---
title: "Teacher-Student Interactions in Grades 4 through 12: What the Research Says"
description: There are recent findings that point to the importance of teacher-student interactions, even for students in high school.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550107390-jpg/blog-attachments/126519756.jpg
---

[![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/)

- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)

- The CLASS Framework
  
    - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
    - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
    - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
    - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
    - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
    - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
    - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
    - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
    - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
      
          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
    - Coach Trainings & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
    - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
      
          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
          - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
      
          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
  
    - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
    - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
      
          - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
          - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
    - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
    - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
  
    - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
    - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
    - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
    - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
    - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)

- The CLASS Framework
  
    - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
    - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
    - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
    - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
    - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
    - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
    - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
    - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
    - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
      
          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
    - Coach Trainings & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
    - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
      
          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
          - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
      
          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
  
    - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
    - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
      
          - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
          - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
    - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
    - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
  
    - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
    - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
    - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
    - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
    - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)

- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)

# Teacher-Student Interactions in Grades 4 through 12: What the Research Says

 August 29 2014 by [Ginny Vitiello](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/ginny-vitiello)

- [K-12](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/k-12)
- [Research](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/research)
- [Professional Development](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/professional-development)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550107390-jpg/blog-attachments/126519756.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=126519756.jpg)

At Teachstone, we spend so much time focused on early childhood that it's easy to lose track of all the great work being done in the [upper grades](http://teachstone.com/the-class-system/age-levels/age-levels-k-12/). For this reason, my colleague, [Joe Pierce](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/exploring-upper-elementary-secondary-school-levels/?hsLang=en-us), and Jessica, our blog moderator, asked me to review some of the research on interactions in upper elementary and secondary classrooms. There are recent findings that point to the importance of teacher-student interactions, even for students in high school. Here are some key points, along with links to articles in case you want to dig deeper.

## **Emotional support**:

- Students were on [higher achievement trajectories](http://aer.sagepub.com/content/45/2/365.short) in reading and math when their teachers were more emotionally supportive
- Students in more emotionally-supportive classrooms were [more engaged in learning](http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/edu/104/3/700/), which in turn led to better grades
- Students in classrooms with [a more positive climate and higher regard for student perspectives](http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1007218) scored higher on end-of-year standardized achievement tests

## **Instructional support:**

- Students in classrooms with [stronger instructional support](http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1007218) scored higher on end-of-year standardized achievement tests

**Overall CLASS scores:**

- Results from the Gates Foundation Measures of Effective Teaching study found [significant associations](http://www.metproject.org/downloads/MET_Gathering_Feedback_Research_Paper.pdf) between CLASS scores and math and English language arts assessment results

**Teacher professional development:**

- [MyTeachingPartner (MTP) coaching](http://teachstone.com/services/training/other-trainings/myteachingpartner-coaching/) at the secondary level [significantly improved teacher-student interactions](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6045/1034.short)
- Students who took classes with teachers in the MTP program were [more behaviorally engaged in learning](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pits.21741/abstract;jsessionid=204E3142F016DD5F2B5247646D7748B4.f04t01?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=true) and had [higher achievement scores](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6045/1034.short)
- Teachers participating in the RULER program, a social/emotional learning program, made [significant gains in emotional support](http://ei.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pub326_2013_PreventionScience.pdf)

More articles are being published all the time. Let me know if you have questions or thoughts in the comments section.

[![Learn how CLASS works in Kindergarten through 12th grade](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/336169/0abfd9d4-dd69-4b34-9def-a64a7e19f041.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/336169/0abfd9d4-dd69-4b34-9def-a64a7e19f041)

## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog

[![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/)

- <https://www.facebook.com/Teachstone>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachstone/>

- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) 
    - [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
    - [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
- [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/) 
    - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
    - [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)
    - [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/)
    - [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/)
    - [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/)

- [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/)
- [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/)
- [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/)

© 2026 Teachstone, Inc

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Ginny Vitiello",
    "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/ginny-vitiello"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-05-24T20:57:56.490Z",
  "datePublished" : "2014-08-29T17:06:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Teacher-Student Interactions in Grades 4 through 12: What the Research Says",
  "image" : [ "https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550107390-jpg/blog-attachments/126519756.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-student-interactions-grades-4-12-research-says",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3.png"
    },
    "name" : "Teachstone"
  }
}
```