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).
 
3.16
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].
 
2.08
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).
 
2.89
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).
 
3.93
3.94
4.10
  Gates   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
26%
44%
15%
Somewhat disagree
42%
33%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
7%
5%
Somewhat agree
21%
14%
37%
Strongly agree
0%
3%
18%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


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


c. The non-instructional time provided for teachers in my school is sufficient.
Strongly disagree
16%
17%
23%
Somewhat disagree
58%
37%
30%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
10%
11%
Somewhat agree
26%
33%
27%
Strongly agree
0%
3%
10%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers have sufficient instructional time to meet the needs of all students.
Strongly disagree
6%
23%
17%
Somewhat disagree
56%
41%
33%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
10%
10%
Somewhat agree
22%
20%
30%
Strongly agree
0%
7%
9%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers have sufficient instructional time to complete the curriculum for their subject(s) and/or grade.
Strongly disagree
5%
25%
20%
Somewhat disagree
37%
26%
33%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
16%
10%
Somewhat agree
32%
27%
29%
Strongly agree
0%
6%
8%
  Gates   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
74%
49%
31%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
26%
33%
38%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
0%
14%
27%
More than 10 hours
0%
1%
3%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.3a Of these hours, how many are typically spent on supervisory duties?
None
47%
51%
36%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
53%
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%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.3b Of these hours, how many are typically spent on routine paperwork?
None
5%
10%
4%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
68%
61%
59%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
26%
24%
27%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
0%
5%
8%
More than 10 hours
0%
0%
2%
  Gates   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
16%
9%
12%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
16%
12%
18%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
26%
21%
30%
More than 10 hours
42%
57%
39%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q2.5a Of these hours, how many are typically spent on voluntary activities (i.e., coaching, club sponsorship, etc.)?
None
53%
63%
46%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
32%
24%
37%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
16%
10%
9%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
0%
2%
5%
More than 10 hours
0%
1%
4%
  Gates   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
5%
9%
2%
Somewhat disagree
5%
8%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
37%
28%
15%
Somewhat agree
42%
33%
44%
Strongly agree
11%
23%
33%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Student assessment requirements
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
6%
2%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
13%
9%
Somewhat agree
44%
49%
38%
Strongly agree
33%
35%
49%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Strongly disagree
11%
5%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
4%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
28%
18%
Somewhat agree
47%
41%
36%
Strongly agree
21%
22%
39%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Diverse student learning needs in the classroom
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
6%
9%
Somewhat agree
42%
34%
35%
Strongly agree
47%
58%
52%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Student behavior
Strongly disagree
0%
4%
3%
Somewhat disagree
16%
6%
8%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
15%
13%
Somewhat agree
68%
46%
35%
Strongly agree
5%
30%
41%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Class size increases
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
5%
2%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
11%
26%
Somewhat agree
63%
38%
31%
Strongly agree
21%
49%
28%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Required professional development
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
32%
25%
Somewhat agree
63%
48%
40%
Strongly agree
26%
14%
21%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Required committee work
Strongly disagree
5%
5%
9%
Somewhat disagree
21%
13%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
37%
46%
39%
Somewhat agree
32%
31%
28%
Strongly agree
5%
6%
10%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Compliance with No Child Left Behind
Strongly disagree
11%
7%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
5%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
44%
26%
Somewhat agree
42%
29%
35%
Strongly agree
16%
16%
30%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


