| The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' view of school climate as a reflection of the prevailing social systems within high schools of different size. Teachers' perception of threat and the incidence of campus violence were investigated as factors that contribute to that perception. Six high schools were selected (two small, two medium, and two large) that yielded 255 completed teacher surveys. Analysis of variance and logistic regression findings revealed significant differences between school size, and school violence, teacher characteristics, and the connections teachers have between school administration, their profession, colleagues, and students. Discussion focused upon the relationship of these findings to theoretical and empirical studies and how schools within the region can alter their social system makeup so as to create a school environment that reduces the possibility of teacher and student risk for violence, and builds social system mechanisms that enhance teachers' power, collegiality, and attachments to students. |
