NCJ Number
171717
Editor(s)
C Perry
Date Published
1997
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This study involved a nationwide, random sample telephone survey of more than 1,300 high school students, a survey of 250 private school students, focus groups in several States (Alabama, Illinois, California, Washington, and New York), and local studies in Kentucky and California to assess young people's attitudes toward education.
Abstract
Results showed most teenagers believed getting an education was essential to their future. Most teenagers did not actively dislike their schools but many identified serious shortcomings, including too many disruptive students, poor discipline, and crowded classes. Private students had fewer such complaints. Most young people readily admitted they did not work as hard as they could in school and said higher standards would make them do more. In addition, most young people indicated the close attention of teachers, even more than higher standards, was the real key to getting them to learn more. Teenagers expected a lot from their teachers and had very clear ideas of what constituted a good or a bad teacher. Private school students had far more positive views about their teachers. Students and teachers in public schools complained about a lack of respect and civility, and students made some serious charges about the behavior of their peers and the social scene. Black and Hispanic teenagers supported higher standards for all young people but were more critical of their schools. Private school students were significantly more positive about their schools and teachers than public school students. 18 endnotes and 11 tables