Relationships between teachers and students regarding the fundamental attitudes and values of democracy

The main purpose of this study was to determine what, if any, relationship existed between the values and attitudes of teachers and students in the schools of McMinn County, Tennessee, in regard to two issues related to citizenship:

1. How they viewed the United States as a nation.

2. How they perceived their roles as citizens.

The study examined five (5) general areas of concern which the literature indicated were basic democratic values essential to the democratic way of life: 1) voting, 2) forming and expressing opinions, 3) taxes, 4) upholding laws and government, and 5) defense of country. Comparisons were drawn relative to teachers' gender, grade assignment, and years of teaching experience.

A survey instrument based on criteria identified in the literature was designed by the researcher. This survey was administered to McMinn County teachers and to seniors of the two county high schools.

Both groups saw voting as a privilege. A plurality of the teachers favored involvement in a political party, while students were mainly undecided about the need for party membership. Both groups felt strongly that teachers were obligated to teach the principles of democracy and American history at every grade level. Both groups were unsure about teachers presenting alternative philosophies of government. Both students and teachers were either undecided or disapproved extending appropriations for the disadvantaged. Both groups were undecided about the value of the nuclear arms race but endorsed the space program. A majority of students and a plurality of teachers were undecided about taxes being too high. Both teachers and students exhibited trust in government and felt that all laws should be obeyed. Teachers were against United States involvement in war, while students were undecided. The gender of the teacher was found to be directly related to views concerning war and aggression, males favoring aggression more than females.

In addition to item analysis, a total score on the survey instrument was also compiled so that teacher responses and student responses could be compared holistically. Mean cumulative scores of both groups suggested a moderately high level of agreement with traditional American attitudes, beliefs, and values as measured by the survey.