Results Details

 

Significant Factors

The following results summary provides a quick snapshot for data review and inquiry. Questions included are derived from statistical analyses of the responses designed to present the most salient themes across the survey. These themes can help quickly identify broad areas of strengths and directions for improvement before individual questions are explored. All averages are on a 1 to 5 scale with 1 being the lowest.

Factor Average**  
Leadership

This is the average of the 7 questions from the leadership and empowerment sections of the survey that were most important in explaining the presence of leadership conditions that contribute to trusting, supportive environments, problem solving and decision making (Q4.1c, Q4.1d, Q4.1e, Q5.2b, Q5.3a, Q5.3b, Q5.3f).
 
4.23
4.10
3.31
Readiness

This is the average of the 7 questions from the school context and readiness section of the survey that were most important in explaining the effect of external influences on students ability to learn (Q7.2b, Q7.2c, Q7.2d, Q7.2e, Q7.2f, Q7.2g,Q7.2i) [note: a higher score indicates educators believe external factors play a stronger role on student learning].
 
2.29
2.39
3.41
Support for Professional Practice

This is the average of the 7 questions from the facilities and resources and professional development sections of the survey that were most important in explaining the quality of resources and support for professional learning and practice (Q3.1a, Q3.1b,Q3.1c, Q3.1d, Q3.1e, Q6.1,Q6.9).
 
3.33
3.17
3.16
Workload

This is the average of the 7 questions from the time section of the survey that were most important in explaining increases in workload for educators (Q2.9b, Q2.9c, Q2.9d, Q2.9e, Q2.9g, Q2.9i, Q2.9j).
 
3.85
3.94
4.10
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Detailed Report

Time
Q2.1 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about the use of time in your school.
a. Teachers have reasonable class sizes.
Strongly disagree
39%
44%
15%
Somewhat disagree
39%
33%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
7%
5%
Somewhat agree
13%
14%
37%
Strongly agree
0%
3%
18%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers have time available to collaborate with their colleagues.
Strongly disagree
4%
18%
26%
Somewhat disagree
17%
20%
29%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
8%
5%
Somewhat agree
13%
33%
28%
Strongly agree
65%
22%
11%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. The non-instructional time provided for teachers in my school is sufficient.
Strongly disagree
13%
17%
23%
Somewhat disagree
22%
37%
30%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
10%
11%
Somewhat agree
48%
33%
27%
Strongly agree
4%
3%
10%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers have sufficient instructional time to meet the needs of all students.
Strongly disagree
17%
23%
17%
Somewhat disagree
52%
41%
33%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
10%
10%
Somewhat agree
17%
20%
30%
Strongly agree
9%
7%
9%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers have sufficient instructional time to complete the curriculum for their subject(s) and/or grade.
Strongly disagree
26%
25%
20%
Somewhat disagree
30%
26%
33%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
16%
10%
Somewhat agree
26%
27%
29%
Strongly agree
9%
6%
8%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.3 In an average week of teaching, how much non-instructional time do YOU have available (not including time spent outside of the normal school day)?
None
0%
2%
2%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
43%
49%
31%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
24%
33%
38%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
29%
14%
27%
More than 10 hours
5%
1%
3%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.3a Of these hours, how many are typically spent on supervisory duties?
None
57%
51%
36%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
43%
46%
50%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
0%
2%
11%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
0%
0%
2%
More than 10 hours
0%
1%
0%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.3b Of these hours, how many are typically spent on routine paperwork?
None
10%
10%
4%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
52%
61%
59%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
33%
24%
27%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
5%
5%
8%
More than 10 hours
0%
0%
2%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.5 In an average week of teaching, how many hours do YOU spend on school-related activities outside the regular school work day (before or after school, and/or on the weekend)?
None
0%
2%
2%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
10%
9%
12%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
10%
12%
18%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
14%
21%
30%
More than 10 hours
67%
57%
39%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.5a Of these hours, how many are typically spent on voluntary activities (i.e., coaching, club sponsorship, etc.)?
None
62%
63%
46%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
19%
24%
37%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
19%
10%
9%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
0%
2%
5%
More than 10 hours
0%
1%
4%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.9 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree that the following factors significantly contribute to your overall workload.
a. Data management (attendance, report cards, etc.)
Strongly disagree
13%
9%
2%
Somewhat disagree
4%
8%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
39%
28%
15%
Somewhat agree
26%
33%
44%
Strongly agree
17%
23%
33%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Student assessment requirements
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
4%
2%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
13%
9%
Somewhat agree
61%
49%
38%
Strongly agree
26%
35%
49%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Strongly disagree
4%
5%
3%
Somewhat disagree
4%
4%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
28%
18%
Somewhat agree
43%
41%
36%
Strongly agree
13%
22%
39%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Diverse student learning needs in the classroom
Strongly disagree
4%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
4%
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
6%
9%
Somewhat agree
26%
34%
35%
Strongly agree
61%
58%
52%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Student behavior
Strongly disagree
9%
4%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
6%
8%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
15%
13%
Somewhat agree
22%
46%
35%
Strongly agree
35%
30%
41%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Class size increases
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
4%
2%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
11%
26%
Somewhat agree
43%
38%
31%
Strongly agree
48%
49%
28%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Required professional development
Strongly disagree
4%
3%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
32%
25%
Somewhat agree
52%
48%
40%
Strongly agree
9%
14%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Required committee work
Strongly disagree
0%
5%
9%
Somewhat disagree
13%
13%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
43%
46%
39%
Somewhat agree
35%
31%
28%
Strongly agree
9%
6%
10%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Compliance with No Child Left Behind
Strongly disagree
4%
7%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
5%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
52%
44%
26%
Somewhat agree
35%
29%
35%
Strongly agree
9%
16%
30%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


j. Getting students to expected levels of performance
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
1%
Neither disagree nor agree
14%
10%
6%
Somewhat agree
55%
45%
31%
Strongly agree
32%
42%
61%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Facilities and Resources
Q3.1 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about your school facilities and resources.
a. Teachers have sufficient access to appropriate instructional materials and resources.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
12%
Somewhat disagree
13%
13%
23%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
6%
7%
Somewhat agree
48%
42%
37%
Strongly agree
30%
37%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers have sufficient access to instructional technology, including computers, printers, software and internet access.
Strongly disagree
48%
37%
16%
Somewhat disagree
17%
34%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
7%
6%
Somewhat agree
26%
20%
31%
Strongly agree
0%
2%
24%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Teachers have access to reliable communication technology - including phones, faxes and email.
Strongly disagree
9%
10%
12%
Somewhat disagree
9%
16%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
11%
7%
Somewhat agree
43%
37%
33%
Strongly agree
30%
27%
28%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers have sufficient training and support to fully utilize the available instructional technology.
Strongly disagree
39%
29%
16%
Somewhat disagree
22%
33%
28%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
14%
13%
Somewhat agree
22%
21%
31%
Strongly agree
4%
3%
12%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers have adequate professional space to work productively.
Strongly disagree
0%
13%
15%
Somewhat disagree
4%
17%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
7%
11%
Somewhat agree
48%
40%
32%
Strongly agree
43%
24%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Teachers and staff work in a school environment that is physically safe.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
12%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
8%
9%
Somewhat agree
17%
20%
33%
Strongly agree
78%
68%
40%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Teachers and staff work in a school that is environmentally healthy.
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
15%
Somewhat disagree
4%
21%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
11%
12%
Somewhat agree
48%
35%
28%
Strongly agree
39%
29%
20%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Teachers and staff work in a school environment that is clean and well maintained.
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
11%
Somewhat disagree
5%
11%
20%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
6%
10%
Somewhat agree
50%
39%
32%
Strongly agree
45%
43%
28%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Teachers have sufficient access to a broad range of professional support (professional) personnel.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
9%
Somewhat disagree
13%
11%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
12%
12%
Somewhat agree
26%
34%
37%
Strongly agree
52%
41%
23%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Empowerment
Q4.1 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about empowerment in your school.
a. Teachers are meaningfully involved in decision making about educational issues.
Strongly disagree
4%
7%
16%
Somewhat disagree
4%
8%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
6%
12%
Somewhat agree
48%
40%
36%
Strongly agree
39%
39%
10%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers are trusted to make sound professional decisions about instruction.
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
10%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
5%
9%
Somewhat agree
26%
30%
41%
Strongly agree
65%
61%
23%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. In this school we take steps to solve problems.
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
8%
Somewhat disagree
4%
6%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
9%
13%
Somewhat agree
39%
33%
41%
Strongly agree
52%
50%
23%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. The faculty has an effective process for making group decisions to solve problems.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
14%
Somewhat disagree
13%
18%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
13%
18%
Somewhat agree
48%
29%
32%
Strongly agree
30%
38%
13%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers are recognized as educational experts.
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
11%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
7%
14%
Somewhat agree
52%
39%
37%
Strongly agree
48%
51%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Opportunities for career growth within the teaching profession (other than administration) are available to me (e.g., mentor, academic coach, etc.)
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
9%
Somewhat disagree
9%
8%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
25%
21%
Somewhat agree
35%
39%
36%
Strongly agree
22%
25%
17%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Teachers are encouraged to participate in professional leadership activities.
Strongly disagree
4%
4%
8%
Somewhat disagree
0%
6%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
33%
27%
Somewhat agree
30%
31%
32%
Strongly agree
30%
27%
