Book excerpt: In order to test the validity of a measure of Australian students' views on the quality of life within their schools, a small-scale study was conducted in seven secondary schools, including both public and private institutions. The 52-item survey instrument was administered to 651 students in grades 9-12. Followup interviews of students were held in the four schools scoring highest and lowest on the measure. The questionnaire was designed to provide information concerning the students' general satisfaction with their schools, their perceptions of positive and negative qualities of their school environments, and their opinions concerning the schools' effectiveness in encouraging personal and social development, useful learning, and the acquisition of technical competence. Responses were compared by institution, grade level, and sex of respondents. The study results were mixed, failing to provide clear-cut guidelines for designing a school with optimal quality of life. Only the attitude of teachers to students stood out as having a universally critical effect. Measurable but less consistent effects were related to curriculum, peer attitudes, facilities, and school rules. The study indicated the instrument could be useful with minor modification. A copy of the survey instrument is appended. (Author/PGD)