Middle-Grades School Climate: Comparing Perceptions of School Staff

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Voices From the Field: Students, Staff, and Teachers (Table 4)

Abstract

Studies have revealed that perceptions of school climate, including perceptions of school staff, are linked to multiple outcomes for students, teachers, and schools. However, staff perceptions regarding the degree to which their schools are meeting the needs of young adolescents may vary across schools, roles, and individuals. Thus, this study investigated the perceptions of school staff, including teachers, administrators, library media specialists, instructional coaches, counselors, and other school staff in 58 middle schools regarding how well their school meets the needs of young adolescents as described by the Successul Middle School (Bishop & Harris, 2021). Results indicate interesting trends, including significant differences between the perceptions of administrators and school staff in relation to elements of school leadership and organization.

Authors

• Sarah E. Pennington, Montana State University

• Christina J. Fassbender, Montana State University