j. Getting students to expected levels of performance
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
1%
Somewhat disagree
5%
2%
1%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
10%
6%
Somewhat agree
37%
45%
31%
Strongly agree
42%
42%
61%
  Gates   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
5%
3%
12%
Somewhat disagree
21%
13%
23%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
6%
7%
Somewhat agree
53%
42%
37%
Strongly agree
16%
37%
21%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers have sufficient access to instructional technology, including computers, printers, software and internet access.
Strongly disagree
26%
37%
16%
Somewhat disagree
32%
34%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
7%
6%
Somewhat agree
26%
20%
31%
Strongly agree
0%
2%
24%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Teachers have access to reliable communication technology - including phones, faxes and email.
Strongly disagree
16%
10%
12%
Somewhat disagree
16%
16%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
11%
7%
Somewhat agree
47%
37%
33%
Strongly agree
5%
27%
28%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers have sufficient training and support to fully utilize the available instructional technology.
Strongly disagree
26%
29%
16%
Somewhat disagree
26%
33%
28%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
14%
13%
Somewhat agree
37%
21%
31%
Strongly agree
0%
3%
12%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers have adequate professional space to work productively.
Strongly disagree
32%
13%
15%
Somewhat disagree
26%
17%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
7%
11%
Somewhat agree
32%
40%
32%
Strongly agree
5%
24%
21%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Teachers and staff work in a school environment that is physically safe.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
11%
4%
12%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
8%
9%
Somewhat agree
21%
20%
33%
Strongly agree
42%
68%
40%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Teachers and staff work in a school that is environmentally healthy.
Strongly disagree
5%
4%
15%
Somewhat disagree
42%
21%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
11%
12%
Somewhat agree
26%
35%
28%
Strongly agree
5%
29%
20%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Teachers and staff work in a school environment that is clean and well maintained.
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
11%
Somewhat disagree
16%
11%
20%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
6%
10%
Somewhat agree
42%
39%
32%
Strongly agree
21%
43%
28%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Teachers have sufficient access to a broad range of professional support (professional) personnel.
Strongly disagree
0%
3%
9%
Somewhat disagree
11%
11%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
12%
12%
Somewhat agree
37%
34%
37%
Strongly agree
42%
41%
23%
  Gates   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
21%
7%
16%
Somewhat disagree
16%
8%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
6%
12%
Somewhat agree
42%
40%
36%
Strongly agree
16%
39%
10%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers are trusted to make sound professional decisions about instruction.
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
10%
Somewhat disagree
5%
3%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
5%
9%
Somewhat agree
42%
30%
41%
Strongly agree
37%
61%
23%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. In this school we take steps to solve problems.
Strongly disagree
5%
2%
8%
Somewhat disagree
21%
6%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
9%
13%
Somewhat agree
32%
33%
41%
Strongly agree
16%
50%
23%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. The faculty has an effective process for making group decisions to solve problems.
Strongly disagree
5%
3%
14%
Somewhat disagree
42%
18%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
13%
18%
Somewhat agree
16%
29%
32%
Strongly agree
11%
38%
13%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers are recognized as educational experts.
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
11%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
7%
14%
Somewhat agree
37%
39%
37%
Strongly agree
37%
51%
21%
  Gates   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
5%
4%
9%
Somewhat disagree
11%
8%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
37%
25%
21%
Somewhat agree
32%
39%
36%
Strongly agree
16%
25%
17%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Teachers are encouraged to participate in professional leadership activities.
Strongly disagree
5%
4%
8%
Somewhat disagree
11%
6%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
47%
33%
27%
Somewhat agree
26%
31%
32%
Strongly agree
11%
27%
18%
  Gates   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
5%
8%
17%
Somewhat agree
37%
40%
35%
Strongly agree
58%
51%
14%
  Gates   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
11%
4%
17%
Somewhat agree
21%
52%
34%
Strongly agree
68%
42%
9%
  Gates   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
6%
1%
8%
Small role
28%
15%
29%
Moderate role
50%
35%
38%
Large role
17%
41%
23%
The primary role
0%
8%
2%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Shaping the schedule of the school day
No role at all
5%
7%
27%
Small role
11%
22%
33%
Moderate role
32%
24%
25%
Large role
37%
26%
13%
The primary role
16%
22%
2%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Deciding how the school budget will be spent
