Perceptual Survey
Continuous Improvement is a multifaceted process that utilizes specific data sources to inform school system decision-making and improve learning outcomes for all students. In Nebraska, accredited school systems are required to engage in continuous improvement actions as set forth in Section 009 of NAC 92, Chapter 10, Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of Schools.
009.01A2
Collection and analysis of data about student performance, demographics, learning climate, and former high school students.
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Sources of data at the school system level fall into broad categories, including but not limited to demographics, student learning and achievement, school processes, and perceptions. Nebraska’s Accountability for a Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow AQuESTT Tenets states:
“Schools and districts implement best practices in student, family, and community engagement to enhance experiences and opportunities that are culturally inclusive and relevant for each student. Student success and engagement rely on positive partnerships and relationships to fundamentally improve the outcomes for each student, school, district, and community.”
Perceptual survey distribution and data collection are effective ways to gather information about school culture and climate. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) defines school culture and climate as:
School Climate:
School climate refers to a school’s effects on students, including teaching practices; diversity; and the relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, and students. (ASCD)
School Culture:
School culture refers to how teachers and other staff members work together and the beliefs, values, and assumptions they share. A positive school climate and school culture promote students’ ability to learn. (ASCD)
To better understand the beliefs, concerns, and interests of key education stakeholders (Students, Staff, & Parents), the Nebraska Department of Education, along with ESUCC Data Cadre members, began revising the NDE Perceptual Survey, which was created in 1999. This revision project began in August 2020 and will be available for school system use in September 2022. Details about the Revised Perceptual Survey may be found in this LINK and in the PDF of the NDE Day PowerPoint Presentation.
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Survey Design Best Practices
The Nebraska Department of Education partnered with Hanover Research Group (Hanover) to identify best practices for school climate survey design, aiming to collect high-quality, actionable data from these stakeholders. To design an effective survey, it is essential to understand the audience, the goals of the survey analysis, and the survey content. Read more about perceptual survey design in this LINK, BEST PRACTICES IN PERCEPTUAL SURVEY DESIGN (PDF).
Also included in the report are reviews of other states’ perceptual survey processes.
Colorado
Four elements organize survey items:
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- Student Learning
- Student-Centered Environment
- Classroom Community
- Classroom Management.
Kansas
Perceptual surveys are free and available to school systems. Surveys are to be used solely by schools and districts for school/district improvement.
Hawaii
Utilizes a third-party service, Panorama, and surveys measure: School Safety, School Belonging, Classroom Climate, Teacher-Student Relationships, and Classroom Rigorous Expectations, to name a few.
Nebraska's Revised Survey
Nebraska’s revised Perceptual Survey is the outcome of a careful process that involved stakeholders from various educational backgrounds. Respondents to the survey are not required to provide any personally identifiable information. Parents and guardians who wish to opt out can contact the school directly to request an opt-out form. The results from the survey will help the school in four key areas: Environment, Relationships, Engagement, and Instruction. These four categories were developed based on word similarities associated with the AQuESTT Domains and Tenets.
School systems can access their survey information in the NDE Portal. The Perceptual Survey collection is used to create the survey and obtain the shareable survey links. The NEP Perceptual Survey and AQuESTT Reports collection is where districts can view their survey results. If you need assistance locating this information in the NDE Portal, please contact NDE.ServiceDesk@Nebraska.gov.