for Parents, Staff, and Students Mendon-Upton Regional School District Parents and Staff: May 24 – June 10, 2016 Students (Grades 5–8): June 1–7, 2016 Students (Grades 9–12): May 25 – June 8, 2016
Positive school climate is an essential component of successful and effective schools. It is defined as shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape interactions between students, teachers, and administrators, while setting the parameters of acceptable behavior and norms for the school. Mendon-Upton Regional School District asked parents, staff members, and students for feedback on their school’s climate and culture to assess the overall climate of each school and to understand perceptions of the educational climate. Results will be used to inform school improvement. K12 Insight partnered with district staff to develop the School Climate Surveys, which addressed the following topics: • Academic Support • Student Support • School Leadership • Family Involvement • Safety and Behavior • School Communication The survey was open May 24 – June 10 for parents and staff members, May 25 – June 8 for students in grades 9–12, and June 1–7 for students in grades 5–8. Reminders were sent to parents and staff members on May 27 and June 1, 6, and 9. 2
organized according to school climate dimensions found in K12 Insight’s School Quality Survey and includes topics of particular interest to Mendon-Upton Regional School District (RSD). It summarizes survey results for three stakeholder groups: parents, staff members, and students. Results do not reflect random sampling; therefore, they should not be generalized to all Mendon-Upton RSD parents, staff members, and students. Rather, results reflect only the perceptions and opinions of survey participants. Findings for each item in the report exclude participants who did not answer. In some charts and graphs, data labels less than 5 percent are not shown. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. 3
Delivered (NMax) Number of Responses (N) Unique Access Response Rate (%) Public Access Link Responses Total Number of Responses Parents 1,391 503 36% 307 810 Staff Members 363 205 57% 26 231 Students (Grades 5-8) 797 745 94% N/A 745 Students (Grades 9-12) 606 462 76% N/A 462 4
you disagree or agree with the following statements? 16% 18% 21% 24% 50% 52% 56% 55% 26% 20% 14% 13% 6% 5%5% 5% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school’s learning standards and expectations are clearly explained to parents. (N=804) Teachers clearly communicate expectations. (N=802) Teachers set high expectations for all students. (N=805) This school has high learning standards for all students. (N=805) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know Parents
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 13% 10% 16% 19% 35% 33% 45% 59% 20% 21% 24% 15% 12% 5% 9% 5% 20% 31% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Teachers adapt to students’ individual learning styles to engage and challenge all learners. (N=799) Teachers successfully show students how lessons relate to life outside of school. (N=802) Teachers give timely and helpful feedback about student work. (N=802) Students are challenged by their schoolwork. (N=801) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 14% 30% 32% 25% 30% 40% 57% 50% 51% 57% 17% 10% 9% 6% 6% 22% 11% 14% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Students receive the support they need for academic and career planning. (N=769) This school offers students a variety of activities and courses. (N=772) Students at this school are treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disabilities. (N=773) There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a personal problem. (N=774) There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a school problem. (N=774) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 32% 29% 27% 28% 45% 50% 49% 49% 6% 11% 8% 9% 5% 6% 14% 6% 10% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are available when I have a concern. (N=799) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) clearly communicate the school mission and vision. (N=802) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that have a positive impact on teaching and learning. (N=796) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that are in the best interests of students. (N=800) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 34% 27% 31% 34% 49% 39% 42% 42% 8% 9% 7% 6% 5% 5% 5% 19% 16% 15% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) ensure that the school is a welcoming environment. (N=798) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) promptly resolve my issue when I have a concern. (N=797) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are responsive when I have a concern. (N=797) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are courteous when I have a concern. (N=799) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 32% 35% 31% 47% 47% 46% 54% 44% 48% 47% 11% 5% 18% 8% 5% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school encourages, respects, and values input provided by families. (N=771) Staff members and families treat each other with respect. (N=773) This school encourages families to volunteer in and out of the classroom through a variety of opportunities. (N=770) Families are encouraged to attend school-sponsored activities, such as back-to-school night. (N=772) Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as after-school and enrichment programs and student performances. (N=772) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 17% 26% 22% 23% 40% 58% 50% 38% 9% 5% 30% 11% 24% 36% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Discipline is enforced fairly. (N=799) This school is safe. (N=800) All students are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=800) All school staff members