Students with brain tumors: Their post-treatment perceptions of teachers, peers, and academics and retrospective views on school during treatment

The purpose of this pilot study was: (1) to determine how students surviving brain tumors (BTs) perceive their teachers' responses to them, their own academic performance, and their interactions with peers at school using a new measure; and (2) to describe students' retrospective perceptions of schooling while undergoing treatment. Using a sample of 22 students treated for a BT (ages 9-18) and 22 comparison (ages 8-19), no significant BT-control group differences regarding perceptions of teacher response, academic performance, and interactions with peers at school were found. Generally, students with BTs reported positive school experiences during treatment including favorable perceptions of their teachers' effectiveness, enjoyment of schoolwork, and the quality of their schooling. Additionally, they felt that completing schoolwork during treatment was important. The results of this study may provide insight into the perceived psychosocial adjustment and academic performance of students with BTs during and after treatment.