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).
 
4.10
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].
 
2.39
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).
 
3.17
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).
 
3.94
4.10
  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
44%
15%
Somewhat disagree
33%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
7%
5%
Somewhat agree
14%
37%
Strongly agree
3%
18%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


e. Teachers have sufficient instructional time to complete the curriculum for their subject(s) and/or grade.
Strongly disagree
25%
20%
Somewhat disagree
26%
33%
Neither disagree nor agree
16%
10%
Somewhat agree
27%
29%
Strongly agree
6%
8%
  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
2%
2%
Less than or equal to 3 hours
49%
31%
More than 3 hours but less than or equal to 5 hours
33%
38%
More than 5 hours but less than or equal to 10 hours
14%
27%
More than 10 hours
1%
3%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


i. Families help students achieve educational goals in this school.
Strongly disagree
0%
14%
Somewhat disagree
2%
26%
Neither disagree nor agree
4%
17%
Somewhat agree
52%
34%
Strongly agree
42%
9%
  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
1%
8%
Small role
15%
29%
Moderate role
35%
38%
Large role
41%
23%
The primary role
8%
2%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Q6.2 Professional development provides teachers with the knowledge and skills most needed to teach effectively.
Strongly disagree
6%
15%
Somewhat disagree
15%
24%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
14%
Somewhat agree
41%
34%
Strongly agree
26%
14%
  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
59%
62%
b. Workshops, institutes, and/or academies
96%
85%
c. Job-embedded professional development activities
75%
61%
d. Participation in a coaching or mentoring program
42%
37%
e. Attendance at conference or professional meetings
60%
57%
f. National Board Certification
3%
2%
g. State sponsored in-service program
10%
12%
h. School or district sponsored in-service program
85%
79%
  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%
50%
b. Using assessments (benchmark or formative)
28%
35%
c. Establishing professional learning community protocols
15%
21%
d. Teaching second language learners
60%
33%
e. Mapping the curriculum
22%
27%
f. Managing student behavior
27%
35%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
33%
34%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
6%
15%
  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
38%
49%
b. Using assessments (benchmark or formative)
36%
47%
c. Establishing professional learning community protocols
8%
15%
d. Teaching second language learners
39%
28%
e. Mapping the curriculum
31%
34%
f. Managing student behavior
15%
19%
g. Using reading/writing strategies
81%
53%
h. Inducting/mentoring new teachers
19%
19%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


c. Language
Strongly disagree
10%
15%
Somewhat disagree
15%
15%
Neither disagree nor agree
14%
14%
Somewhat agree
45%
29%
Strongly agree
17%
27%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


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


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


Q7.3 Social services are available to ensure that all students are ready to learn.
Strongly disagree
6%
12%
Somewhat disagree
20%
22%
Neither disagree nor agree
25%
20%
Somewhat agree
37%
35%
Strongly agree
13%
12%
  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%
1%
Somewhat disagree
1%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
7%
3%
Somewhat agree
28%
29%
Strongly agree
64%
64%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


Q9.5 Overall, my school is a good place to work and learn.
Strongly disagree
3%
6%
Somewhat disagree
3%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
1%
7%
Somewhat agree
24%
35%
Strongly agree
70%
42%
  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
83%
65%
Continue teaching at my current school until a better opportunity comes along
8%
18%
Continue teaching but leave this school as soon as I can
1%
3%
Continue teaching but leave this district as soon as I can
0%
3%
Continue in education but leave classroom teaching
8%
8%
Leave education entirely
1%
4%
  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
2%
4%
Somewhat disagree
4%
6%
Neither disagree nor agree
12%
12%
Somewhat agree
46%
44%
Strongly agree
35%
34%
  Acton   Massachusetts


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


d. Loan forgiveness, scholarship or tuition assistance for advanced degree
Not effective
12%
7%
4%
3%
Somewhat effective
17%
17%
36%
21%
Extremely effective
31%
51%
  Acton   Massachusetts


e. Relocation reimbursement
Not effective
11%
12%
9%
7%
Somewhat effective
30%
28%
31%
23%
Extremely effective
19%
30%
  Acton   Massachusetts


f. State income tax credits
Not effective
12%
6%
10%
5%
Somewhat effective
20%
23%
29%
25%
Extremely effective
29%
41%
  Acton   Massachusetts


g. Early retirement/additional years of service for each year taught
Not effective
7%
4%
9%
3%
Somewhat effective
20%
17%
36%
24%
Extremely effective
29%
52%
  Acton   Massachusetts


h. Reduced teaching load
Not effective
6%
4%
6%
4%
Somewhat effective
18%
19%
27%
26%
Extremely effective
44%
47%
  Acton   Massachusetts


i. At least five hours of planning time per week
Not effective
8%
4%
4%
4%
Somewhat effective
15%
18%
25%
25%
Extremely effective
47%
49%
  Acton   Massachusetts


j. Additional support personnel (assistants, coaches, achievement specialists, etc.)
Not effective
4%
5%
3%
6%
Somewhat effective
16%
22%
27%
27%
Extremely effective
50%
40%
  Acton   Massachusetts


k. Additional support personnel for students (counselors, social services, health, etc.)
Not effective
4%
4%
3%
5%
Somewhat effective
11%
19%
32%
27%
Extremely effective
49%
46%
  Acton   Massachusetts


