NCJ Number
212484
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 3-19
Date Published
2005
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the presence of multiple distinct character traits among students at elementary and secondary schools and evaluated the relation between these school climate indicators and students’ perceptions of school safety.
Abstract
In response to high-profile incidents of school violence and crime among youth, there has been resurgence in local and national character education (CE) initiatives to promote a positive social climate at school. This study assessed school climate for both interpersonal and intrapersonal character traits and examined the links between school climate and students’ perceptions of safety at school. The study sample consisted of 223 students (64 elementary school students, 132 middle school students, and 27 high school students) from the Pittsburgh Public School District (PPS). Participating students completed questionnaires to assess school climate and perceptions of school safety. The findings support the link between specific character traits and students’ perceptions of school safety. In addition, support was moderate and differences across the patterns of inter-relations were found depending on the domain of safety examined. In the area of interpersonal safety, multiple character traits were significantly related to fewer fights among students and more positive peer relations at school. Overall, interpersonal and environmental safety domains were more highly related to school climate than the criminal/delinquent safety domain. In summation, the study provides evidence for the reliable assessment of specific character traits with both elementary and secondary students. Tables, references