Skip to main content

Students Mirror Parental Values When Choosing Between Success, Caring

A broad survey of middle and high school students found that when asked to rank achievement, happiness and empathy in order of importance, most participants chose high achievement as their most important value.

Republish
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District superintendent Daniel King speaks to graduates from Options High School, College Career & Technology Academy and Teen-Age Parenting Program High School during their graduation ceremony December 16, 2010 at the San Juan Middle School Auditorium in San Juan, Texas.
Credit: Gabe Hernandez

A broad survey of middle and high school students found that when asked to rank achievement, happiness and empathy in order of importance, most participants chose high achievement as their most important value. Researchers worry that students are mirroring parental concerns and giving short shrift to compassion and kindness in favor of success. (NPR)

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$20 $25 $50 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

John Reynolds’s staff photo

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics