In an effort to improve New York City public schools, the Department of Education (DOE) distributed 1.8 million Learning Environment Surveys to parents, teachers and students during May.
According to the DOE Web site, survey results will be factored into the 2006-2007 Progress Reports, which are designed to measure each school’s contribution to student academic progress. Schools are graded based on performance, progress and school environment.
Schools who earn an overall grade of A will receive financial rewards, while schools receiving an overall grade of D or F will be subject to school improvement measures and possible leadership change.
In Stuyvesant, students were given extra time during homeroom on Tuesday, May 22 to complete the survey.
Teachers received surveys during a faculty meeting on Monday, May 21. In addition, the DOE mailed surveys home to parents.
Questions addressed the social and educational aspects of the school. In student surveys, topics ranged from the availability of certain classes and extracurricular activities to school safety. Many questions asked students to rank their school on a scale of 1 to 5 in several categories.
Principal Stanley Teitel said, “Most of the questions were pretty straightforward. There was very little room for personal expression.”
“I know we got a good turnout from students because I gave [students] the time and I made [them] do it,” said Teitel.
Sophomore Christopher Cusack said, “I understand why they gave it to us, but I felt that it was pretty useless considering that a lot of students didn’t take it seriously.”
Sophomore Allen Rabinovich disagreed. “If it’s productive, the school might get more funding, so it was a good cause. I wouldn’t mind seeing some improvements.”
Teacher surveys asked about the relationship between the administration and faculty, as well as the availability of resources and materials.
“It’s a good idea for teachers, parents and students to have a say in what’s going on in the school,” said English teacher Mark Henderson.
Regarding the parental surveys, Parents’ Association Recording Secretary Ellen Bilofsky said, “There are things that the school can do better but I don’t thing the survey gets into questions that we need.”
It has not yet been decided what changes will be implemented as a result of the survey’s findings. “I have not specifically been told what I have to or don’t have to do,” said Teitel. “I have to see what the results look like and then we’ll see what we’re going to do with them.”
