2019 EDUCATOR SURVEY - launchmichigan.org · 20.04.2018 · Methods • The 2019 Launch Michigan educator survey was conducted online. All PreK-12 public school educators in Michigan

2019 EDUCATOR SURVEY

findings of an online survey of educators conducted Feb 4-19, 2019

2|

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 13 25 40 53EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SCHOOL CLIMATE

SCHOOL CONDITIONS

EDUCATOR RETENTION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

65 77 88 108EVALUATION

STANDARDIZED EXAMS LITERACY

POLICY CHANGES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4|

Methods • The 2019 Launch Michigan educator survey was conducted online. All PreK-12 public school educators in Michigan qualified to participate, and 16,878 qualified respondents completed the survey.

• Recruitment was multi-stage. AFT members and MEA members (and non-members in MEA-represented districts) were e-mailed individualized links. MASSP and MEMSPA emailed a generic link to their membership. MAPSA asked charter operators to email their educators the generic link. Finally, MASA asked their members to communicate about the importance of the survey with educators in their districts. Data from MEA and AFT members were weighted to match information available from those organizations; then the data were weighted by source.

• Tennessee comparisons are to a survey of nearly 40,000 educators statewide conducted by the Tennessee Education Research Alliance (TERA) at Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Department of Education between March 6 and April 20, 2018.

5|

Notes about analytical categories

Role: based on self-reported job category• Teachers includes special ed, fine arts, physical education, librarians,

literacy specialists • Administrators includes principals, assistant principals, and central

district administrators; • Ancillary staff includes counselors, social workers, psychologists,

curriculum specialists, and other certified or specialized non-teaching roles;

• Para: paraprofessional educators• Support staff includes transportation, office, custodial, food service,

etc.

Length of time in education: self-reported

Urbanicity: self-reported “type of community”

Region: by self-reported county of work; divisions shown on next page

Poverty level: based on the percent of students in a district qualified for free/reduced lunch (CEPI data)

• Low poverty: <50% qualify for free/reduced lunch• Middle: 50-75%• High: 75%+

School spending: based on district general fund revenue per pupil• Low spending: $9,500 per pupil• Middle: $9,500-$10,499• High: $10,500+

6|

Regional divisions for analysis

In addition to the regional divisions shown to the right, we also examined differences among the five largest counties in the state (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Genesee).

U.P.

Northern Lower

West Michigan

Southwest

Thumb

Metro Detroit

South Central

Mid MI

Flint-Mid

7|

Summary The 2019 Launch Michigan Educator survey shows that although educators in the state are generally content with workplace climate at the school level, there are a number of areas where they would like to see major improvement.

MI educators’ concerns are serious enough that only a quarter would recommend education as a career for young people they know. In particular, they say they are worn down by heavy workloads and what they see as lack of support or respect, and sometimes active hindrance, from political leaders. They are divided on whether the current teacher evaluation system is fair, but few see it leading to better student learning. They describe professional learning as inadequate. On every measure we compared, educators in Michigan are less content than their counterparts in Tennessee, a state which has served as a model for education reform efforts.

As policy-makers consider efforts to improve schools and educational outcomes, educators are open to a number of approaches. They prioritize smaller class sizes and expanding access to Pre-K and are generally supportive of ideas ranging from distributing funding based on need to adding literacy coaches.

8|

Highlights: Career satisfaction and retention

Highlights of the 2019 Launch Michigan survey are as follows:

• Educators are relatively positive about climate at their own schools, though not as universally as in Tennessee.

• 77% are “generally satisfied with being a teacher at this school” (87% in Tennessee);

• 64% feel appreciated for the job they are doing (79% in Tennessee);

• At the same time, only 25% would recommend the career to others. Educators say the things that most negatively affect their professional satisfaction include lack of support from policy-makers and politicians and lack of respect for the profession.

• Over one in ten (12%) say they plan to leave education for a different career over the next two to three years. Statistical analysis suggests that important drivers of this move include class sizes (having larger class sizes predicts leaving), and a number of attitudes and experiences, including feeling constrained rather than empowered in the classroom. Slide 48 explores this analysis in more detail.

9|

Highlights: Professional learning, evaluation, and standardized testing

• Educators lean toward negative views on the quality of the professional learning they receive and the fairness and value of the teacher evaluation process. We see big gaps when compared to Tennessee on these issues.

