Working Together?: Middle School Principal and Teacher Perceptions of Curriculum, Culture, and the Middle School Concept

• In Event: Teaching and Learning in the Middle Grades

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ and principals’ perceptions concerning the middle school concept and the similarities and differences between teachers and principals regarding middle school practices. To that end, we sought to address the following research questions through our inquiry:
RQ1: How do principals and teachers perceive the importance and implementation of key components of the middle school concept?
RQ2: What similarities and differences exist between principals’ and teachers’ perceptions of importance and implementation of middle school components?
To answer these questions, we distributed a survey of middle school practices and beliefs to middle school teachers and principals in all 50 states. Findings suggest general agreement about beliefs and implementation of instruction, culture, and middle school practices. However, important discrepancies did arise. Future directions will be discussed.

Authors

• Shawn Faulkner, Northern Kentucky University

• James Ryan Alverson, Northern Kentucky University

• Mike DiCicco, Northern Kentucky University

• Chris Cook, Appalachian State University