No role at all
42%
29%
46%
Small role
42%
35%
36%
Moderate role
16%
16%
14%
Large role
0%
16%
3%
The primary role
0%
4%
0%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Establishing and implementing policies related to student discipline
No role at all
11%
7%
23%
Small role
16%
21%
35%
Moderate role
21%
18%
27%
Large role
32%
39%
14%
The primary role
21%
16%
2%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Hiring of new teachers
No role at all
0%
2%
38%
Small role
11%
12%
33%
Moderate role
21%
29%
20%
Large role
68%
48%
9%
The primary role
0%
9%
1%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Determining the content of in-service professional development programs
No role at all
5%
1%
29%
Small role
16%
18%
37%
Moderate role
32%
29%
23%
Large role
47%
45%
10%
The primary role
0%
7%
1%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Setting grading and student assessment practices
No role at all
0%
0%
13%
Small role
26%
10%
26%
Moderate role
37%
21%
27%
Large role
16%
37%
24%
The primary role
21%
32%
10%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Devising teaching techniques
No role at all
0%
0%
6%
Small role
0%
1%
15%
Moderate role
26%
11%
25%
Large role
26%
40%
34%
The primary role
47%
49%
21%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Selecting instructional materials and resources
No role at all
0%
0%
8%
Small role
5%
2%
20%
Moderate role
32%
17%
29%
Large role
32%
39%
29%
The primary role
32%
42%
14%
  Gates   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
22%
46%
31%
b. Assistant or vice principal
0%
0%
5%
c. Department chair, grade level chair or team leader
11%
6%
18%
d. School-based instructional specialist
6%
7%
9%
e. Director of curriculum and instruction or other central office based personnel
28%
12%
11%
f. Other teachers
33%
26%
19%
g. None of the above
0%
4%
7%
  Gates   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
21%
6%
12%
Somewhat disagree
32%
14%
21%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
13%
17%
Somewhat agree
26%
42%
34%
Strongly agree
5%
25%
16%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Teachers feel comfortable raising issues and concerns that are important to them.
Strongly disagree
21%
5%
13%
Somewhat disagree
11%
6%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
8%
10%
Somewhat agree
47%
37%
37%
Strongly agree
5%
45%
22%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. The school leadership consistently enforces rules for student conduct.
Strongly disagree
26%
6%
15%
Somewhat disagree
16%
9%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
13%
13%
Somewhat agree
32%
35%
31%
Strongly agree
11%
38%
19%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teacher performance evaluations are handled in an appropriate manner.
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
7%
Somewhat disagree
5%
2%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
13%
16%
Somewhat agree
47%
28%
34%
Strongly agree
21%
56%
33%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Teachers receive feedback that can help them improve teaching.
Strongly disagree
16%
6%
7%
Somewhat disagree
32%
7%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
15%
17%
Somewhat agree
32%
31%
36%
Strongly agree
11%
42%
27%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q5.3 The school leadership makes a sustained effort to address teacher concerns about:
a. Teaching and learning issues
Strongly disagree
6%
2%
7%
Somewhat disagree
28%
6%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
10%
16%
Somewhat agree
33%
36%
42%
Strongly agree
11%
46%
20%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Leadership issues
Strongly disagree
22%
4%
12%
Somewhat disagree
33%
9%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
18%
25%
Somewhat agree
22%
33%
32%
Strongly agree
6%
36%
14%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Facilities and resources
Strongly disagree
22%
4%
9%
Somewhat disagree
28%
9%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
22%
11%
20%
Somewhat agree
22%
37%
38%
Strongly agree
6%
39%
16%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. The use of time in my school
Strongly disagree
17%
3%
11%
Somewhat disagree
11%
4%
20%
Neither disagree nor agree
33%
18%
22%
Somewhat agree
33%
42%
34%
Strongly agree
6%
33%
14%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Professional development
Strongly disagree
6%
1%
10%
Somewhat disagree
22%
6%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
10%
19%
Somewhat agree
39%
43%
38%
Strongly agree
17%
40%
16%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Empowering teachers
Strongly disagree
6%
1%
14%
Somewhat disagree
28%
10%
19%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
9%
21%
Somewhat agree
39%
34%
31%
Strongly agree
11%
45%
15%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. New teacher support
Strongly disagree
6%
1%
9%
Somewhat disagree
0%
4%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
17%
11%
21%
Somewhat agree
61%
43%
37%
Strongly agree
17%
41%
19%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Professional Development
Q6.1 Sufficient resources are available to allow teachers to take advantage of professional development activities.
Strongly disagree
26%
17%
17%
Somewhat disagree
21%
15%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
8%
12%
Somewhat agree
26%
39%
33%
Strongly agree
11%
22%
14%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.2 Professional development provides teachers with the knowledge and skills most needed to teach effectively.
