BACKGROUND
There have been numerous writings on the effect of high school environment on students and teachers. Several of which, focus on high school students’ perceptions on colleges that the universities will use for research and marketing. One institution, the University of Toronto, had prospective students give the college a report card, grading different aspects of the college experience. www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/041013-542.asp
The studies have also focused on teachers, and the affect their surroundings have on their ability to teach. It looks into possible reasons as to why teachers quit, and the teacher’s perception of the school is one focus of the study. Teachers were surveyed on how much they spend a year replacing classroom supplies and materials throughout the year. www.edfacilities.org/pubs/teacherretention.html
Some of the studies include parents’ views and quality of the school lunch program. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders were surveyed to see if their views on the quality of school lunches matched that of the foodservice employees from 34 different schools. The study compared the two sample means with t-test values using p<0.05, linear correlations, and multiple regression to see if there was a relationship. http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/newsroom/jcnm/05spring/leblanc/index.asp
Other studied groups include students of specific nationality, race, and gender to determine whether or not school facilities are fair and equal for all students. One such study conducted by the Australian Government looks at school building condition as a factor affecting academic achievement. The report separated the factors into structural and cosmetic issues, which were used to analyze student behavior and alertness. Different colors, air qualities, temperatures, acoustics, and class sizes were used to see students’ responses in the school environment. However the subjects used in the study were younger children. www.dest.gov.au/.../publications_resources/schooling_issues_digest/schooling_issues_digest_building.htm
Another study focused exclusively on school size’s affect on school quality. Since the introduction of charter schools, many studies have been done to see if the charter schools are in fact performing better than the previously existing schools. The study surveyed 1,106 students and asked them to rate their current charter school with their former school on a scale of excellent, good, average, poor, and unsatisfactory.
www.wmich.edu/evalctr/charter/pa_reports/chapter_12_other_outcomes.pdf