Alliance for Excellent Education

Alliancefor Excellent Education A Presentation of Survey Research on the Public’s Views on Public High Schools

Survey Methodology Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research designed and administered this survey, which was conducted by phone using professional interviewers. Some interviews were conducted in Spanish. The survey reached a total of 1000 adults nationwide.In addition, the survey reached oversamples of 100 African Americans and100 Latinos. The survey was conducted between August 10 – 16, 2005. Telephone numbers for the survey were drawn using random digit dialing. The samples were stratified geographically based on the proportion of the population in each region. The oversamples were weighted into the base sample so that each respondent in these groups reflects their actual contribution to the total general population.The sample size with these weights applied is 1000 cases. The data were weighted slightly by age, education, and party identification in order to ensure an accurate reflection of the demographic configuration of this population. The margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.1%. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Summary Findings • The American public sees problems with public high schools and they want their elected officials to pay more attention to them. • African Americans feel particularly strongly that high schools are urgently in need of fixing. • Over the past few years, few have seen improvement in the high school situation; rather they say the status quo or a decline in quality is more likely to be the case. • While the public says the most important goal for high schools is to prepare students for full opportunities, prepare them for the workforce, and prepare them for college – they do not see today’s high schools living up to their expectations. At best they split on preparing students for college, although African Americans and Hispanics tend to be more positive than whites on this aspect. But two-thirds of the public says high schools don’t prepare students for good paying jobs and this is consistent across race. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Summary Findings • Literacy skills are seen on the decline and they express deep concern that 70% of students read below their grade level. They also agree that improving these skills is the most important factor to increasing the graduation rate. • Equally alarming is that 30% of students nationally drop out of high school before receiving their diploma. They see this as having a great impact on the nation’s economy and our ability to compete globally. • Their negative feelings have led the public to believe the problems of high schools are not being addressed. They don’t recall hearing of reforms and they feel not enough attention is being paid to high schools by either the President and Congress or their Governor. • African Americans and Hispanics are particularly strong in their views that elected officials are not doing enough in this area. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Summary Findings • The public believes state government and community organizations should play a large role in improving high schools, followed by the federal government. • The public is looking for solutions. They don’t want to write off struggling students and indeed express optimism that it isn’t too late to get them the help they need when they get to high school. • They feel the most effective solutions to help high school students succeed at college and in life are: a serious academic support system to ensure that all kids can read, comprehend, and write; that every high school teacher should have at least a college degree in the subject they teach and opportunities for more training; that every high school should guarantee a safe learning environment; that every high school have strong leadership that includes a strong principal; and that every high school student should have access to essential resources. • Given the tax sensitive nature of the public at this time, it is encouraging to see that majorities say they are extremely or very willing to increase their taxes to implement those solutions they feel will effectively help students. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Views Toward High School

The American public feels the most urgency to improve high schools, but they see room for improving all levels of education. Now I am going to ask you some questions about different types of public schools. For each one please consider everything you know or have heard about public education and tell me how urgent you think it is to improve this kind of school. Here’s the first one ___ __(read item). Is it extremely urgent, very urgent, somewhat urgent, a little urgent, or not at all urgent to improve ___item? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

African Americans are particularly likely to say improving public high schools is extremely urgent. Now I am going to ask you some questions about different types of public schools. For each one please consider everything you know or have heard about public education and tell me how urgent you think it is to improve this kind of school. Here’s the first one ___ __(read item). Is it extremely urgent, very urgent, somewhat urgent, a little urgent, or not at all urgent to improve ___item? Percent saying improving public high schools in urgent Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

While few Americans give high schools a failing grade, they are also unlikely to rate them an “A.” Now I'd like to ask you some questions specifically about high schools… For each one of the following areas I'd like you to give me a grade for the job they are doing in education -- A for excellent, B, C, D, or F for fail. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

African Americans and Hispanics grade public schools nationwide considerably higher than do whites, while whites are more positive toward their local public high schools. Now I'd like to ask you some questions specifically about high schools… For each one of the following areas I'd like you to give me a grade for the job they are doing in education -- A for excellent, B, C, D, or F for fail. Your local public high school Public high schools in your state Public high schools nationwide Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The public leans toward thinking high school quality nationally has declined, but over a third feel that it has stayed the same. When thinking about high schools in their communities, they lean toward thinking education has improved, though a plurality feel it has stayed the same. Over the last five years do you think public high school education in your community has improved, declined, or stayed the same? Over the last five years do you think public high school education nationally has improved, declined, or stayed the same? 23% 29% 32% 23% Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research There is little variation by race