18%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Teachers are supported by the community in which they teach.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
12%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
8%
17%
Somewhat agree
39%
40%
35%
Strongly agree
39%
51%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Families help students achieve educational goals in this school.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
14%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
4%
17%
Somewhat agree
65%
52%
34%
Strongly agree
30%
42%
9%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q4.2 Please indicate how large a role teachers have at your school in each of the following areas.
a. School improvement planning
No role at all
0%
1%
8%
Small role
4%
15%
29%
Moderate role
39%
35%
38%
Large role
57%
41%
23%
The primary role
0%
8%
2%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Shaping the schedule of the school day
No role at all
9%
7%
27%
Small role
22%
22%
33%
Moderate role
30%
24%
25%
Large role
26%
26%
13%
The primary role
13%
22%
2%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Deciding how the school budget will be spent
No role at all
22%
29%
46%
Small role
57%
35%
36%
Moderate role
22%
16%
14%
Large role
0%
16%
3%
The primary role
0%
4%
0%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Establishing and implementing policies related to student discipline
No role at all
13%
7%
23%
Small role
26%
21%
35%
Moderate role
26%
18%
27%
Large role
26%
39%
14%
The primary role
9%
16%
2%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Hiring of new teachers
No role at all
0%
2%
38%
Small role
13%
12%
33%
Moderate role
39%
29%
20%
Large role
48%
48%
9%
The primary role
0%
9%
1%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Determining the content of in-service professional development programs
No role at all
0%
1%
29%
Small role
17%
18%
37%
Moderate role
26%
29%
23%
Large role
57%
45%
10%
The primary role
0%
7%
1%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Setting grading and student assessment practices
No role at all
0%
0%
13%
Small role
0%
10%
26%
Moderate role
9%
21%
27%
Large role
43%
37%
24%
The primary role
48%
32%
10%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Devising teaching techniques
No role at all
0%
0%
6%
Small role
0%
1%
15%
Moderate role
4%
11%
25%
Large role
52%
40%
34%
The primary role
43%
49%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Selecting instructional materials and resources
No role at all
0%
0%
8%
Small role
0%
2%
20%
Moderate role
9%
17%
29%
Large role
57%
39%
29%
The primary role
35%
42%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Leadership
Q5.1 Which position best describes the person who most often provides instructional leadership at your school? (Select one.)
a. Principal or school head
57%
46%
31%
b. Assistant or vice principal
0%
0%
5%
c. Department chair, grade level chair or team leader
9%
6%
18%
d. School-based instructional specialist
0%
7%
9%
e. Director of curriculum and instruction or other central office based personnel
4%
12%
11%
f. Other teachers
30%
26%
19%
g. None of the above
0%
4%
7%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q5.2 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with statements about leadership in your school.
a. School leadership shields teachers from disruptions, allowing teachers to focus on educating students.
Strongly disagree
0%
6%
12%
Somewhat disagree
9%
14%
21%
Neither disagree nor agree
18%
13%
17%
Somewhat agree
50%
42%
34%
Strongly agree
23%
25%
16%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers feel comfortable raising issues and concerns that are important to them.
Strongly disagree
4%
5%
13%
Somewhat disagree
4%
6%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
8%
10%
Somewhat agree
26%
37%
37%
Strongly agree
52%
45%
22%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. The school leadership consistently enforces rules for student conduct.
Strongly disagree
0%
6%
15%
Somewhat disagree
9%
9%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
13%
13%
Somewhat agree
39%
35%
31%
Strongly agree
30%
38%
19%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teacher performance evaluations are handled in an appropriate manner.
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
7%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
13%
16%
Somewhat agree
22%
28%
34%
Strongly agree
65%
56%
33%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers receive feedback that can help them improve teaching.
Strongly disagree
4%
6%
7%
Somewhat disagree
0%
7%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
15%
17%
Somewhat agree
26%
31%
36%
Strongly agree
57%
42%
27%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q5.3 The school leadership makes a sustained effort to address teacher concerns about:
a. Teaching and learning issues
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
7%
Somewhat disagree
0%
6%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
10%
16%
Somewhat agree
35%
36%
42%
Strongly agree
52%
46%
20%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Leadership issues
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
12%
Somewhat disagree
4%
9%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
18%
25%
Somewhat agree
52%
33%
32%
Strongly agree
22%
36%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Facilities and resources
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
9%
Somewhat disagree
4%
9%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
11%
20%
Somewhat agree
43%
37%
38%
Strongly agree
35%
39%