• Just 43% report receiving professional learning suggestions tailored to them (compared to 75% in Tennessee);

• Only half of teachers (47%) say the teacher evaluation process is fair and even fewer (35%) say it has improved their teaching (compared to 77% and 72% in Tennessee)

We should note that the initial ratings of Tennessee’s evaluation system, implemented in 2011, were comparable to Michigan’s (35% said it improved their teaching), but subsequent changes to the evaluation system and how it is implemented have dramatically improved educators’ perceptions.

• Michigan educators tend to see too much time and effort invested in statewide standardized exams -- only one in five (20%) says the information received is worth the investment.

10|

Highlights: Literacy • The data also reveal gaps in literacy supports – a critically important area, especially as Michigan moves toward implementation of the law requiring retention of 3rd graders who do not meet literacy benchmarks.

• Nearly a quarter of K-5 educators (24%) say their school is not ready to provide any additional support for students who are held back – this rises to over four in ten in certain types of urban districts, especially those with high poverty and low per pupil spending.

• While majorities say their school libraries and classrooms have enough reading material for students, over three in ten do not – particularly in the same high poverty and lower-spending urban districts.

• Only half of educators (48%) say they get enough professional learning in literacy – and middle and high school educators in particular say they are lacking in this regard.

11|

Highlights: Policy solutions

• Large majorities of educators say each of the policy solutions presented in the survey would improve schools.

• Reducing class sizes (80% say it would make a “large impact”) and expanding access to high quality pre-school (65%) are the proposals most broadly identified as leading to big improvement in schools.

• Majorities also say allocating funding based on student need, effective mentoring for early-career teachers and principals, and expanding programs to connect families with social services will have a large impact.

• Although fewer say additional literacy coaches would make a large impact (38%), this may be partly a function of awareness. Where literacy coaches and literacy interventionists are available (43% and 56% respectively say they have access to these supports), over two-thirds of educators describe them as helpful.

12|

Highlights: Differences among educators

• Administrators offer a more optimistic outlook than teachers on nearly all measures.

• The newest teachers are also substantially more optimistic in many areas, such as overall satisfaction, and perceptions of professional development, evaluation, and testing – but this drops off dramatically between those who have been teaching less than two years and the group who has been teaching from three to five.

• Educators in urban districts, particularly those with high poverty and lower per pupil spending – are more likely to point out certain types of problems, such as large class sizes, poor building conditions, lack of parental involvement, and lack of resources for literacy. The results are very similar in struggling districts that have partnership agreements with MDE.

• Educators generally share views on both the most important factors reducing their job satisfaction and on the changes that will make the biggest difference in improving schools.

SCHOOL CLIMATE

14|

Overview: School climate

• Teachers and educators generally are relatively positive about climate at their own schools, though not as universally as in Tennessee.

• 77% of teachers are “generally satisfied with being a teacher at this school” (87% in Tennessee);

• 64% of educators feel appreciated for the job they are doing (79% in Tennessee); and

• Just over half of teachers feel empowered to teach in the way that is best for their students (56%) rather than constrained (31%). In Tennessee, 73% feel empowered and only 13% constrained.

• Most say teachers and staff have the opportunity for leadership (82%) and to provide input into decisions at the school level (74%), though less so at the district level (46%).

• Administrators and the newest educators (in the field for two years or less) express more satisfaction with school climate, while those in big cities express less.

15|

MI educators are relatively positive about school climate – but not quite as much as in Tennessee.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your school or workplace: (RANDOMIZE ORDER)

32%

17%

18%

38%

21%

25%

47%

47%

52%

49%

56%

61%

79%

64%

70%

87%

77%

86%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Strongly Agree Agree

I feel appreciated for the job that I am doing.

MI

TN

MI

TN

(NON-TEACHERS) I am generally satisfied with my job.

(TEACHERS) I am generally satisfied with being a teacher in

this school.

There is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in my workplace.

16|

Administrators are generally more positive about school climate than are those in other roles.


I am generally satisfied with (NON-TEACHERS: my

job/TEACHERS: being a teacher in this school)

There is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in my

workplace.

I feel appreciated for the job that I am doing.

68%

68%

85%

70%

74%

86%

68%

69%

82%

77%

87%

91%

61%

69%

77%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Teacher Admin Ancillary Para Support

% agree

17|

Newer teachers are more satisfied and those who teach in multi-level settings less so.

77%86% 80% 81% 77% 75% 75% 77% 77% 79%

69%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

In e

duca

tion

<2ye

ars

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21 o

r mor

e ye

ars

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

High

Mul

ti-le

vel

I am generally satisfied with being a teacher in this schoolTotal agree

AMONG TEACHERS ONLY, N=13,405

18|

There is more variation by type of community (urban to rural) than by poverty or spending level.

