the 42 nd annual pdk/gallup poll of the public’s attitudes toward the public schools pdkpoll.org
TRANSCRIPT
The 42nd AnnualPDK/Gallup Poll of the
Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools
pdkpoll.org
PDK/Gallup Poll Advisory Panel
Joseph Aguerrebere, president, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Jon Clifton, deputy director, Gallup World Poll
Richard Lee Colvin, director, Hechinger Institute on Education & Media, Teachers College, Columbia University
Gail Connelly, executive director, National Association of Elementary School Principals
Sandee Crowther, president, Phi Delta Kappa International
Byron Garrett, chief executive officer, National PTA
Rick Hess, director of education policy studies, American Enterprise Institute
Joan Richardson, editor-in-chief, Phi Delta Kappan
John Stocks, deputy executive director, National Education Association
Thomas Toch, executive director, Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington and Phi Delta Kappan’s Washington View columnist
Susan Traiman, director of public policy, Business Roundtable
Kara Schlosser, communications director, Council of Chief State School Officers
Research Procedures
Typical national sample (1,008 adults ages 18+) Sampling error at 95% confidence, +/- 3% (all),
+/- 5% (parents only) Sample weighted to represent
U.S. adults nationwide Telephone interviews
conducted June 4-28, 2010
Major Findings in 2010
The federal role in education The importance of college Biggest problem facing schools/school quality Charter schools America’s teachers Student rewards
The Federal Role in Education
School Turnarounds
Who is Responsible for Education?
What Should the Feds Do?
The Importance of College
How Important is College?
Preparing High School Students for College
Parents’ Views About College
92% think their child will go to college, up from 82% in 1995 and 57% in 1982.
Parents want their child to attend college for better job opportunities and income.
77% of parents believe they can afford to pay for college, a more positive response than when asked previously.
Biggest Problems Facing Schools/School Quality
Biggest Problem –40 Years of Data
School Grades
School Grades
School Grades
How can a School Earn an “A”?
Charter Schools
Public Opinion of Charter Schools
Charter Schools
More than 6 of 10 Americans support new charter schools in their community.
Six of 10 Americans support a large increase in charter schools.
Only 6 in 10 American parents would send their child to the same school if cost werenot a factor.
America’s Teachers
Teacher Salaries
Americans don’t believe teachers should be paid using a standard scale.
Teacher salaries should be tied to student achievement--somewhat.
Teachers should be paid more to work at challenging schools.
Reasons to Evaluate Teachers
Positive AttitudeToward Learning
Confidence in Teachers
Almost 3 of 4 Americans have trust and confidence in their teachers.
Two of three Americans would like their child to become a teacher, significantly higher than when asked in the past.
Four of 10 Americans say they were very or somewhat likely to choose teaching if looking for a new line of work.
Importance of Professional Development
Rewarding Students
Rewarding Students
Three of four Americans oppose paying students to attend school or get good grades.
Three of four American parents do not pay their children for good grades.
Final Impressions
Final Impressions
More great teachers is the #1 improvement strategy.
Education is a state responsibility. Washington shouldn’t overreach.
College is increasingly important. Americans what more choices. School funding is in crises. Americans like and trust their teachers, but
would change the way teachers are paid. Reforming education is not for the “faint of
heart.”
Additional Resources for PDK Members
Access to database containing 42 years of polling data including questions and responses
PowerPoint presentation with annotated notes
Customized webinar presentationsof 2010 PDK/Gallup poll report
Access to www.pdkconnect.org, a private online community where results can be discussed