Strongly disagree
16%
6%
15%
Somewhat disagree
21%
15%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
13%
14%
Somewhat agree
42%
41%
34%
Strongly agree
11%
26%
14%
  Gates   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
53%
59%
62%
b. Workshops, institutes, and/or academies
89%
96%
85%
c. Job-embedded professional development activities
63%
75%
61%
d. Participation in a coaching or mentoring program
53%
42%
37%
e. Attendance at conference or professional meetings
58%
60%
57%
f. National Board Certification
5%
3%
2%
g. State sponsored in-service program
5%
10%
12%
h. School or district sponsored in-service program
79%
85%
79%
  Gates   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
50%
48%
50%
b. Using assessments (benchmark or formative)
38%
28%
35%
c. Establishing professional learning community protocols
6%
15%
21%
d. Teaching second language learners
56%
60%
33%
e. Mapping the curriculum
44%
22%
27%
f. Managing student behavior
25%
27%
35%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
44%
33%
34%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
0%
6%
15%
  Gates   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
41%
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
18%
39%
28%
e. Mapping the curriculum
41%
31%
34%
f. Managing student behavior
29%
15%
19%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
82%
81%
53%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
18%
19%
19%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.6a Professional development has provided YOU with strategies that you have incorporated into your instructional delivery methods.
Strongly disagree
11%
6%
10%
Somewhat disagree
5%
9%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
5%
13%
Somewhat agree
53%
44%
45%
Strongly agree
26%
35%
17%
  Gates   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
16%
10%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
8%
14%
Somewhat agree
53%
42%
42%
Strongly agree
26%
33%
17%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.7a I regularly receive ongoing follow up from professional development opportunities that help me improve my teaching.
Strongly disagree
5%
14%
24%
Somewhat disagree
26%
26%
27%
Neither disagree nor agree
42%
31%
22%
Somewhat agree
21%
22%
20%
Strongly agree
5%
8%
6%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.8 Teachers are provided opportunities to learn from one another.
Strongly disagree
0%
10%
13%
Somewhat disagree
16%
14%
25%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
10%
12%
Somewhat agree
37%
39%
38%
Strongly agree
32%
27%
12%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.9 Adequate time is provided for professional development.
Strongly disagree
5%
14%
16%
Somewhat disagree
16%
12%
27%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
18%
17%
Somewhat agree
42%
41%
29%
Strongly agree
11%
16%
10%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.10 Do you teach students who have an Individualized Education Plan?
Yes
100%
99%
94%
No
0%
1%
6%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q6.11 Do you teach students who are Limited English Proficient?
Yes
47%
64%
56%
No
53%
36%
44%
  Gates   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
5%
4%
12%
Somewhat disagree
32%
11%
18%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
4%
9%
Somewhat agree
47%
29%
36%
Strongly agree
11%
52%
26%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Clear expectations are communicated to students and families.
Strongly disagree
0%
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
11%
5%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
5%
9%
Somewhat agree
63%
40%
41%
Strongly agree
16%
50%
31%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. The faculty are committed to helping every student learn.
Strongly disagree
5%
2%
1%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
5%
5%
Somewhat agree
11%
9%
30%
Strongly agree
74%
83%
59%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teachers are held to high professional standards for delivering instruction.
Strongly disagree
6%
3%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
6%
2%
7%
Somewhat agree
17%
17%
33%
Strongly agree
72%
77%
52%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q7.2 The following circumstances significantly affect the ability of students in this school to learn.
a. Academic preparation
Strongly disagree
11%
15%
6%
Somewhat disagree
11%
6%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
15%
10%
Somewhat agree
32%
27%
35%
Strongly agree
42%
38%
42%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Poverty
Strongly disagree
63%
42%
14%
Somewhat disagree
21%
26%
14%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
14%
14%
Somewhat agree
0%
11%
29%
Strongly agree
5%
7%
28%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Language
Strongly disagree
11%
10%
15%
Somewhat disagree
16%
15%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
14%
14%
Somewhat agree
47%
45%
29%
Strongly agree
5%
17%
27%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Violence outside of the school
Strongly disagree
53%
62%
22%
Somewhat disagree
32%
14%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
12%
19%
Somewhat agree
0%
3%
22%
Strongly agree
5%
9%
20%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Health issues
Strongly disagree
37%
37%
13%
Somewhat disagree
42%
23%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
21%
23%
Somewhat agree
5%
12%
31%
Strongly agree
5%
8%
17%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


