About the School Climate Surveys

Since the 2007-08 school year, SCCPSS has implemented a series of online surveys to solicit feedback on key stakeholders’ perceptions of the schools.  In its first year the survey targeted teachers, parents, and 5^th & 6^th grade students, and in subsequent years expanded to include additional school staff members as well as 7^th & 11^th grade students. Additionally, in the 2009-10 school year paper surveys for parents were piloted at 7 schools.

Each survey consists of approximately 15 items distributed among three domains of interest – communication & relationships with school personnel; school safety; and instructional effectiveness.  In the analysis which follows, survey results are reported as the average percentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree with the survey items within a given domain.  All survey items are phrased as positive statements about the school, (for example, “I feel safe at my school”), so that agreement with the statement indicates a positive perception. 

As results are analyzed, it is important to consider the context in which the school climate surveys took place.  For example, declines in teacher/staff perceptions that materials and resources are adequate are likely influenced by the current budget shortfall.  In addition, the online survey format, low response rates at some schools, and the response bias inherent when respondents volunteer to participate in a survey are all factors which may influence the survey results.

Highlights from the 2009-10 SCCPSS School Climate Surveys include:

Teachers/Staff

• In all three survey domains, 86% of SCCPSS teachers and staff report positive perceptions of their school.

·         Positive perceptions among teachers/staff have increased compared to last year in the areas of Communication and Relationships and School Safety, with the greatest increase in perceptions that student discipline is handled in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

·         Teacher/staff satisfaction with Instructional Effectiveness decreased by 1 point, as a result of declines in perceptions that the availability of materials, resources, and professional development is adequate.

·         Teachers/staff at the elementary, middle, and high school levels report similar levels of satisfaction in the areas of Communication and Relationships and School Safety.  In the area of Instructional Effectiveness, elementary and middle school teachers/staff indicate greater satisfaction than high school teachers/staff.

Students

• Among students in the grade levels surveyed, 86% report satisfaction with Communication & Relationships with teachers; 82% report satisfaction with School Safety; and 88% report satisfaction with Instructional Effectiveness.

·         Positive perceptions among students have increased compared to last year in all three survey domains.  The greatest gains occurred in perceptions that students are treated with respect; that students trust their teachers; that student discipline is handled in accordance with the Code of Conduct; and that school staff ensure that students follow the rules.

·         Fifth grade students report the highest levels of satisfaction, followed by 6^th and 7^th grade students, and 11^th graders.  Students at all grade levels express more positive perceptions in the areas of Communication and Relationships and Instructional Effectiveness than in School Safety.

Parents

• Of all survey participants, parents report the highest overall satisfaction levels, with 90% expressing positive perceptions in the area of Communication and Relationships; 89% in the area of School Safety, and 91% in Instructional Effectiveness.

·         Positive perceptions among parents have increased compared to last year in all three survey domains.  The greatest gains occurred in perceptions that student discipline is handled in accordance with the Code of Conduct; and that school staff ensure that students follow the rules.

·         Parents report the highest levels of satisfaction with elementary schools, followed by middle and high schools. 

Overall

• Positive perceptions of SCCPSS schools are increasing among teachers, staff, students, and parents.
•  Among all survey participants, items relating to appropriate management of student behavior and discipline have seen the greatest overall improvement.

Climate Surveys 2010 (Charts & Graphs)