77%69%

77% 78% 80% 80% 77% 77% 78% 79% 76%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

I am generally satisfied with being a teacher in this schoolTotal agree


19|

Most teachers feel empowered rather than constrained –though less than in Tennessee.

Total empowered: • MI 56%• TN 73%Total constrained• MI 31%• TN: 13%

2%

4%

7%

14%

25%

29%

19%

3%

13%

16%

9%

24%

23%

9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Not at all or minimallyempowered

Much more constrainedthan empowered

Slightly more constrainedthan empowered

Neutral

Slightly more empoweredthan constrained

Much more empoweredthan constrained

Significantly empowered

On a seven-point scale, please indicate the extent to which you feel

empowered to teach in ways that are best for your students

MI TN


20|

Newer teachers and those who teach high school feel more empowered.


56%

72%64% 61% 56%

50% 55%49%

59% 64%56%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel

Total “Empowered”

21|

We find less variation by urbanicity, poverty, or spending levels.


50% 55% 55% 58% 60% 55% 54% 55% 57% 55%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Total “Empowered”

22|

Administrators are even more likely to feel empowered.

Total empowered: • 77%Total constrained• 8%

AMONG ADMINISTRATORS ONLY, N=337

0%

2%

7%

2%

23%

36%

18%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Not at all or minimallyempowered

Much more constrainedthan empowered

Slightly more constrainedthan empowered

Neutral

Slightly more empoweredthan constrained

Much more empoweredthan constrained

Significantly empowered

On a seven-point scale, please indicate the extent to which you feel

empowered to lead in ways that are best for your staff

23|

Most say teachers and staff have opportunity for leadership and input at school level, less at district level.

6%

18%

20%

40%

56%

62%

46%

74%

82%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Teachers and staff have the opportunityto provide input and be involved with the

decision-making process at the districtlevel

Teachers and staff have the opportunityto provide input and be involved with the

decision-making process at the schoollevel.

Teachers and staff have the opportunityto take on leadership roles.

Strongly Agree Agree


24|

Administrators are also more positive about opportunities for leadership and input.


Teachers and staff have the opportunity to take on leadership

roles.

Teachers and staff have the opportunity to provide input and

be involved with the decision-making process at the school level

Teachers and staff have the opportunity to provide input and

be involved with the decision-making process at the district

level

50%

69%

79%

45%

69%

79%

47%

77%

83%

72%

97%

96%

44%

73%

82%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


% agree

SCHOOL QUALITY AND SCHOOL CONDITIONS

26|

Overview: School conditions

Overall, educators’ report of school quality and conditions are somewhat mixed.

• Educators lean toward negative views of the quality of public schools in the state as a whole but are more positive, generally on the quality of schools in their area.

• Mean class size overall is 26 – higher in higher grade levels.

• A majority (58%) report parents are at least somewhat involved.

• Half (50%) say their building is in excellent or good condition.

There are substantial distinctions by location and urbanicity. Big city educators, especially those in high-poverty and low-spending districts, are more likely to say local schools are fair to poor, more likely to report large class sizes, less likely to say parents are involved, and more likely to say buildings are in bad condition. Educators in Wayne, Macomb, and Genesee Counties also rate schools more negatively, report larger class sizes, and are less likely to say buildings are in good condition.

27|

Educators lean toward negative views of the state of education in Michigan generally, but are more positive about schools in their own areas.

13%

43%

41%

3%

0% 25% 50%

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Michigan

9%

31%

46%

13%

0% 25% 50%

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Your local area

How well do you think public schools in [ ] are doing?

28|

Negative evaluations of local schools are more prevalent in Wayne, Macomb, and Genesee counties and in the Southwest region of the state.

40%49% 48%

31%46%

35% 40% 44% 43% 40% 39% 33%48%

39% 35%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP

And how well do you think the public schools in your local area are doing?

Fair/Poor

29|

Educators in large cities give the lowest ratings for local schools – especially those in higher poverty and lower spending districts.

40%57%

42%34%39% 36%39%44% 40%38%40% 45%51%

63% 68%61%

44%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/Ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

And how well do you think the public schools in your local area are doing?

Fair/Poor

In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

30|

Overall, mean class size is 26. Higher grade levels, more experienced educators have larger classes.