Americans perceive a diverse set of values that high schools bring to communities. Now let me read you a list that some people have given about the value that good public high schools bring to communities. Please tell me which ONE of the following you think is the best value that good schools bring to the communities in which they are located. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Whites see creating community pride and morale as the greatest value that public schools bring to communities, while African Americans and Hispanics place lower crime rates at the top. Now let me read you a list that some people have given about the value that good public high schools bring to communities. Please tell me which ONE of the following you think is the best value that good schools bring to the communities in which they are located. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The public identifies preparing students to be happy and have full opportunities as the most important goal for high schools, followed closely by preparing students for the workforce and college. Of the following which one would you say is the MOST important goal for public high schools –[ROTATE] _to prepare all students for college, _to prepare all students for the workforce, _to prepare all students to be good citizens, _to prepare all students to be happy and have full opportunities in the future, _to keep young people off the streets and out of trouble? African American and white voters identify full opportunities as the top goal, while Hispanic voters place greatest importance on preparing students for college. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Defining the Problem

However, Americans tend to believe public high school grads are not prepared for the workforce, while they split on whether or not they are prepared for college success. Do you think a diploma from America’s public high schools prepares graduates to get a good-paying job?* Do you think a diploma from America’s public high schools prepares graduates to succeed in college?* Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled questions

Whites lean toward the view that high schools do not prepare students to succeed in college, while African Americans and Hispanics take the opposite position. Do you think a diploma from America’s public high schools prepares graduates to succeed in college?* Across racial groups, nearly two thirds say schools do not prepare students for good paying jobs. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled questions

A plurality – especially whites - feel that high school students’ literacy skills have gotten worse over the past 10 years. Hispanics tend to believe that literacy skills have stayed about the same, while African Americans split. Do you think literacy skills among our nation’s high school students – such as reading, writing, comprehension, and vocabulary – have gotten better in the past 10 years, gotten worse, or stayed about the same? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The public believes that high schools are not well equipped to meet the needs of struggling students. Now I am going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views – even if neither is exactly right. High schools are not well equipped to meet the needs of students struggling academically. High schools are well equipped to meet the needs of students struggling academically Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The public is deeply concerned about high drop-out rates. If I told you that 30 percent of students nationally – and as many as 50 percent of students in some urban school districts – drop out of school before getting a high school diploma how concerned are you about this – extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, a little concerned, or not concerned at all? 87% 12% African Americans are most intensely concerned (93 percent say extremely or very concerned, 58 percent extremely concerned); Whites: 88 percent concerned, 51 percent extremely concerned; Hispanics: 83 percent concerned, 47 percent extremely concerned. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The public sees the high drop-out rate as having an impact on the nation’s economy and ability to compete in the global economy. SSA: What impact does a high drop out rate have on the nation’s economy, does it have a lot of impact on the economy, somewhat, a little, not at all or will it make no difference on the economy? SSB: What impact does a high drop out rate have on America’s ability to compete in the global economy, does it have a lot of impact on global competition, somewhat, a little, not at all or will it make no difference on America’s ability to compete globally? Impact of high drop-out rate on nation’s economy* 91% Impact of high drop-out rate on America’s ability to compete in the global economy* 92% African Americans are particularly likely to perceive a big impact on the country’s economy, while whites are most likely to see the impact to the country’s ability to compete globally. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled question

They are most concerned to hear that 70 percent of high school students read below grade level, followed by the statistic that half of all students in the twenty largest school districts do not complete high school. Now let me read some items and for each one please tell me, if true, how concerned each item makes you – extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, a little concerned, or not concerned at all? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Americans are also concerned – though somewhat less so – about students now being prepared for college and the workforce, the fact that classes don’t hold their attention and the amount of money spent on high schools compared to lower grades. Now let me read some items and for each one please tell me, if true, how concerned each item makes you – extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, a little concerned, or not concerned at all? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

The statistic that two of three state prisoners dropped out of school is most believable, followed by statements that many high school students say their classes do not hold their attention and are unaware of the preparation needed to succeed in college and work. Now let me read some items and for each one please tell me how believable you find each item – very believable, somewhat believable, a little believable or not at all believable? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Of all the outcomes tested, they are least likely to believe the discrepancy between federal funding for high school compared with Head Start and kindergarten through 8th grade. Now let me read some items and for each one please tell me how believable you find each item – very believable, somewhat believable, a little believable or not at all believable? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Americans find most concerning and most believable statements that two thirds of male state prisoners dropped out of school and that 70 percent of high school students read below their grade level. They are very concerned that half of the students in the largest districts do not complete high school, however they do not find this to be that believable. Two of three male state prisoners dropped out of school 6 of 10 students say classes don’t hold their attention 70% of high school students read below grade level Most students unaware of level of preparation needed Percent who say statement is very believable 50% of students in 20 largest districts fail to complete 12th grade HS dropouts cost over $80 billion a year in lost earnings Percent who say they are extremely concerned Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Addressing the Problem