are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=802) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 29% 22% 15% 22% 55% 52% 31% 56% 8% 7% 7% 8% 5% 17% 42% 12% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school’s culture is positive and respectful. (N=798) Staff members take appropriate actions to ensure students feel safe and comfortable in attending school. (N=796) Staff members are responsive when students report bullying. (N=799) Staff members and students treat each other with respect. (N=796) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 33% 42% 33% 57% 51% 53% 6% 6% 10% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Open houses and other school-sponsored information programs (e.g., Keys to Clough, Nipmuc Showcase, Community iFair, etc.) are useful for learning about my child’s school. (N=765) School emails are useful for learning about school events, programs, enrichment, and supports. (N=768) The school uses regular, consistent, and effective methods to communicate with parents about school policies and procedures, school events, volunteer opportunities, student and staff accomplishments, and availability of resources. (N=766) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents 10% 15% 13% 27% 13% 35% 40% 48% 52% 30% 32% 17% 10% 18% 14% 5% 15% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% I would prefer alternative/supplementary communication (something other than emails, websites, or paper notices) to learn about my child’s school. (N=757) Parent-teacher conferences offer sufficient time to discuss my child’s progress. (N=765) Teachers provide me with regular feedback about my child’s progress. (N=766) I know how to access school academic supports for my child (e.g., iParent portal, homework club, teacher conferences, etc.). (N=766) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
Survey Item Percentage Strongly Agree or Agree (%) School Climate Dimension Families are encouraged to attend school-sponsored activities, such as back-to- school night. 95% Family Involvement Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as after-school and enrichment programs and student performances. 94% Family Involvement School emails are useful for learning about school events, programs, enrichment, and supports. 93% School Communication Open houses and other school-sponsored information programs (e.g., Keys to Clough, Nipmuc Showcase, Community iFair, etc.) are useful for learning about my child’s school. 90% School Communication Staff members and families treat each other with respect. 89% Family Involvement Survey Item Percentage Strongly Disagree or Disagree (%) School Climate Dimension I would prefer alternative/supplementary communication (something other than emails, websites, or paper notices) to learn about my child’s school. 62% School Communication Parent-teacher conferences offer sufficient time to discuss my child’s progress. 48% School Communication Teachers provide me with regular feedback about my child’s progress. 46% School Communication Teachers give timely and helpful feedback about student work. 33% Academic Support This school’s learning standards and expectations are clearly explained to parents. 32% Academic Support Parents
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 26% 37% 45% 45% 53% 53% 48% 47% 10% 10% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school’s learning standards and expectations are clearly explained to parents. (N=223) Teachers clearly communicate expectations. (N=219) Teachers set high expectations for all students. (N=223) This school has high learning standards for all students. (N=224) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 32% 25% 30% 32% 50% 53% 57% 57% 9% 7% 5% 7% 13% 10% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Teachers adapt to students’ individual learning styles to engage and challenge all learners. (N=222) Teachers successfully show students how lessons relate to life outside of school. (N=223) Teachers give timely and helpful feedback about student work. (N=221) Students are challenged by their schoolwork. (N=222) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 31% 40% 64% 52% 55% 43% 52% 27% 44% 43% 14% 5% 6% 11% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Students receive the support they need for academic and career planning. (N=222) This school offers students a variety of activities and courses. (N=223) Students at this school are treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disabilities. (N=224) There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a personal problem. (N=224) There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a school problem. (N=224) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 35% 32% 24% 27% 52% 55% 54% 55% 11% 11% 19% 16% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are available when I have a concern. (N=224) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) clearly communicate the school mission and vision. (N=225) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that have a positive impact on teaching and learning. (N=224) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that are in the best interests of students. (N=225) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 32% 27% 30% 32% 53% 46% 51% 54% 10% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) ensure that the school is a welcoming environment. (N=223) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) promptly resolve my issue when I have a concern. (N=221) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are responsive when I have a concern. (N=223) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are courteous when I have a concern. (N=223) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 41% 32% 29% 56% 55% 50% 57% 45% 39% 40% 7% 12% 5% 13% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school encourages, respects, and values input provided by families. (N=222) Staff