Minority Race, Minority Sexual Orientation, and Student Perception of School Climate

• In Event: 46.085 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 46.085-3 - Climate, Curriculum, and Conceptions of Self: Gender and Sexual Orientation in Schools

Abstract

Student minority status in schools can be multidimensional and potentially have an additive impact on school outcomes. This descriptive study investigates the relation of minority status, both in terms of race as well as sexual orientation, and the perception of school climate for high school students. Using data from a 2012 Student Voice Survey, developed by students and faculty collaboratively, this study generated a perception scale for survey responses in order to analyze the relationship of the variables quantitatively. A planned comparison to test for an interaction between racial status and sexual orientation on school climate perception confirmed the theory of additive impact of racial minority status and sexual minority status. Implications in research and praxis are discussed.

Authors

• Ross C Anderson, Educational Policy Improvement Center

• Drew Brandel, University of Oregon