Developmental Considerations for School Climate Research: Comparing Middle and High School Students’ School Perceptions

• In Event: School Climate Considerations Related to Bullying, School-level, and Racial Differences

Abstract

Despite extensive attention to school climate, research has remained limited on how developmental stages might influence students' school climate perceptions. As such, this qualitative study examines school climate perceptions among those in early to late adolescence. We analyzed data from 13 focus groups from middle and high school students to explore perceptions of school climate, safety, adult relationships, and peer relationships. Findings revealed meaningful alignment between middle and high school students in climate and adult relationship perceptions, but distinct differences in safety concerns and peer relationship dynamics. These findings suggest pathways for creating more developmentally-informed school climates and highlight both developmental differences and similarities in school climate perceptions across early to late adolescence.

Authors

• Jennifer R. Renick, Michigan State University

• Chloe Fann, University of Memphis

• Asya Tiani Miles, University of Memphis

• Emily Srisarajivakul, University of Memphis