Mapping School Geographies

Abstract

Uncovering issues of school safety, both perceived and real, requires research that probes students' perspectives. This paper tells the story of a comparative research project initiated in an English education methods course. The study was conducted in two high schools and utilized mapping and surveying to determine students' perceptions of school safety within the context of their own campuses. The findings, with relevant strategies for using critical literacy to involve students more directly in the conversation, have implications for classroom teachers and other school-related personnel who seek site-based interventions.