In August 2014, researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Panorama Education launched a first-of-its-kind collaboration to develop a valid and reliable survey tool to measure student perceptions of teaching and learning.  The goal was to develop a survey instrument that would be grounded in the most advanced survey methodology and make it accessible for schools.  By measuring student perceptions, the Panorama Student Survey gathers feedback from students about their classroom experience.  These perceptions are strongly correlated with learning outcomes and can be an important improvement tool for school systems.

The gap would be described as the lack of data that fairly illustrates student perceptions of their experiences in the learning environment, and how that information can be used to strengthen instructional strategies and learning outcomes.  The first survey conducted by CCDS students was in the winter of 2019 and will serve as the baseline for future analyses.  The district profiles are referenced in the previous outcomes section.  The survey was made available to all students in grades 3 through 12; each school had a three-week window in which to adminster the survey and in the manner that made the most sense for their building.  All parents/guardians were notified by the school that the survey would take place and in which they could opt out for their learner.  Overall, there were less than 1,000 names removed from rosters with the vast majority of them needed corrections to the schools overall roster.  Very few families chose to opt out.

Attached to this agenda item are summary profiles of the baseline results, broken down by SEL competencies and School Supports scales, and broken down by grades 3-5 and grades 6-12.

It is expected that each school will utilize this baseline information along with the scheduled September 2019 survey administration to inform SEL strategies implemented in their classrooms, and to use the winter 2020 survey as a measure of success related to those plans.  All results will be expected to show an increase in positive ratings overall.

Goal 3: Establish a respectful climate and culture that provides equity and access to all.

Approve the contract for Panorama Education Student Survey for the 2019-2020 academic year.