members and families treat each other with respect. (N=222) This school encourages families to volunteer in and out of the classroom through a variety of opportunities. (N=223) Families are encouraged to attend school-sponsored activities, such as back-to-school night. (N=223) Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as after-school and enrichment programs and student performances. (N=223) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 27% 43% 34% 42% 42% 52% 52% 49% 20% 9% 9% 6% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Discipline is enforced fairly. (N=222) This school is safe. (N=224) All students are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=226) All school staff members are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=226) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Staff 32% 45% 39% 32% 55% 52% 49% 57% 11% 10% 9% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school’s culture is positive and respectful. (N=223) Staff members take appropriate actions to ensure students feel safe and comfortable in attending school. (N=224) Staff members are responsive when students report bullying. (N=223) Staff members and students treat each other with respect. (N=224) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
Survey Item Percentage Strongly Agree or Agree (%) School Climate Dimension There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a school problem. 98% Student Support Staff members take appropriate actions to ensure students feel safe and comfortable in attending school. 97% Safety and Behavior There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a personal problem. 96% Student Support This school is safe. 95% Safety and Behavior Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as after-school and enrichment programs and student performances. 95% Family Involvement Families are encouraged to attend school-sponsored activities, such as back-to- school night. 95% Family Involvement Survey Item Percentage Strongly Disagree or Disagree (%) School Climate Dimension School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) promptly resolve my issue when I have a concern. 25% School Leadership Discipline is enforced fairly. 24% Safety and Behavior School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that have a positive impact on teaching and learning. 19% School Leadership School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are responsive when I have a concern. 19% School Leadership School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that are in the best interests of students. 19% School Leadership Staff
8% 13% 31% 19% 26% 35% 40% 50% 58% 62% 62% 56% 33% 25% 6% 14% 8% 17% 6% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Teachers successfully show students how lessons relate to life outside of school. (N=457) Teachers give timely and helpful feedback about student work. (N=457) Students are challenged by their schoolwork. (N=456) This school’s learning standards and expectations are clearly explained to students. (N=456) Teachers set high expectations for all students. (N=457) This school has high learning standards for all students. (N=459) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
19% 40% 38% 24% 33% 59% 50% 48% 53% 57% 12% 7% 13% 6% 5% 6% 6% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Students receive the support they need for academic and career planning. (N=451) This school offers students a variety of activities and courses. (N=451) Students at this school are treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disabilities. (N=453) There is a teacher, counselor or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a personal problem. (N=452) There is a teacher, counselor or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a school problem. (N=453) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
17% 20% 15% 23% 19% 55% 57% 61% 60% 58% 11% 8% 11% 9% 12% 6% 12% 10% 9% 5% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are responsive when I have a concern. (N=453) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are courteous when I have a concern. (N=454) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) are available when I have a concern. (N=452) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) clearly communicate the school mission and vision. (N=454) School-based administrators (principals and assistant principals) make decisions that are in the best interests of students. (N=454) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
11% 14% 20% 14% 15% 16% 50% 61% 64% 56% 60% 54% 18% 12% 5% 18% 15% 18% 6% 5% 15% 8% 7% 8% 7% 7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school uses family input to improve instruction. (N=462) This school respects and values input provided by families. (N=460) Staff members and families treat each other with respect. (N=460) This school encourages families to volunteer. (N=462) Families are encouraged to attend school-sponsored activities, such as Back-to-School Night. (N=461) Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as tutoring, after-school programs and student performances. (N=462) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
9–12) 34% 24% 27% 55% 60% 58% 9% 7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% This school is safe. (N=456) All students are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=456) All school staff members are aware of the safety and security procedures. (N=456) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
(Grades 9–12) 35% 18% 16% 17% 49% 48% 62% 57% 7% 12% 15% 14% 6% 5% 17% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bullying is not tolerated. (N=457) Staff members are responsive when students report bullying. (N=457) Staff members and students treat each other with respect. (N=453) Discipline is enforced fairly. (N=454) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?