f. Excessive tardiness
Strongly disagree
47%
35%
8%
Somewhat disagree
32%
22%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
17%
14%
Somewhat agree
5%
16%
34%
Strongly agree
5%
11%
33%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Excessive absences
Strongly disagree
42%
34%
8%
Somewhat disagree
32%
25%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
16%
12%
Somewhat agree
5%
14%
32%
Strongly agree
5%
12%
38%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Community support
Strongly disagree
16%
22%
8%
Somewhat disagree
5%
8%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
14%
21%
Somewhat agree
32%
18%
33%
Strongly agree
42%
39%
28%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Transience/mobility
Strongly disagree
42%
47%
17%
Somewhat disagree
32%
20%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
19%
23%
Somewhat agree
11%
8%
22%
Strongly agree
5%
7%
25%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q7.3 Social services are available to ensure that all students are ready to learn.
Strongly disagree
5%
6%
12%
Somewhat disagree
5%
20%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
42%
25%
20%
Somewhat agree
42%
37%
35%
Strongly agree
5%
13%
12%
  Gates   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
0%
7%
3%
Somewhat agree
21%
28%
29%
Strongly agree
79%
64%
64%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. The curriculum taught meets the needs of students.
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
8%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
5%
8%
Somewhat agree
37%
37%
45%
Strongly agree
63%
48%
29%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and other student data are available in time to influence teaching.
Strongly disagree
11%
8%
8%
Somewhat disagree
0%
10%
13%
Neither disagree nor agree
47%
38%
21%
Somewhat agree
21%
26%
31%
Strongly agree
21%
19%
27%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. MCAS and other student data are used to improve instruction.
Strongly disagree
16%
11%
5%
Somewhat disagree
16%
15%
9%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
33%
17%
Somewhat agree
26%
29%
36%
Strongly agree
16%
12%
33%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. MCAS-administered tests assess the content delivered.
Strongly disagree
11%
12%
8%
Somewhat disagree
5%
19%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
32%
28%
23%
Somewhat agree
42%
32%
34%
Strongly agree
11%
9%
20%
  Gates   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
11%
14%
19%
School facilities and resources
16%
10%
20%
School leadership
21%
15%
30%
Teacher empowerment
47%
58%
26%
Professional development
5%
3%
4%
  Gates   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
26%
25%
29%
School facilities and resources
21%
15%
21%
School leadership
0%
9%
13%
Teacher empowerment
42%
43%
28%
Professional development
11%
9%
9%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