13% 20% 15% 17% 13% 11%

63%

9% 10% 11%

34%9%14%

11% 10%9% 8%

9%

13% 4% 7%

6%21%

25%20% 22%

20% 21%

11%

30%

13%15%

11%22%

20%

22% 20%21% 22%

4%

28%

21% 17%

9%

3%

3%

3% 3%4% 3%

4%

4% 3%1%

22%12%

20% 19% 24% 23%

3% 9%

37% 35% 19%

6%2% 4% 6% 6% 6%

1% 1%8% 11%

10%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Up to

2

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

Ove

r 20

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

High

Mul

ti-le

vel

<20 20-22 23-25 26-28 29-30 30-34 35+

Mean 26 24 25 25 26 26 18 25 28 28 23

On average, how many students do you have in a class this year? (AMONG TEACHERS ONLY, N=13,405

31|

Larger class sizes are more common in Wayne, Macomb, Genesee Counties, Flint-Mid Cities, and the Thumb.

13% 13% 10% 13% 12% 14% 13% 12% 12% 12% 11% 12% 14% 13%29%9% 7% 6% 8% 4% 9% 8% 13% 8% 7% 9% 9% 11% 14%

18%21% 15%

12%21%

12%22% 17%

24%19% 18% 24% 23% 25% 27%

23%22%17%

20%

24%

21%

26%21%

23%19% 22%

28% 25% 20% 19%

14%3%

3% 4%

3%

5%

5%

3%2%

3% 4%

4% 5% 3% 2%2%

22%29% 35%

21%37%

16%27%

17%28% 30% 14% 18% 16% 16%

11%6% 9% 10%5% 5% 4%

8%5%

8%4% 4% 3% 5% 5%

3%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP

<20 20-22 23-25 26-28 29-30 30-34 35+

On average, how many students do you have in a class this year? AMONG TEACHERS ONLY, N=13,405

Mean 26 27 28 26 27 25 27 26 27 26 26 26 25 25 23

32|

In big cities, more teachers report very large classes, especially in high poverty and low-spending districts.

Mean 26 26

26

27

25 26 26 26 2

626

26

25 24 2

727

25

25

On average, how many students do you have in a class this year? AMONG TEACHERS ONLY, N=13,405

13% 21% 13% 10% 13% 12% 12% 13% 12% 9% 14% 18% 20% 19% 21% 20% 15%9%

9%9% 7% 11% 9% 10% 9% 9% 10% 10% 10% 11% 10% 8% 9% 12%

21% 15% 21%19%

24% 22% 21% 20% 21% 21% 21% 21% 14% 15% 12% 17% 19%

22% 16% 20% 24%22% 24% 21% 20% 21% 22% 21% 16% 22%

13% 12%18% 20%

3% 2% 3% 4%3% 4% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3% 5% 3%

1% 1%4% 3%

22%20% 23% 27% 18% 21% 24% 22% 23% 24% 21% 20% 19%

20% 20%

20% 21%

6% 11% 6% 6%4% 4% 5%

8% 7%5% 5% 4%

6%15% 19%

6%5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/Ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

<20 20-22 23-25 26-28 29-30 30-34 35+

In B

ig C

ities

In B

it Ci

ties

33|

A majority of educators say parents are at least somewhat involved at their school.

8%

34%

44%

14%

0% 25% 50%

Not at all involved

Not very involved

Somewhat involved

Very involved

How involved would you say parents are at your school?

34|

Elementary school educators, administrators, report somewhat higher involvement.

58% 56%64%

59% 63% 59% 58% 62%53% 55% 59%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Teac

her

Adm

in

Ancil

lary

Para

Supp

ort

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

High

Mul

ti-le

vel

How involved would you say parents are at your school?Very + Somewhat

35|

Macomb County educators least likely to say parents are involved; Oakland County most likely.

58%53%

44%

73%

49%

62% 60% 58%53% 53% 57% 60%

49%59%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

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it

Sout

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Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP

How involved would you say parents are at your school?Very+Somewhat

36|

Suburban educators report most parental involvement; urban educators the least.

58%

44%54%

66%57% 60%60%

54%61%58%57%

44%55%

40% 41%44%46%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

How involved would you say parents are at your school?Very+Somewhat

In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

37|

Half of educators say their buildings are in good condition or better. One third rate their buildings “fair.”

4%

13%

32%

38%

12%

0% 25% 50%

Very poor condition

Poor condition

Fair condition

Good condition

Excellent condition

Thinking about the physical condition of your school building,

how would you rate itscondition?

38|

School buildings are rated more positively in Oakland and Kent Counties and West Michigan.