16%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. The use of time in my school
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
11%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
20%
Neither disagree nor agree
30%
18%
22%
Somewhat agree
48%
42%
34%
Strongly agree
22%
33%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Professional development
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
10%
Somewhat disagree
0%
6%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
10%
19%
Somewhat agree
48%
43%
38%
Strongly agree
39%
40%
16%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Empowering teachers
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
14%
Somewhat disagree
4%
10%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
9%
21%
Somewhat agree
39%
34%
31%
Strongly agree
48%
45%
15%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. New teacher support
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
9%
Somewhat disagree
4%
4%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
11%
21%
Somewhat agree
43%
43%
37%
Strongly agree
48%
41%
19%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Professional Development
Q6.1 Sufficient resources are available to allow teachers to take advantage of professional development activities.
Strongly disagree
9%
17%
17%
Somewhat disagree
17%
15%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
8%
12%
Somewhat agree
35%
39%
33%
Strongly agree
22%
22%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.2 Professional development provides teachers with the knowledge and skills most needed to teach effectively.
Strongly disagree
4%
6%
15%
Somewhat disagree
13%
15%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
13%
14%
Somewhat agree
43%
41%
34%
Strongly agree
26%
26%
14%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.3 In the past two years, have YOU participated in any of the following professional development activities? (Check all that apply.)
a.Graduate courses
52%
59%
62%
b. Workshops, institutes, and/or academies
100%
96%
85%
c. Job-embedded professional development activities
86%
75%
61%
d. Participation in a coaching or mentoring program
48%
42%
37%
e. Attendance at conference or professional meetings
48%
60%
57%
f. National Board Certification
5%
3%
2%
g. State sponsored in-service program
0%
10%
12%
h. School or district sponsored in-service program
81%
85%
79%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.4a In which of the following areas (if any) do YOU need professional development to teach your students more effectively? (Check all that apply.)
a. Differentiated Instruction
48%
48%
50%
b. Using assessments (benchmark or formative)
19%
28%
35%
c. Establishing professional learning community protocols
10%
15%
21%
d. Teaching second language learners
81%
60%
33%
e. Mapping the curriculum
14%
22%
27%
f. Managing student behavior
19%
27%
35%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
24%
33%
34%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
14%
6%
15%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.4b In the past 2 years have YOU had 10 clock hours or more of professional development in any of the following areas? (Check all that apply.)
a. Differentiated Instruction
40%
38%
49%
b. Using assessments (benchmark or formative)
35%
36%
47%
c. Establishing professional learning community protocols
0%
8%
15%
d. Teaching second language learners
75%
39%
28%
e. Mapping the curriculum
25%
31%
34%
f. Managing student behavior
20%
15%
19%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
60%
81%
53%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
30%
19%
19%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.6a Professional development has provided YOU with strategies that you have incorporated into your instructional delivery methods.
Strongly disagree
0%
6%
10%
Somewhat disagree
19%
9%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
5%
13%
Somewhat agree
52%
44%
45%
Strongly agree
24%
35%
17%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.6b Professional development has proven useful to YOU in your efforts to improve student achievement.
Strongly disagree
5%
8%
11%
Somewhat disagree
14%
10%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
19%
8%
14%
Somewhat agree
43%
42%
42%
Strongly agree
19%
33%
17%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.7a I regularly receive ongoing follow up from professional development opportunities that help me improve my teaching.
Strongly disagree
10%
14%
24%
Somewhat disagree
24%
26%
27%
Neither disagree nor agree
43%
31%
22%
Somewhat agree
24%
22%
20%
Strongly agree
0%
8%
6%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.8 Teachers are provided opportunities to learn from one another.
Strongly disagree
9%
10%
13%
Somewhat disagree
4%
14%
25%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
10%
12%
Somewhat agree
22%
39%
38%
Strongly agree
57%
27%
12%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.9 Adequate time is provided for professional development.
Strongly disagree
13%
14%
16%
Somewhat disagree
13%
12%
27%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
18%
17%
Somewhat agree
35%
41%
29%
Strongly agree
22%
16%
10%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.10 Do you teach students who have an Individualized Education Plan?
Yes
95%
99%
94%
No
5%
1%
6%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.11 Do you teach students who are Limited English Proficient?
Yes
57%
64%
56%
No
43%
36%
44%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


