Hear my voice: A cross-case analysis of middle school students' perceptions on caring in their schools.

摘要

This qualitative cross-analysis case study examined the unheard voices of middle school students to report their perceptions of caring in their schools. This study utilized focus group interviews to allow thirty-one middle school students from two rural school districts in Southeast Texas the opportunity to discuss attributes of caring they perceive as important for schools. A male student group and a female student group from each school were interviewed to allow a wide range of perceptions from the students. The interviews were analyzed and coded for common themes. The twelve common themes that emerged from the interviews were: characteristics of caring teachers; attributes of a caring principal; trust; respect; motivation; high expectations; the classroom environment; safety; equity; connectedness; voice; and the need for change. Four other isolated themes emerged: friendship; family; support; and relationships between students. The voices of the student participants present an honest and insightful dialogue on the topic of caring in two rural public middle schools.