1. School Site Climate Survey
Results and Analysis
December 2010

2. Overview
In December 2010, West Babylon Union Free School District teachers and parents were invited to complete a survey addressing the education climate in the schools. These surveys were administered online. Teachers were invited via with a unique link to the survey. Parents were invited to access the survey via a link on the school district website; but a provision was made to complete the survey via paper form upon request. The December 2010 survey was the second time parents completed this survey (the first survey was in May-June 2010) and the first time for teachers.
The surveyed areas include:
Academic Preparation
Student Support
School Leadership
Faculty Relations and Support
Parent Engagement
Safety and Behavior
School Operations
The following report provides a district-level overview of the findings. Individual school data is provided to each school site for use in improving the education climate.

3. Executive Summary of Findings
A number of positive findings were identified:
The favorability of parent responses has increased for
nearly all items compared to the May-June survey administration.
The overall assessment of the schools was positive with teachers and parents giving grades of primarily A’s and B’s with the highest grades being awarded by teachers themselves.
Teachers also provided high overall ratings for each element of the education climate.
Teachers and parents reported good interactions with the school leadership, indicating that the administrator are available, courteous, and professional.
The vast majority of teachers enjoy teaching at their site and feel supported and respected by other teachers at their school.

4. Executive Summary of Findings
Several items emerged as requiring attention:
The response rate for teachers was moderate. Encouragement from principals often increases staff response rates.
Just over half of secondary parents are satisfied with the availability of guidance counselor services.
Just over three-fourths of teachers state that professional development courses have helped them better meet the learning needs of their students.
Many teachers indicate concerns about the physical climate (i.e., heating, ventilation, and lighting) of the school buildings.

5. Executive Summary of Findings
Both parents and teachers express concerns about bullying at school. They also felt that alcohol and drug use among students may be a concern. However, parents also feel that gang activity and weapons are a problem at school in comparison with teachers.
Many parents question whether computer equipment and software is up to date or that computers and internet are in good working order.
Parents expressed concerns about the quality of food that is served at school or that the cafeteria might not be well-maintained and appealing.
Detailed findings are described on the following pages.

6. Who Responded
A total of 240 teachers and 418 parents completed the surveys, yielding the overall response rates displayed below. Teachers yielded a low to moderate response level for a survey that everyone was invited to complete. The parent response was low, however, it represents an increase of 10% in participation over the prior administration. With continued implementation of a systemic survey process, parents will become accustomed to the process and participation will continue to increase.
* The parent response rate was estimated based on the total number of students in the district (4,368) and 1.7 school age children per family.

7. Overall Assessment
As an overall measure, respondents were asked to grade their schools for the quality of education. Most teachers (85%) and parents (80%), graded their school as an “A” or “B.” Consistent with findings in other districts, parents tended to assign lower grades.

8. Assessment of Teachers
Respondents were also asked to grade the quality of their teachers. Most parents (84%), graded the teachers as an “A” or “B.” Consistent with findings in other districts, secondary school parents tended to assign lower grades.

9. Overall Responses
The surveys addressed items concerning the seven areas indicated below. The chart displays the overall (weighted average) percent of positive responses to items comprising each climate area. Teachers tended to provide more favorable ratings compared to parents. One caveat must be kept in mind while reviewing these data is that the parent response was low and may not reflect the views of the majority of parents.

10. Overall Responses-Teachers by Level
Examination of the teachers’ responses by level revealed that elementary and secondary level staff provided similar ratings. Common with findings in other districts, the largest difference emerged in the area of Safety and Behavior, with secondary level teachers providing lower ratings than their elementary level colleagues.

11. Overall Responses-Parents by Level
Parents of secondary students consistently provided lower ratings than did the parents of elementary students. Similar to findings from other districts, the largest difference emerged in the areas of Parent Engagement and in Safety and Behavior.

12. Survey Item Analysis
The following slides display the individual survey items. Data are summarized as the percent of respondents that “agree” or “strongly agree” with each survey item.* Items that warrant particular attention are highlighted. Notable findings include:
For most items, parents indicated an improvement from the May-June administration with more favorable ratings registered in all survey areas.
Academic Preparation. Parents expressed concern that their children are not effectively learning technology or 21st Century skills. Some parents also indicated a need for more helpful feedback from teachers.
Student Support. Personal connections to adults at school is one key to keeping students engaged in education. Importantly, nearly all teachers and most parents indicate that there is an adult at school that students can talk to about problems. Many secondary parents are not satisfied with the availability of guidance counselors to help with academic and career planning or helping students address personal issues.
School Leadership. Overall, teachers and parents gave high marks to the school leadership. Although the percentage of parents who believe that the principal makes decisions that are in the best interest of the students has increased substantially, there is still room for further improvement.
* Some items were expressed using opposite verbiage on the teacher and parent versions of the survey. These items, marked with an asterisk, were reverse scored to promote comparability between groups.