Few have heard about a high school reform agenda from either the President or their Governors. Have you heard anything about President Bush announcing a high school reform agenda or haven’t you heard anything about that? Have you heard anything about your Governor announcing a high school reform agenda or haven’t you heard anything about that? Hispanics are slightly more likely to have heard about their Governor’s plan (19 percent), though 79 percent are unfamiliar. Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Americans express a strong sense that elected officials are not paying enough attention to the state of the country’s public high schools. SSA: In your mind, do you think the President and Congress is paying too much attention, not enough attention or the right amount of attention to the state of public high schools in America? SSB: In your mind, do you think your Governor is paying too much attention, not enough attention or the right amount of attention to the state of public high schools in America? President and Congress* Governor* Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled questions

African Americans and Hispanics are particularly strong in the view that elected officials are not doing enough in this area. SSA: In your mind, do you think the President and Congress is paying too much attention, not enough attention or the right amount of attention to the state of public high schools in America? SSB: In your mind, do you think your Governor is paying too much attention, not enough attention or the right amount of attention to the state of public high schools in America? Percent saying not enough attention President and Congress* Governor* Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled questions

The public sees state government playing a large role in improving public high schools, followed by community organizations and the Federal government. They see less of a role for business and churches. For each of the following, please tell how much of a role they should play in improving public high schools. Here’s the first one (first item)_______ -- should they play a large role, a medium role, a small role, or no role at all? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

African Americans see a greater role for each of the entities tested, but still place state government, community organizations, and the Federal government on top. For each of the following, please tell how much of a role they should play in improving public high schools. Here’s the first one (first item)_______ should they play a large role, a medium role, a small role, or no role at all? Percent saying a large role Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Solutions for Success

By wide margins, Americans believe that improving reading and writing is the most important factor to increasing the graduation rate. Now I am going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views – even if neither is exactly right. Improving reading comprehension and writing is not the most important factor to increasing the graduation rate Improving reading comprehension and writing is the most important factor to increasing the graduation rate Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split-sampled questions

Americans strongly feel that poorly-performing students can still get the help they need to succeed, rather than thinking it is too late. When you think about students who do not do well in high school, do you think by the time they get to high school it is too late to turn them around and help them succeed or do you think students can still get the help they need to succeed? There is little difference across racial groups Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Text of top building block statements • A serious academic support system to ensure that all kids can read, comprehend, and write and if not get them quickly back up to speed • Every high school teacher should have at least a college degree in the subject they teach, as well as opportunities for more training and to learn new skills • Every high school should guarantee a safe learning environment and create a strategy that prevents bullying, verbal abuse and other threats before they occur • Every high school should have strong leadership that includes a strong principal who can manage well, mentor teachers and provide intellectual guidance to the school • Provide every high school student with access to essential resources, including the books, computers, laboratory equipment, art and music supplies they need to do their school work, in a facility that is well maintained Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Americans identify requiring that teachers have college degrees in their subject areas as the most important building block, followed closely by providing academic support systems, guaranteeing a safe environment without bullying, and strong leadership from school principals. Now I am going to read you some strategies that some people believe are the building blocks to help every high school student to succeed at college or in life. For each one please tell me how effective you believe that strategy would be – one of the most effective, very effective, somewhat effective, a little effective, or not effective at all? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Similarly, when asked which building blocks for which they would be most willing to pay more in taxes, they pick the same top priorities. Now I am going to read you some strategies that some people believe are the building blocks to help every high school student to succeed at college or in life. For each item please tell me how willing you would be to pay more in taxes to make that item happen – extremely willing, very willing, somewhat willing, a little willing, or not at all willing? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Providing an academic support system and requiring that teachers have college degrees in the subjects they teach are seen as both most effective and elicit greatest willingness to pay more in taxes. Serious academic support system Safe learning environment Every high school teacher should have a college degree in subject taught Provide access to essential resources Percent who would be extremely willing to pay more in taxes Strong leadership Percent who say it is one of the most effective strategies Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research

Majorities believe that half or less of high schools - both locally and nationwide – have the building blocks necessary for students to succeed. Less than one in five believe most schools nationwide have these building blocks and only three in ten feel that their local schools succeed in this area. SSA: Thinking back over those building blocks, do you think most of our nations’ high schools have most of the building blocks, half of them, less than half, only a few, or none? SSB: Thinking back over those building blocks, do you think most of your local high schools have most of the building blocks, half of them, less than half, only a few, or none? Nation’s high schools* 80% Local high schools* 68% Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled question

African Americans and Hispanics are less likely than whites to think most of their local high schools have the necessary building blocks. SSB: Thinking back over those building blocks, do you think most of your local high schools have most of the building blocks, half of them, less than half, only a few, or none? Lake Snell Perry Mermin/Decision Research *Split sampled question

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