Improving Student-Teacher Relationships

� Students with whom teachers perceive a closer
relationship are rated higher on measures of
academic achievement and social competence
(Pianta & Stuhlman, 2004).
� Teachers interact differently with high-achieving
and low-achieving students.
◦ Low-achieving students experience fewer interactions,
and less supportive ones, than their high-achieving
peers (Baker, 1999). This is a major concern given that
low-achieving students stand to benefit the most from
caring and supportive relationships with their teachers
(Hamre & Pianta 2005).