School climate and culture : a case study on the impact of student perception
[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study takes a deeper look into the factors that create school climate and culture and how those factors are perceived by students. A quantitative study was conducted by administering a survey to 199 students at one rural Midwest high school. A chi-square test was performed to determine differences between two groups; high and low-grade point average and high and low attendance. Many statistically significant findings were found especially among the low-grade point average and low attendance groups. While students appeared to be overall pleased with some areas within the school such as safety, the biggest negative impact was seen in student stress levels and lack of connections with faculty members. The results suggest that a positive climate and culture can also influence student grade point average and attendance which can further impact student performance areas that toward which educators strive.