Q9.5 Overall, my school is a good place to work and learn.
Strongly disagree
5%
3%
6%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
1%
7%
Somewhat agree
47%
24%
35%
Strongly agree
42%
70%
42%
  Gates   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
89%
83%
65%
Continue teaching at my current school until a better opportunity comes along
11%
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
0%
8%
8%
Leave education entirely
0%
1%
4%
  Gates   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
5%
4%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
12%
12%
Somewhat agree
53%
46%
44%
Strongly agree
21%
35%
34%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Adequate support from school leadership
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
0%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
5%
6%
Somewhat agree
26%
26%
32%
Strongly agree
63%
68%
56%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Collegial atmosphere amongst the staff
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
5%
2%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
5%
1%
7%
Somewhat agree
26%
22%
32%
Strongly agree
63%
74%
56%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


d. Teaching assignment (subject, students)
Strongly disagree
5%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
11%
11%
9%
Somewhat agree
37%
37%
35%
Strongly agree
42%
49%
50%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


e. Time during the work day
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
5%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
17%
15%
Somewhat agree
53%
39%
41%
Strongly agree
21%
37%
35%
  Gates   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
11%
4%
9%
Somewhat agree
42%
25%
37%
Strongly agree
47%
71%
49%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


g. Effectiveness with the students I teach
Strongly disagree
5%
1%
2%
Somewhat disagree
0%
1%
2%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
4%
6%
Somewhat agree
32%
23%
32%
Strongly agree
63%
71%
57%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


h. Stronger mentoring relationship
Strongly disagree
5%
3%
7%
Somewhat disagree
16%
12%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
32%
44%
44%
Somewhat agree
37%
23%
26%
Strongly agree
11%
18%
12%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


i. Availability of more teacher leadership and specialist roles (e.g., mentor, coach, etc.)
Strongly disagree
5%
5%
7%
Somewhat disagree
5%
13%
12%
Neither disagree nor agree
37%
35%
39%
Somewhat agree
42%
28%
27%
Strongly agree
11%
18%
15%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


j. Salary
Strongly disagree
5%
2%
4%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
17%
14%
Somewhat agree
42%
43%
37%
Strongly agree
37%
34%
40%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


k. Student behavior
Strongly disagree
5%
4%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
5%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
24%
17%
Somewhat agree
53%
46%
40%
Strongly agree
16%
21%
32%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


l. Extent of testing and accountability
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
4%
Somewhat disagree
0%
10%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
42%
35%
28%
Somewhat agree
37%
37%
37%
Strongly agree
21%
17%
21%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


m. The community environment where I work
Strongly disagree
6%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
0%
2%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
6%
7%
16%
Somewhat agree
28%
33%
41%
Strongly agree
61%
57%
35%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


n. The overall demands of teaching
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
3%
Somewhat disagree
5%
3%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
21%
15%
14%
Somewhat agree
37%
31%
37%
Strongly agree
37%
48%
41%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


o. Retirement options
Strongly disagree
0%
2%
5%
Somewhat disagree
11%
6%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
30%
25%
Somewhat agree
42%
35%
33%
Strongly agree
21%
26%
30%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


p. Personal reasons (health, family, etc.)
Strongly disagree
0%
1%
5%
Somewhat disagree
11%
3%
4%
Neither disagree nor agree
26%
23%
23%
Somewhat agree
42%
41%
32%
Strongly agree
21%
32%
36%
  Gates   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
17%
27%
12%
6%
3%
5%
Somewhat effective
33%
37%
35%
11%
13%
17%
Extremely effective
33%
20%
30%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


b. Retention bonus (receiving a bonus after staying a certain number of years)
Not effective
11%
21%
8%
6%
3%
4%
Somewhat effective
33%
37%
28%
17%
19%
23%
Extremely effective
33%
20%
38%
  Gates   Acton   Massachusetts


c. Assistance with housing (low-interest loan, down payment, etc.)
Not effective
12%
15%
13%
6%
7%
7%
Somewhat effective
35%
31%
27%
24%
25%
22%
Extremely effective
24%
22%
32%