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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.

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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)

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