13. Survey Item Analysis (continued)
Faculty Relations and Support. Overall, teachers reported good relations and support from their colleagues and administration. However, teachers indicated concern that professional development sessions may not be effective in helping them meet the meet the learning needs of their students.
Parent Engagement. Most teachers reported good outreach to parents with the exception of using parent input to improve instruction at school. Elementary parents reported higher levels of engagement than secondary parents who were much less likely to indicate being kept informed about activities, the availability of teachers and guidance counselors, or high satisfaction with responses from staff about questions and concerns.
Safety and Behavior. All parents and secondary level teachers expressed concern about bullying and drug and alcohol use. Perceptual differences between parents and teachers emerged for other issues; parents were less likely than teachers to believe that the school is safe from gang activity and free of weapons.
School Operations. Parents strongly question the nutritional quality of the foods served at school. Many elementary school parents and teachers do not think that students have access to reliable computers and internet access for learning purposes.

14. Academic Preparation Academic Preparation Overall May Elementary
Secondary
TEACHERS
High standards and expectations are set for all students at this school.
94%
97%
93%
Learning standards and expectations are clearly explained to students at this school.
95%
Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are aligned to support student learning at this school.
96%
Helping students meet challenging academic goals is a primary focus of this school.
92%
91%
Students at this school are learning what they need to know to be successful in the next grade level and after graduation.
89%
87%
Teachers at this school work together to ensure student success.
90%
86%
Teachers at this school give timely and appropriate feedback on students’ work.
PARENTS
My child is learning what he or she needs to know to be successful in school and after graduation.
81%
88%
73%
The education programs at this school are appropriate for my child’s abilities.
83%
78%
The teachers have high expectations for my child’s learning.
74%
82%
65%
Teachers provide helpful comments on assignments and tests.
75%
59%
70%
42%
My child is learning the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century workplace.
72%
58%
My child’s teachers effectively use computers and the Internet during instruction.
62%
56%
66%
64%
48%
My child is effectively learning to use technology.
61%

15. Student Support Student Support Overall May Elementary Secondary
TEACHERS
When a child in this school has a school problem, a teacher, counselor, or other staff member is available to help.
99%
97%
98%
When a child in this school has a personal problem, a teacher, counselor, or other staff member is available to help.
96%
93%
Students at school are treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disabilities.
The variety of activities and courses at this school keep students engaged in learning.
95%
Students get the support they need at school for academic and career planning.
83%
86%
82%
Teachers usually talk positively about students in the staff areas.
87%
90%
85%
PARENTS
There is an adult at school that my child can go to for help with a personal or school problem.
73%
81%
64%
Students at my child’s school are treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disabilities.
78%
88%
68%
The variety of courses and activities at this school keeps my child interested in school.
84%
76%
79%
(Middle and High Schools Only) I am satisfied with the availability of services to help my child by the school’s Guidance Counselors. (Helping students with academic and career planning; helping students address personal issues).
60%
44%

16. School Leadership School Leadership Overall May Elementary Secondary
TEACHERS
The principal makes decisions that are in the best interest of the students.
88%
100%
84%
I know what the principal expects of me as a teacher at this school.
94%
92%
The principal and assistant principal encourage staff involvement in decision making for the school.
80%
91%
75%
The principal has confidence in my teaching ability.
93%
96%
The principal or other administrators provide helpful feedback about my instruction.
87%
83%
When you have had an issue or a concern to discuss with a school administrator….
an administrator was available to talk to me.
90%
the administrator was courteous and listened to my concerns.
89%
the administrator responded to my concerns in a professional manner, whether or not he or she agreed with my views.
PARENTS
79%
71%
82%
58%
When I have had an issue or a concern to discuss with the principal or assistant principal….
86%
81%
85%
77%

17. Faculty Relations and Support
Overall
Elementary
Secondary
TEACHERS
Collaboration among teachers and staff is encouraged at this school.
91%
97%
89%
The professional development sessions I attended have helped me to better meet the learning needs of my students.
77%
75%
Support is available to help me incorporate computers and other technology into instruction.
92%
94%
I feel respected and supported by the principal and other administrators at this school.
85%
95%
82%
I feel respected and supported by other teachers at this school.
93%
90%
I enjoy teaching at this school.
96%

18. Parent Engagement Parent Engagement Overall May Elementary Secondary
TEACHERS
I regularly communicate with parents about their child’s academic achievements.
96%
I regularly communicate with parents about their child’s behavior problems.
95%
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend activities at this school.
97%
Parents support me when addressing an academic problem with their child at school.
88%
92%
85%
Parents support me when addressing a behavior problem with their child at school.
94%
90%
Parent input about student learning needs is respected and valued at this school.
93%
Parent input is used to improve instruction at this school.
70%
87%
63%
PARENTS
I feel welcome in my child’s school.
89%
91%
82%
I am kept informed about my child’s academic progress and what he or she is studying in school.
84%
72%
81%
83%
62%
The school keeps me informed about activities like after school programs, student performances, parent workshops, and other events.
79%
75%
My child’s teacher or guidance counselor is available to discuss my child’s learning needs with me.
77%
78%
I am satisfied with the response from my child’s school when I have questions or concerns.
76%
68%
I am satisfied with the opportunities for me to be involved in my child’s school.
86%
I am satisfied with the communications from my child’s school.
56%

