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The 43rd annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s attitudes Toward their Public Schools was written and researched by William J. Bushaw and Shane J. Lopez for PDK/Gallup. The poll was conducted by telephone in June of 2011 and asked the participants about their support for teachers, teacher unions, digital learning and a variety of other topics. Below is a summary of some of their attitudes.
Recruiting, Retaining Great Teachers
- Three out of four Americans support recruiting high-achieving high school students to become teachers.
- Two of three Americans would like a child of theirs to become a public school teacher.
- Almost three of four Americans have trust and confidence in public school teachers.
Teachers and Collective Bargaining
- One in four Americans still believe that teacher unions help, but almost one of two Americans believes that teacher unions hurt public education.
- Americans believe teacher salaries should be based on multiple factors including advanced degrees, experience, and the principal’s evaluation of the teacher.
- Americans believe that school districts should use multiple factors to determine which teachers should be laid off first, and that the principal’s evaluation of the teacher should have the most weight.
Digital Learning and Technology
- 91% of Americans understand that students need access to the Internet in their schools.
- In 2000, 82% of Americans believed that schools should invest in technology, now 74% believe that schools should invest in technology.
- Americans believe that students should learn technology so they are ready for career or college.
- Only one in four Americans felt that elementary students should use eBooks, but half of Americans that they were appropriate for middle school, and two out of three thought they were useful for high school.
Perceptions of Quality and the Biggest Problem Facing Education
- Americans said lack of financial support was the biggest problem facing schools.
- Americans grade their local schools with the highest number of A’s and B’s, and the percentage of Americans that gave an A to their local school is at 14%.
- But Americans’ perception of the nation’s schools continue to decline – only 17% assigned a grade of A or B to the nation’s schools and the percentage of D’s and F’s is increasing.
Preparing Students for the Future
- Americans consider a high school graduate more ready for the world of work than a high school dropout. College graduates are considered more ready for the world of work.
- Parents with school-age children are optimistic that their children are ready for college, but not optimistic that they will land a good job one day.
- Parents believe that schools are safe, education relevant, and the teachers encourage students and these three factors help prepare students.
Charters, Vouchers, and Choice
- Americans continue to embrace the concept of charter schools with an approval rate of 70% which is the highest it has been.
- Americans support parents having the choice of where their children go to school.
- Vouchers received the lowest approval rating in the past 10 years – only one of three Americans favor allowing students and parents to choose a private school to attend with public dollars.
Students of Military Families
- Only one of four Americans is aware of efforts made by their local schools to support students whose parents are serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Moving Forward
- The United States is facing a continuing need to replace teachers.
- While working to maintain hard fought gains in teacher salaries, benefits, and other working conditions that Americans still support, teacher union leaders should thoughtfully consider what actions they could take to improve their public image.
- Americans have accepted charter schools – now what do they need to do to support them?
- Americans recognize that public education funding is in a crisis. Investing in education is vital for our nation, but at the same time it is necessary to find greater efficiencies and effectiveness to promote better learning.
- Policy makers should recognize that Americans support bringing technology into the classroom.
- Preparing for the work world means that educators can combine 21st century skills with higher education.
- Today’s schools are considered well-being centers for American youth. Communities should explore ways to leverage the resources of these well-being centers to increase services to students.
Conclusion
The study concludes: “As the United States continues to explore ways to not just reform but transform education, all new policies and programs must consider what will be most effective at improving student learning. Americans seem clear that the answer is investment in teachers first and foremost.”
Source: Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s attitudes Toward their Public Schools