l. Additional, targeted professional development opportunities
Not effective
7%
6%
10%
9%
Somewhat effective
24%
28%
35%
28%
Extremely effective
24%
28%
  Acton   Massachusetts


m. Recruitment with group of like-minded teachers
Not effective
8%
6%
8%
7%
Somewhat effective
18%
27%
34%
30%
Extremely effective
33%
31%
  Acton   Massachusetts


n. Additional role in school decisions (hiring, budget, discipline, etc.)
Not effective
5%
6%
9%
8%
Somewhat effective
18%
30%
37%
30%
Extremely effective
31%
26%
  Acton   Massachusetts


o. Additional role in classroom decisions (curriculum, instruction, etc.)
Not effective
4%
3%
1%
4%
Somewhat effective
8%
21%
37%
32%
Extremely effective
49%
39%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Mentor/Mentee
Q11.1 Have you been formally assigned a mentor in the past three years?
Yes
89%
80%
No
11%
20%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Q11.2 My mentor provided effective support in the following areas.
a. Instructional strategies
Strongly disagree
0%
8%
Somewhat disagree
0%
9%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
9%
Somewhat agree
38%
32%
Strongly agree
50%
42%
  Acton   Massachusetts


b. Curriculum and subject content I teach
Strongly disagree
0%
12%
Somewhat disagree
0%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
12%
Somewhat agree
50%
26%
Strongly agree
50%
40%
  Acton   Massachusetts


c. Classroom management/discipline strategies
Strongly disagree
0%
8%
Somewhat disagree
13%
9%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
11%
Somewhat agree
25%
32%
Strongly agree
50%
39%
  Acton   Massachusetts


d. School and/or district policies and procedures
Strongly disagree
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
0%
7%
Neither disagree nor agree
13%
11%
Somewhat agree
25%
34%
Strongly agree
63%
42%
  Acton   Massachusetts


e. Completing products or documentation required of new teachers
Strongly disagree
0%
9%
Somewhat disagree
13%
10%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
16%
Somewhat agree
25%
28%
Strongly agree
63%
38%
  Acton   Massachusetts


f. Completing other school or district paperwork
Strongly disagree
0%
9%
Somewhat disagree
13%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
18%
Somewhat agree
25%
27%
Strongly agree
63%
36%
  Acton   Massachusetts


g. General social support and encouragement
Strongly disagree
0%
5%
Somewhat disagree
0%
5%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
6%
Somewhat agree
13%
24%
Strongly agree
88%
60%
  Acton   Massachusetts


h. Other
Strongly disagree
0%
6%
Somewhat disagree
0%
3%
Neither disagree nor agree
50%
30%
Somewhat agree
0%
16%
Strongly agree
50%
45%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Q11.3 Please indicate whether each of the following were true for you and your mentor.
a. My mentor and I were in the same building.
Yes
88%
92%
No
13%
8%
  Acton   Massachusetts


b. My mentor and I taught in the same content area.
Yes
88%
69%
No
13%
31%
  Acton   Massachusetts


c. My mentor and I taught the same grade level.
Yes
75%
64%
No
25%
36%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Q11.4 On average, how often did you engage in each of the following activities with your mentor?
a. Planning during the school day with my mentor
Never
13%
29%
Less than once per month
25%
16%
Once per month
0%
11%
Several times per month
0%
13%
Once per week
50%
20%
Almost daily
13%
11%
  Acton   Massachusetts


b. Being observed teaching by my mentor
Never
50%
34%
Less than once per month
38%
37%
Once per month
13%
14%
Several times per month
0%
7%
Once per week
0%
5%
Almost daily
0%
4%
  Acton   Massachusetts


c. Observing my mentor's teaching
Never
50%
40%
Less than once per month
25%
35%
Once per month
13%
12%
Several times per month
0%
6%
Once per week
13%
3%
Almost daily
0%
4%
  Acton   Massachusetts


d. Planning instruction with my mentor
Never
0%
30%
Less than once per month
25%
19%
Once per month
0%
13%
Several times per month
25%
14%
Once per week
38%
16%
Almost daily
13%
8%
  Acton   Massachusetts


e. Having discussions with my mentor about my teaching
Never
0%
4%
Less than once per month
0%
11%
Once per month
13%
12%
Several times per month
25%
19%
Once per week
25%
25%
Almost daily
38%
29%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Q11.5 Overall, my mentoring experience has been important in my decision to continue teaching at this school.
Strongly disagree
25%
22%
Somewhat disagree
0%
11%
Neither disagree nor agree
0%
26%
Somewhat agree
25%
21%
Strongly agree
50%
20%
  Acton   Massachusetts


Q11.6 Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements about the support you have received as a new teacher.
a. My induction program improved my instructional practice.
Strongly disagree
0%
15%
Somewhat disagree
25%
16%
Neither disagree nor agree
25%
24%
Somewhat agree
25%
30%
Strongly agree
25%
15%
  Acton   Massachusetts


b. My induction program influenced my decision to stay in teaching.
Strongly disagree
0%
20%
Somewhat disagree
25%
17%
Neither disagree nor agree
50%
32%
Somewhat agree
13%
19%
Strongly agree
13%
12%
  Acton   Massachusetts


c. My mentor improved my instructional practice.
Strongly disagree
0%
12%
Somewhat disagree
13%
9%