School Context and Readiness
Q7.1 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about your school context.
a. There is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect within the school.
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
12%
Somewhat disagree
9%
11%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
4%
9%
Somewhat agree
22%
29%
36%
Strongly agree
65%
52%
26%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Clear expectations are communicated to students and families.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
0%
5%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
5%
9%
Somewhat agree
43%
40%
41%
Strongly agree
48%
50%
31%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. The faculty are committed to helping every student learn.
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
1%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
5%
5%
Somewhat agree
9%
9%
30%
Strongly agree
91%
83%
59%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers are held to high professional standards for delivering instruction.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
2%
7%
Somewhat agree
17%
17%
33%
Strongly agree
83%
77%
52%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q7.2 The following circumstances significantly affect the ability of students in this school to learn.
a. Academic preparation
Strongly disagree
17%
15%
6%
Somewhat disagree
4%
6%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
15%
10%
Somewhat agree
30%
27%
35%
Strongly agree
26%
38%
42%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Poverty
Strongly disagree
45%
42%
14%
Somewhat disagree
14%
26%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
18%
14%
14%
Somewhat agree
14%
11%
29%
Strongly agree
9%
7%
28%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Language
Strongly disagree
9%
10%
15%
Somewhat disagree
26%
15%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
14%
14%
Somewhat agree
35%
45%
29%
Strongly agree
9%
17%
27%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Violence outside of the school
Strongly disagree
78%
62%
22%
Somewhat disagree
4%
14%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
12%
19%
Somewhat agree
0%
3%
22%
Strongly agree
9%
9%
20%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Health issues
Strongly disagree
39%
37%
13%
Somewhat disagree
13%
23%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
21%
23%
Somewhat agree
9%
12%
31%
Strongly agree
4%
8%
17%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Excessive tardiness
Strongly disagree
35%
35%
8%
Somewhat disagree
22%
22%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
17%
14%
Somewhat agree
17%
16%
34%
Strongly agree
9%
11%
33%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Excessive absences
Strongly disagree
35%
34%
8%
Somewhat disagree
26%
25%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
16%
12%
Somewhat agree
13%
14%
32%
Strongly agree
9%
12%
38%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Community support
Strongly disagree
30%
22%
8%
Somewhat disagree
13%
8%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
14%
21%
Somewhat agree
13%
18%
33%
Strongly agree
22%
39%
28%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Transience/mobility
Strongly disagree
52%
47%
17%
Somewhat disagree
13%
20%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
19%
23%
Somewhat agree
13%
8%
22%
Strongly agree
4%
7%
25%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q7.3 Social services are available to ensure that all students are ready to learn.
Strongly disagree
9%
6%
12%
Somewhat disagree
26%
20%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
25%
20%
Somewhat agree
26%
37%
35%
Strongly agree
17%
13%
12%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Curriculum and Instruction
Q8.1 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about your school context.
a. The curriculum taught is aligned to standards.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
1%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
7%
3%
Somewhat agree
48%
28%
29%
Strongly agree
48%
64%
64%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. The curriculum taught meets the needs of students.
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
9%
8%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
9%
5%
8%
Somewhat agree
43%
37%
45%
Strongly agree
39%
48%
29%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and other student data are available in time to influence teaching.
Strongly disagree
0%
8%
8%
Somewhat disagree
13%
10%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
39%
38%
21%
Somewhat agree
35%
26%
31%
