Reports show Chinese students have lower enrollment, higher dropout rates, and larger gender gaps in secondary schools in poor areas. Research indicates students' perceptions about schooling contribute to their decisions about staying in school. In this study in a poor rural area with high percentages of minority students, the student questionnaire from the GSCF-2 investigated middle school students' views on issues connected with educational engagement by gender and ethnic status. Findings include descriptive statistics on all items, as well as significant differences on gender and group status on some sub-constructs. Implications for targeted professional development and policy efforts are included. (Contains 4 tables.)