feel to adults and peers, social and emotional learning, and observed risk behaviors at school or school events.

ASD uses the data in strategic planning, evaluating programs, and improving community-school relationships both at the school and district level.

Research has shown that when students feel safe, connected, and engaged in their schools they are more successful learners and exhibit fewer risk behaviors.