The present study explored the developmental changes of teacher-student interpersonal relationships as well as that of academic motivation among first-grade secondary school students. In addition, the link between teacher-student interpersonal behaviour and academic motivation across the school year was investigated. The data were collected 5…

This article addresses whether students' achievement motivation changes over time, the relationship between changes in motivation and changes in educational attainment, and the between-school differences in these changes and their interrelationships. Also gender differences were studied. Multivariate multilevel latent growth curve analysis was…

The results indicate that in Flanders secondary schools of different denomination and of different school type (based on their curriculum offerings) differ with respect to several characteristics. With respect to the educational framework, learning environment and learning climate differences between schools are small and differences are more…

Ignoring a level can have a substantial impact on the conclusions of a multilevel analysis. For intercept-only models and for balanced data, we derive these effects analytically. For more complex random intercept models or for unbalanced data, a simulation study is performed. Most important effects concern estimates and corresponding standard…

Introduction to the two articles in this issue. Provides background information on a longitudinal study of Flanders secondary schools and on the study's sample, method, and variables relevant to the two articles. Also describes the organization of secondary education in Flanders. (Contains 33 references.) (PKP)

Explores the effects of secondary schools, teachers, and classes on mathematics achievement in Flanders secondary schools. After controlling for within-class and school recruitment differences, finds that class-level group composition remains an important explanation of difference in mathematics achievement. Also finds that the school-level…

Reports on the effects of individual background characteristics, classes, and school on four noncognitive secondary education outcomes in Flanders: Degree to which the student feels at home in the school environment, extent to which the student does his/her best for the schoolwork, academic self-concept, and social integration in the class.…

Explores effects of ignoring one or more levels of variation in hierarchical linear regression analysis, using a model with four hierarchical levels. Ignoring the top or intermediate levels influences fixed coefficients, variance components, and their corresponding standard error and can lead to different research conclusions. (Contains 16…

Explores effects of schools, teachers, and classes on first-year secondary students at year's end in Belgium, using multilevel analysis. Classes' and schools' relative influence on achievement is much higher than on well-being. An academic climate can discourage nonmotivated students. A communitarian climate can motivate all pupils. (Contains 54…