Survey Item Percentage Strongly Agree or Agree (%) School Climate Dimension This school has high learning standards for all students. 91% Academic Support This school offers students a variety of activities and courses. 90% Student Support There is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member to whom a student can go for help with a school problem. 90% Student Support This school is safe. 89% Safety and Behavior Students are challenged by their schoolwork. 89% Academic Support Survey Item Percentage Strongly Disagree or Disagree (%) School Climate Dimension Teachers successfully show students how lessons relate to life outside of school. 50% Academic Support Teachers give timely and helpful feedback about student work. 31% Academic Support This school uses family input to improve instruction. 24% Family Involvement Families are informed about school-sponsored activities, such as tutoring, after-school programs, and student performances. 23% Family Involvement This school encourages families to volunteer. 22% Family Involvement Students (Grades 9–12)
81% 16% 28% 20% 38% 6% 11% 10% 13% 9% 13% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% My teachers give real-life examples in class. (N=740) My teachers tell me how well I do on my schoolwork. (N=738) Teachers explain things clearly. (N=743) My schoolwork is challenging most of the time. (N=744) Teachers set high expectations for students. (N=744) True False I Don't Know Students (Grades 5–8)
77% 73% 52% 79% 13% 16% 29% 12% 10% 11% 19% 9% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% My school offers students a lot of activities. (N=739) I am treated fairly by adults in this school. (N=743) I can talk to an adult in school if I have a personal problem. (N=745) I can talk to an adult in school if I have a school problem. (N=743) True False I Don't Know
33% 55% 75% 34% 23% 11% 33% 23% 14% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% My family is asked to volunteer at school. (N=741) My family is encouraged to come to school events, such as Back- to-School Night. (N=743) My family knows about school-sponsored activities, such as tutoring, after-school programs, and student performances. (N=744) True False I Don't Know
5–8) 91% 44% 68% 70% 81% 88% 23% 13% 16% 5% 6% 5% 33% 18% 13% 13% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bullying is not accepted in this school. (N=743) Adults respond quickly when someone is bullied. (N=742) Adults in this school treat students with respect. (N=743) School rules are enforced fairly. (N=744) My school is safe. (N=744) I know my school’s safety and security procedures. (N=743) True False I Don't Know
Survey Item Percentage True School Climate Dimension Bullying is not accepted in this school. 91% Safety and Behavior I know my school’s safety and security procedures. 88% Safety and Behavior My school is safe. 81% Safety and Behavior Teachers set high expectations for students. 81% Learning I can talk to an adult in school if I have a school problem. 79% School Support Survey Item Percentage False School Climate Dimension My schoolwork is challenging most of the time. 38% Learning My family is asked to volunteer at school. 34% Family Involvement I can talk to an adult in school if I have a personal problem. 29% School Support My teachers tell me how well I do on my schoolwork. 28% Learning Adults respond quickly when someone is bullied. 23% Safety and Behavior Students (Grades 5–8)
they would be interested in providing additional feedback on school climate, and parents were asked questions about technology. This section presents the findings from the survey in these two areas.
36% 18% 17% 64% 82% 83% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Parents (N=740) Staff (N=216) Students (Grades 9-12) (N=460) Yes No Would you be interested in providing additional feedback on school climate via a follow-up survey or focus group discussion? Note: Students in grades 5–8 were not asked this question.
51% 52% 15% 18% 23% 6% 7% 6% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Using technology helps my child complete his or her homework. (N=794) I feel capable and confident in managing my child’s use of technology for homework. (N=799) I have a good understanding of how technology is being used by my child’s teacher(s) during the school day. (N=804) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements? Parents
20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Insufficient Just Right Too Much Don’t Know The amount of technology used in my child’s school is: (N=803) 14% 58% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% When my child uses technology at home to complete schoolwork, he or she is: (N=800) Very Focused Focused Distracted Very Distracted Don't Know Parents
the school quality most favorably compared with other survey participant groups. Parents were most favorable went asked about family involvement. More specifically, a strong majority of parents (95%) either strongly agreed or agreed that they are encouraged to attend school-sponsored events. In terms of school communication, one interesting finding was that parents prefer communication via emails, websites, and paper notices as opposed to alternative/supplementary communication. In addition, less than half of parents (48%) perceive the parent-teacher conference offers sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress. At least 90% of high school students (grades 9–12) strongly agreed or agreed that the school has high learning standards for all students and offers a variety of activities and courses, and that there is a teacher, counselor, or other staff member that they can go for help with a school problem. However, half of the students either strongly disagreed or disagreed that teachers successfully show students how lessons relate to life outside of school. A strong majority of students (grades 5–8) indicated they perceive that bullying is not accepted at their school (91%), their school is safe (81%), and that teachers set high expectations for students (81%). District leadership may want to further explore students’ perception of challenge, as nearly four in 10 students in this age group disagreed (determined by percentage of students selecting false as their answer choice) that their schoolwork is challenging most of the time. Parents were the stakeholder group most interested in providing additional feedback on school climate. Further, nearly three in four parents indicated they have a good understanding of how technology is used by their child’s teacher(s) (68%) and feel capable in managing their child’s technology use (73%). 47
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