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State Survey Assesses Climate of Schools

T.J. Carson

The Illinois State Board of Education is conducting a survey to learn how schools are perceived.

This year is the second time the 5Esstentials survey has been conducted.  It was first done in 2013.

The survey asks various questions of students, staff, and teachers to assess the climate and culture of schools in their district.

Questions include whether students feel safe in their schools, if teachers look forward to work each day, and if parents feel their concerns are heard by the district.

Information collected from the survey will go on a district’s report card.

Galesburg High School principal Roy VanMeter said the information can prove beneficial.

“Residents can view their information from school to school and compare schools.  I think the intention is that it would allow parents to make choices as to what schools they could go to and things like that,” VanMeter said.

VanMeter said the state's short survey is similar to one conducted by the Galesburg district.

“We try to collect our own data as well to try and get a broader cross section of people,” VanMeter said.

VanMeter said he doesn’t expect 100% participation in the survey.  He hopes for 80% from students and staff and 50% from parents.

People have until March 13th to take the state survey.