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During the last decades, a significant increase in empirical studies concerning school violence is observed. Evidence-based interventions that promote positive school climate have been found to improve social competence, resilience, and students' well-being in schools, resulting in team bonding, feelings of acceptance, respect, and a sense of belonging. The present study explores junior high school students' perceptions regarding school climate dimensions referring to safety and relationships (i.e., discipline/order, positive peer relations, bullying prevention, respect of diversity). The sample consisted of 726 students from junior high schools in the broader area of Athens (mean age 14.4 years). Questionnaires regarding school climate dimensions focusing on safety and relationships, subjective well-being, economic crisis difficulties, and demographic data including gender, school grade, and academic performance were completed. Using conditional process analyses, the effect of a three-way interaction between school climate, academic performance, and economic difficulties on junior high school students' subjective well-being is examined. Gender and school grade are also studied. Results suggest that positive peer relations, bullying prevention, and respect for diversity associated with academic performance (but not with gender and school grade) moderate the relationship between economic difficulties and subjective well-being. The development and implementation of several intervention programs in diverse school settings in the Greek educational system are briefly discussed focusing on their effectiveness and usefulness regarding the promotion of school well-being and prevention of bullying and school violence.

In this study, an evidence-based program aiming to promote psychological well-being and resilience within the context of Greek schools is presented. It is based upon a multidimensional model that synthesizes different theoretical domains, placing emphasis on different goals depending on the needs of the school community during unsettling times. Culture-specific characteristics of the economic recession are addressed, using a multilevel mixed-model participatory design, including needs assessment, pre-assessment and post-assessment. Overall assessment supported the program's effectiveness on teachers' resilience, students' goal setting, and the promotion of a positive school climate.

The objective of the present study was to develop a scale that is appropriate for use internationally to measure affective, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions of student engagement. Psychometric properties of this scale were examined with data of 3,420 students (7th, 8th, and 9th grade) from 12 countries (Austria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States). The intraclass correlation of the full-scale scores of student engagement between countries revealed that it was appropriate to aggregate the data from the 12 countries for further analyses. Coefficient alphas revealed good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability coefficients were also acceptable. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the data fit well to a second-order model with affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement as the first-order factors and student engagement as the second-order factor. The results support the use of this scale to measure student engagement as a metaconstruct. Furthermore, the significant correlations of the scale with instructional practices, teacher support, peer support, parent support, emotions, academic performance, and school conduct indicated good concurrent validity of the scale. Considerations and implications regarding the international use of this student engagement in school measure are discussed.

This study examined gender differences in student engagement and academic performance in school. Participants included 3420 students (7th, 8th, and 9th graders) from Austria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The results indicated that, compared to boys, girls reported higher levels of engagement in school and were rated higher by their teachers in academic performance. Student engagement accounted for gender differences in academic performance, but gender did not moderate the associations among student engagement, academic performance, or contextual supports. Analysis of multiple-group structural equation modeling revealed that perceptions of teacher support and parent support, but not peer support, were related indirectly to academic performance through student engagement. This partial mediation model was invariant across gender. The findings from this study enhance the understanding about the contextual and personal factors associated with girls' and boys' academic performance around the world. (Contains 2 figures and 4 tables.)

Explores the adjustment of 13- to 15-year-old Greek remigrant students in Greek schools. Teacher-ratings, self-ratings, achievement records and language competence data were studied. Remigrant students, especially those returning later, were found to experience difficulties mainly in the language/learning domain and less in the interpersonal and intrapersonal behavior domains. (35 references) (JL)

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of Greek teachers regarding the school integration of students with a chronic and life-limiting condition. This national survey comprised a representative sample of 1,792 educators. Of the sample, 19 percent (n = 340) had at least a child with a serious disease in their classroom throughout their career and were faced with increased academic difficulties and few changes in the child's behavior. Affected by their student's health problem, educators systematically avoided discussing the illness experience with the child and classmates. They tended to become more lenient in their grading, less expectant of high academic performance, and more supportive of the ill child. To facilitate the student's school integration, Greek educators, who felt unprepared to handle such situations, requested training, a closer cooperation with mental health professionals, and ongoing support to effectively handle the experience of a serious illness within their classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]