The 42 nd Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools pdkpoll.org

PDK/Gallup Poll Advisory Panel Joseph Aguerrebere, president, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Jon Clifton, deputy director, Gallup World Poll Richard Lee Colvin, director, Hechinger Institute on Education & Media, Teachers College, Columbia University Gail Connelly, executive director, National Association of Elementary School Principals Sandee Crowther, president, Phi Delta Kappa International Byron Garrett, chief executive officer, National PTA Rick Hess, director of education policy studies, American Enterprise Institute Joan Richardson, editor-in-chief, Phi Delta Kappan John Stocks, deputy executive director, National Education Association Thomas Toch, executive director, Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington and Phi Delta Kappan’s Washington View columnist Susan Traiman, director of public policy, Business Roundtable Kara Schlosser, communications director, Council of Chief State School Officers

Research Procedures  Typical national sample (1,008 adults ages 18+)  Sampling error at 95% confidence, +/- 3% (all), +/- 5% (parents only)  Sample weighted to represent U.S. adults nationwide  Telephone interviews conducted June 4-28, 2010

Major Findings in 2010  The federal role in education  The importance of college  Biggest problem facing schools/school quality  Charter schools  America’s teachers  Student rewards

The Federal Role in Education

School Turnarounds

Who is Responsible for Education?

What Should the Feds Do?

The Importance of College

How Important is College?

Preparing High School Students for College

Parents’ Views About College  92% think their child will go to college, up from 82% in 1995 and 57% in  Parents want their child to attend college for better job opportunities and income.  77% of parents believe they can afford to pay for college, a more positive response than when asked previously.

Biggest Problems Facing Schools/ School Quality

Biggest Problem – 40 Years of Data

School Grades

How can a School Earn an “A”?

Charter Schools

Public Opinion of Charter Schools

Charter Schools  More than 6 of 10 Americans support new charter schools in their community.  Six of 10 Americans support a large increase in charter schools.  Only 6 in 10 American parents would send their child to the same school if cost were not a factor.

America’s Teachers

Teacher Salaries  Americans don’t believe teachers should be paid using a standard scale.  Teacher salaries should be tied to student achievement--somewhat.  Teachers should be paid more to work at challenging schools.

Reasons to Evaluate Teachers

Positive Attitude Toward Learning

Confidence in Teachers  Almost 3 of 4 Americans have trust and confidence in their teachers.  Two of three Americans would like their child to become a teacher, significantly higher than when asked in the past.  Four of 10 Americans say they were very or somewhat likely to choose teaching if looking for a new line of work.

Importance of Professional Development

Rewarding Students

 Three of four Americans oppose paying students to attend school or get good grades.  Three of four American parents do not pay their children for good grades.

Final Impressions

 More great teachers is the #1 improvement strategy.  Education is a state responsibility. Washington shouldn’t overreach.  College is increasingly important.  Americans what more choices.  School funding is in crises.  Americans like and trust their teachers, but would change the way teachers are paid.  Reforming education is not for the “faint of heart.”

Additional Resources for PDK Members  Access to database containing 42 years of polling data including questions and responses  PowerPoint presentation with annotated notes  Customized webinar presentations of 2010 PDK/Gallup poll report  Access to a private online community where results can be discussed

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