Strongly agree
13%
19%
27%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. MCAS and other student data are used to improve instruction.
Strongly disagree
4%
11%
5%
Somewhat disagree
17%
15%
9%
Neither disagree nor agree
52%
33%
17%
Somewhat agree
26%
29%
36%
Strongly agree
0%
12%
33%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. MCAS-administered tests assess the content delivered.
Strongly disagree
4%
12%
8%
Somewhat disagree
43%
19%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
35%
28%
23%
Somewhat agree
17%
32%
34%
Strongly agree
0%
9%
20%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Overall Conditions
Q9.1a Of the five overarching conditions for teaching and learning considered in this survey, which aspect of your work environment MOST affects YOUR willingness to keep teaching at your school? (Select one.)
Time during the work day
14%
14%
19%
School facilities and resources
5%
10%
20%
School leadership
14%
15%
30%
Teacher empowerment
67%
58%
26%
Professional development
0%
3%
4%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.3 Which aspect of these five conditions for teaching and learning is MOST important to you in promoting student learning? (Select one.)
Time during the work day
13%
25%
29%
School facilities and resources
30%
15%
21%
School leadership
9%
9%
13%
Teacher empowerment
48%
43%
28%
Professional development
0%
9%
9%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.5 Overall, my school is a good place to work and learn.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
6%
Somewhat disagree
4%
3%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
1%
7%
Somewhat agree
13%
24%
35%
Strongly agree
83%
70%
42%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.6a Which BEST DESCRIBES your future intentions for your professional career?
Continue teaching at my current school as long as I am able
86%
83%
65%
Continue teaching at my current school until a better opportunity comes along
5%
8%
18%
Continue teaching but leave this school as soon as I can
0%
1%
3%
Continue teaching but leave this district as soon as I can
0%
0%
3%
Continue in education but leave classroom teaching
10%
8%
8%
Leave education entirely
0%
1%
4%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.7 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree that the following factors influence your decision making about your professional plans.
a. Adequate facilities and/or resources
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
4%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
10%
12%
12%
Somewhat agree
52%
46%
44%
Strongly agree
38%
35%
34%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Adequate support from school leadership
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
0%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
5%
6%
Somewhat agree
14%
26%
32%
Strongly agree
81%
68%
56%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Collegial atmosphere amongst the staff
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
1%
7%
Somewhat agree
29%
22%
32%
Strongly agree
71%
74%
56%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teaching assignment (subject, students)
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
10%
11%
9%
Somewhat agree
52%
37%
35%
Strongly agree
38%
49%
50%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Time during the work day
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
5%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
30%
17%
15%
Somewhat agree
35%
39%
41%
Strongly agree
30%
37%
35%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Empowerment to make decisions that affect my school and/or classroom
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
0%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
4%
9%
Somewhat agree
24%
25%
37%
Strongly agree
71%
71%
49%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Effectiveness with the students I teach
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
2%
Neither disagree nor agree
10%
4%
6%
Somewhat agree
24%
23%
32%
Strongly agree
67%
71%
57%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Stronger mentoring relationship
Strongly disagree
5%
3%
7%
Somewhat disagree
5%
12%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
62%
44%
44%
Somewhat agree
19%
23%
26%
Strongly agree
10%
18%
12%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Availability of more teacher leadership and specialist roles (e.g., mentor, coach, etc.)
Strongly disagree
5%
5%
7%
Somewhat disagree
10%
13%
12%
Neither disagree nor agree
48%
35%
39%
Somewhat agree
33%
28%
27%
Strongly agree
5%
18%
15%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