19. Safety and Behavior Safety and Behavior Overall May Elementary
Secondary
TEACHERS
I am safe at school.
99%
100%
98%
Students are safe at school.
97%
Discipline is enforced at school.
84%
95%
81%
Students do not threaten or bully each other at this school.
59%
50%
Alcohol and drug use is not a problem at this school.
63%
48%
This school is a safe place from gang activity.
86%
79%
This school is free of weapons.
83%
76%
Most students respect teachers at this school.
93%
I have the support I need to maintain order and discipline at school.
92%
PARENTS
My child is safe at school.
91%
89%
94%
88%
Discipline is enforced fairly at my child’s school.
68%
72%
51%
Teachers and students respect one another at this school.
82%
87%
77%
55%
Students (do not) threaten or bully other students at school.*
37%
36%
44%
45%
31%
25%
Students (do not) use alcohol or drugs at school.*
58%
54%
78%
38%
29%
There is (no) gang activity at school.*
61%
62%
75%
43%
Students (no not) have weapons at school.*

20. School Operations School Operations Overall May Elementary Secondary
TEACHERS
My instructional materials are in good condition.
92%
99%
90%
I have the materials I need (including textbooks, computers, visual aids, etc.) to effectively teach my classes.
85%
83%
Students have access to reliable computers and the Internet at school for learning purposes.
76%
67%
81%
Healthy food is served at this school.
88%
84%
My school is kept clean.
82%
93%
77%
This school is well-maintained (Air conditioning and heat work, adequate lighting, grounds are kept in order, etc.).
68%
79%
64%
PARENTS
My child was provided the textbooks needed for classes.
94%
89%
97%
87%
Students have access to computers and the Internet at school for learning purposes.
73%
66%
71%
80%
74%
The computer equipment and software that my child uses at school is up-to-date and similar to what is used in the workplace.
53%
46%
50%
48%
56%
45%
The computers and Internet connection at school are in good working order.
52%
57%
49%
The cost of parent purchased supplies is reasonable.
78%
Fresh, high-quality food is served at this school.
54%
My child gets enough to eat at school.
70%
65%
60%
Our cafeteria is well maintained and appealing.
63%
My child's school is clean.
91%
Maintenance problems at school have (not) distracted my child from learning. *
75%
The school bus my child rides runs on time most days.
My child is safe when riding the school bus.
My child's school is a place where I can obtain information about community services and activities.
61%
69%
58%
47%
I feel that I am a member of the school community.
86%
59%

21. Rankings of Key Programs and Support
Teachers and parents provided their impressions about the importance of key items in the area of Programs and Activities, Resources, and Support for Students. Teachers and parents agreed as to the more important items in each category, although parents placed a greater emphasis on Guidance Counselors than did the teachers.
TEACHERS
Programs and Activities
Score
Resources
Support for Students
Career/Technical Education
100
Small Class Size
Support for students with Special Education needs
Athletic/Intramural Sports Programs 90
Central Office Support of Schools 80
School Psychologists and School Social Workers 81
Music Education 88
Computer Technology 77
School Guidance Counselors at the Junior High and High School 68
Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities 85
Clean, Well-Maintained School Buildings 72
English Language Development for English Learners 66
Art Education 79
Textbooks 51
Gifted Education 47
Transportation 38
PARENTS 94 83 78
Computer technology 84 69 71 49

22. Teacher-Parent Comparison of Selected Items
Overall
Elementary
Secondary
(Teachers) Teachers at this school give timely and appropriate feedback on students’ work.
91%
96%
89%
(Parents) Teachers provide helpful comments on assignments and tests.
75%
82%
70%
(Teachers) High standards and expectations are set for all students at this school.
94%
97%
93%
(Parents) The teachers have high expectations for my child’s learning.
86%
83%
(Teachers) The principal makes decisions that are in the best interest of the students.
88%
100%
84%
(Parents) The principal makes decisions that are in the best interest of the students.
79%
(Teachers) Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend activities at this school.
95%
(Parents) I feel welcome in my child’s school.
87%
(Teachers) I regularly communicate with parents about their child’s academic achievements.
(Parents) I am satisfied with the communications from my child’s school.
76%
(Teachers) Students do not threaten or bully each other at this school.
59%
81%
50%
(Parents) Students (do not) threaten or bully other students at school.
37%
44%
31%
(Teachers) Healthy food is served at this school.
(Parents) Fresh, high-quality food is served at this school.
56%
57%