Latest Valuegenesis research shows students more appreciative of Adventist education

Between October and December, 2010, Valuegenesis researchers, sponsored by the NAD, surveyed every available student in every Adventist school, grades 6-12, who was willing to be surveyed.  What they learned from more than 18,000 respondents about the faith maturity and attitudes of students is both interesting and in many ways gratifying.

1.  Adventist young people are more appreciative of their church schools than ever before.  When the first Valuegenesis survey was conducted in 1990 79% agreed with the statement, "I like my school."  In 2000 that figure was 73%; in 2010 it was 86%  Eighty-nine percent now agree with the statement, "Teaching is good."  The response in 2000 was 83%; in 1990 81%.

2.  When it comes to beliefs about premarital sex and dressing modestly, Adventist students in 2010 are a bit more "traditional" than they were in 1990 and 2000.  Seventy-seven percent now agree with the statement, "Sex should only occur in marriage."  In 1990 that figure was 68%.  Sixty-seven percent agree with the statement that we should "wear modest clothes."  In 2000 that figure was 60%.

3.  Sadly, there appears to be a decline in the number of young people who agree with the statement that we should "not use beer or liquor."  In 1990 88% agreed with that statement.  Support was 84% in 2000 and is now at 80%.

4.  There has been an increase since 2000 in the percentage of young people who agree with the statement, "The SDA church is the remnant church with a last-day message."  Only 46% agreed with that statement in 2000.  That figure is now 54%, but not as high as it was in 1990.

You can read more about the latest Valuegenesis findings here: Part 1  Part 2