Components of the High School Environment

Abstract

A principal components analysis was conducted on the scale scores of Stern's High School Characteristics Index (HSCI). Nine factors accounted for slightly more than two‐thirds of the variability of the instrument. The lack of similarity of the HSCI factors and those reported for the College Characteristics Index was noted. The most significant factor was labeled Intellectual Self‐Expression and resembled a factor derived from earlier analyses of the scale.

Measurement of group responses to assess the environmental press of secondary schools

“…The instrument receiving the most prodi gious use for this purpose is Stern's High School Character istics Index (48). This instrument is a version of the College Characteristics Index (50) also developed by Stern. There are close similarities between these two instruments as well as with the College and University Environmental Scales There is little data available regarding the measurement characteristics of the High School Characteristics Index (17,20). It is necessary to determine whether items contained in this instrument are capable of discriminating, in practical research situations, environmental differences among high schools.…”