Identifying effective middle schools: Comparing perceptions of school community groups

: This research explores the perceptions of teachers/staff, parents/caregivers, and students regarding the effectiveness of middle schools in meeting the needs of adolescents, focusing on the framework outlined in the Successful Middle School: This We Believe (SMS) publication by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). The study, utilizing data from 10 U.S. middle schools, analyzes survey responses from 381 teachers/staff, 789 parents/caregivers, and 3496 students. Findings reveal significant differences in perceptions among the three groups across SMS characteristics. Notably, students perceive a less positive school environment concerning aspects of belonging, while parents/caregivers express concerns about holistic support and engagement. The study suggests implications for enhancing school environments, urging further qualitative research to understand adolescents’ experiences and improve communication between school community groups.