| Delois Maxwell
NCES
Toward a Policy of Restructuring for Urban Student Diversity: Influence of School Climate and Parent Attitude Perceptions on Perceptions of Education and Self
FINAL REPORT:
Data from 3707 NELS:88 urban public school students were analyzed to determine the influence of school climate and parent attitude perceptions on education and self perceptions at lOth and 12th grade. The affects of race and gender and change in perceptions was also examined. Regression results at lOth grade indicated that perceptions of the school learning climate (importance of learning and education to friends) has the strongest association with education expectations, while motivation to learn is strongly influenced by student perceptions of parent aspirations, or how far in school parents want them to go. Self concept beliefs are influenced most by the school social climate (teacher attitudes and behaviors, school spirit, discipline fairness), while 10th graders' sense of optimism is largely a function of the learning climate of the school. As seniors, school social climate is the strongest factor influencing motivation to learn, while perceptions of parent trust influence education expectations, self concept beliefs, and sense of optimism most. Race and gender affects most of these perceptions at both lOth and 12th grade. Policy implications for restructuring urban schools to accommodate student diversity is discussed.
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