j. Salary
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
4%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
29%
17%
14%
Somewhat agree
43%
43%
37%
Strongly agree
29%
34%
40%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


k. Student behavior
Strongly disagree
5%
4%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
5%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
33%
24%
17%
Somewhat agree
48%
46%
40%
Strongly agree
14%
21%
32%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


l. Extent of testing and accountability
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
4%
Somewhat disagree
19%
10%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
43%
35%
28%
Somewhat agree
38%
37%
37%
Strongly agree
0%
17%
21%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


m. The community environment where I work
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
2%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
14%
7%
16%
Somewhat agree
52%
33%
41%
Strongly agree
29%
57%
35%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


n. The overall demands of teaching
Strongly disagree
5%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
3%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
10%
15%
14%
Somewhat agree
48%
31%
37%
Strongly agree
33%
48%
41%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


o. Retirement options
Strongly disagree
10%
2%
5%
Somewhat disagree
0%
6%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
43%
30%
25%
Somewhat agree
33%
35%
33%
Strongly agree
14%
26%
30%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


p. Personal reasons (health, family, etc.)
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
5%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
29%
23%
23%
Somewhat agree
38%
41%
32%
Strongly agree
29%
32%
36%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.8 Please rate how effective you believe the following incentives would be in deciding to teach in a "hard-to-staff" school.
a. Signing bonus
Not effective
38%
27%
12%
5%
3%
5%
Somewhat effective
24%
37%
35%
14%
13%
17%
Extremely effective
19%
20%
30%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Retention bonus (receiving a bonus after staying a certain number of years)
Not effective
38%
21%
8%
5%
3%
4%
Somewhat effective
19%
37%
28%
14%
19%
23%
Extremely effective
24%
20%
38%
  Merriam   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Assistance with housing (low-interest loan, down payment, etc.)
Not effective
19%
15%
13%
10%
7%
7%
Somewhat effective
29%
31%
27%
10%
25%
22%
Extremely effective
33%
22%
32%
</