NCJ Number
251881
Journal
School Psychology Quarterly Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: 2017 Pages: 350-366
Date Published
2017
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study compared 7th and 8th grade students' perceptions of four key features of school climate (disciplinary structure, student support, student engagement, and prevalence of teasing and bullying) in middle schools compared with elementary or high schools.
Abstract
Educational authorities have questioned whether middle schools provide the best school climate for 7th and 8th grade students, and proposed that other grade configurations such as K-8th grade schools may provide a better learning environment. In examining this issue, the current study used multilevel multivariate modeling in a statewide sample of 39,036 7th and 8th grade students attending 418 schools. The study found that students attending middle schools had a more negative perception of school climate than students in schools with other grade configurations. Seventh grade students placed in middle schools reported lower disciplinary structure and a higher prevalence of teasing and bullying compared to those in elementary schools. Eighth-grade students in middle schools reported poorer disciplinary structure, lower student engagement, and a higher prevalence of teasing and bullying compared to those in high schools. These findings can guide school psychologists in identifying aspects of school climate that may be troublesome for 7th and 8th grade students in schools with different grade configurations. (Publisher abstract modified)