Parent, Teacher, and Student Perception Survey FAQs

Gathering feedback through student perception surveys allows students to share their views on their relationships with peers and teachers, their well-being, the school environment, bullying and safety, and more. Schools and/or districts use this data to understand the factors shaping students’ school experiences and to involve students in decision-making. After collecting data, it's essential to publicly share and utilize it to implement changes grounded in student perspectives.

In a parent and family survey, parents should be invited to provide feedback on several aspects of their student’s school experience:

• Relationships between students and teachers

• Academic rigor, support, and the learning environment

• Social-emotional learning and development

• Bullying and school safety

• Discipline policies and practices

• Sense of belonging and community

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

• Communication with teachers and administrators, as well as school-wide communication

• Parent programs and involvement opportunities

• Overall satisfaction with the school

Conducting a teacher and staff survey enables schools and districts to collect anonymous feedback on school climate and employee engagement. This feedback sheds light on how teachers perceive the school environment, the support they receive, leadership effectiveness, teamwork dynamics, and their level of autonomy. Utilizing this data, schools can develop strategic plans aimed at enhancing teacher satisfaction and fostering higher retention rates. By prioritizing teacher input and involvement in decision-making processes, schools can cultivate a positive work culture and long-term retention.

Start by collecting data from students, teachers, staff, and parents. Once you have gathered this information, prioritize 1-3 key areas for growth that will have the greatest impact. 

Key areas:

• Strengthen relationships between students and teachers

• Ensure classes are rigorous and relevant, and provide effective support for all students

• Set clear academic and behavioral expectations

• Promote restorative discipline systems focused on learning rather than punishment

• Amplify student and teacher voices

• Enforce fair and equitable policies and practices

• Address school safety and bullying with meaningful preventive measures

• Students build strong, trusting relationships with teachers and peers, creating a supportive environment.

• Students feel comfortable seeking help, fostering collaboration and easy access to assistance.

• Students view academic mistakes as learning opportunities, encouraging risk-taking and exploration.

• Students actively participate in learning, contributing to a dynamic classroom atmosphere.

• Students assert their voices and advocate for themselves, promoting empowerment in their education.

• The curriculum meets students' needs, ensuring relevance and high engagement in learning.

• Students have choices in content and assignments, enhancing their educational experience.

• Classroom expectations and culture are co-created by students and teachers, fostering community.

• Students' diverse backgrounds and experiences are celebrated, enriching the learning environment.

• Lessons are interactive with time for collaboration, promoting meaningful learning experiences.

• Mutual respect between students and teachers supports a positive classroom climate.

We recommend conducting the comprehensive school climate survey annually. This schedule provides sufficient time for planning, executing adjustments, and collecting substantial feedback on the outcomes of recent initiatives, programs, policies, and professional development endeavors. This approach demonstrates ongoing responsiveness to your school community, ensuring their voices are heard and enabling continuous evaluation of the impact of these changes.

Several factors impact pricing:

• Participants - Who will be surveyed? Are you including students, parents/families, and teachers/staff, or just one or two of these groups?

• Languages - How many languages will be offered?

• Survey delivery modes - Online only? Paper surveys? Other?

• Training and professional development - What types of training and professional development do you need? How many people will we be training to administer surveys? What data analysis and strategic planning workshops will best help your school and/or district?

• Do you require focus groups, interviews, or other additional services?