Elementary and Middle School Students' Perceptions of Violence-Prone School Subcontexts

Abstract

This study examined the views of 377 students (grades 2, 4, 6, and 8) from 5 elementary and 2 middle schools in 2 urban areas regarding violence-prone subcontexts in their schools. We explored context in several ways including contrasts (1) between elementary and middle schools, (2) among grade levels, and (3) among subcontexts within schools (e.g., hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, classrooms). Variation in student perceptions of school safety between sixth graders in elementary schools and sixth graders in middle schools was examined to better understand the relative influence of development and school organization on student perceptions. Findings suggested that middle school students were far more likely than elementary students to perceive danger in multiple and specific school subcontexts. Sixth graders in elementary schools tended to view dangerous school contexts in a manner similar to second and fourth graders, whereas the views of sixth graders in middle schools were similar to those of eighth graders. Thus, the organization and social dynamics of the middle school likely influenced students' perceptions of safety. Results also suggested that students in different grades within elementary and middle schools perceived danger differently in some subcontexts (cafeteria and hallways). Implications for research, theory, and practice are discussed.