Enhancing School Connectedness: Teachers' Perceived Confidence in Positively Connecting Students to School

Abstract

The present study examined teachers' perceived confidence in using strategies to positively connect students to school. A total of 419 teachers in Ohio elementary and middle schools were surveyed (60% response rate). Results indicated that teachers felt slightly confident to confident in their abilities to positively connect students to school. Teachers in elementary (grades 1–3) and rural schools felt significantly more confident than those in middle (grades 4–6) and urban schools in their abilities to use school connectedness strategies. Those who felt positively connected to their students felt significantly more likely than their counterparts to use school connectedness strategies. Teachers reporting high use of school connectedness strategies felt significantly more confident than teachers who reported low use of strategies to connect students to school. These findings should be considered when developing school connectedness training programs for teachers.

Keywords::

• School
• Connectedness
• teacher
• perceived confidence

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca A. Vidourek

Rebecca A. Vidourek, PhD, CHES, is an assistant professor of the Health Promotion and Education program at the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests are in child and adolescent health promotion, school and family connectedness, and prevention. She has published numerous international articles on child and adolescent health issues.

Keith A. King

Keith A. King, PhD, MCHES, is professor and program director of the Health Promotion and Education program at the University of Cincinnati. His research interests are in child and adolescent health, school and family connectedness, and suicide prevention. He has published and presented internationally on child and adolescent health.