\

17% 22% 18% 14% 19% 15% 19% 15% 17% 14% 15% 15% 18% 19% 14%

32% 32% 35%29%

39%28%

32% 42% 32% 36% 39% 29% 32% 31% 32%

50% 45% 46% 56%42%

57% 49% 43% 51% 50% 46% 56% 50% 50% 54%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

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it

Sout

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Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

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t

Nor

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wer

UP

Thinking about the physical condition of your school building, how would you rate its condition?

Poor/Very poor Fair Excellent/good

39|

Poor ratings of the physical condition of school buildings are highest in big cities, especially areas of high poverty and low per-pupil spending.

17% 26% 19% 15% 15% 16% 16% 20% 16% 17% 19% 25% 19% 28% 31% 19% 23%

32%32% 33% 31% 33% 35% 32% 32% 32% 34% 32% 27% 35%

32% 31%34% 32%

50% 42% 48% 53% 51% 49% 52% 48% 51% 49% 48% 47% 46% 39% 37% 46% 44%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/Ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Thinking about the physical condition of your school building, how would you rate its condition?

Poor/Very poor Fair Excellent/good

In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

EDUCATOR RETENTION

41|

Overview: Educator retention

• Though most plan to stay in the field, many have concerns that prevent them from recommending it to others.

• One in ten (12%) of educators say they will leave for another career in the next two to three years while another one in ten will retire.

• Only a quarter (25%) would recommend education as a career for others.

• Our data point to a number of factors as creating dissatisfaction among educators and driving the one in ten who are thinking about leaving the field in the near term.

• Large majorities of educators say lack of support from politicians, lack of respect for the profession, heavy workloads, and better pay in other professions have an impact on their career satisfaction – these attitudes also predict a desire to leave the field.

• Statistical analysis shows that other factors teachers away from the profession include large class sizes, feeling constrained in the classroom rather than empowered, and negative views on professional development and evaluation.

42|

Most educators plan to stay where they are over the next two to three years, but over one in ten plans to leave the field. Another one in ten will retire. Almost as many will stay in education but want to move schools or districts.

69%

8%

12%

10%

Over the next two to three years, do you expect to

Continue working in current schoolWork in a different school or districtLeave education for a different careerRetire

43|

Teachers and ancillary staff are more likely to consider leaving the profession. Those in their first two years are less likely to leave, but from 3-10 years are more likely.

12% 13%6%

12%10% 9% 7%13%15%12%12% 13%13%13%11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Tota

l

Teac

her

Adm

in

Ancil

lary

Para

Supp

ort

Up to

2

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

Ove

r 20

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

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n/Ru

ral

Over the next two to three years, do you expect to

Leave education

44|

Urban educators and administrators are more likely to plan to switch schools or districts. More experienced teachers are less likely to plan a change.

8% 9%15%

10%6% 6%

14%14%14%8%

4%

15%9% 8% 7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Tota

l

Teac

her

Adm

in

Ancil

lary

Para

Supp

ort

Up to

2

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

Ove

r 20

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/Ru

ral

Over the next two to three years, do you expect to:

Work in a different school

45|

Only 25% would recommend education as a career.

25%

74%

Would you recommend education as a career field for

young people you know?Yes No

TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS, N=15,713

46|

Teachers, ancillary staff, longer-term educators, and those in the suburbs are less likely to recommend the field.

25% 20%

40%27%

44%

64%

41%28% 22% 21%

29% 27% 21% 27%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Teac

her

Adm

in

Ancil

lary

Para

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ey

ars

Ove

r 20

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

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n/Ru

ral

Would you recommend education as a career field for young people you know?

Yes

TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS, N=15,713

47|

Lack of respect and support from policy-makers has a large impact on educators’ career satisfaction.

60%

64%

64%

66%

72%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Better salaries in other fields

Excessive workload

Excessive bureaucracy and paperwork

Lack of respect for the profession

Lack of support from policy-makers andpoliticians

Large impact

Whether or not you are thinking about leaving education, how much impact does each of the following have on your level of satisfaction with education as a career?

48|

Educators say other factors are somewhat less important to them.

17%

45%

47%

51%

56%

59%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Lack of professional development

Lack of support from administration

Lack of support from parents or the public

Lack of resources to support studentlearning

Reductions in health insurance benefits

Reductions in retirement benefits

Large impact

Whether or not you are thinking about leaving education, how much impact does each of the following have on your level of satisfaction with education as a career?

49|

Regression analysis points to class sizes and certain attitudes and experiences, including concern about pay, as driving educators away from the field.

We performed regression analysis to determine which factors are affecting teachers’ desire to leave the field.

• Having higher class sizes predicts wanting to leave the profession when controlling for grade level, type of district (urban/rural, poverty level), length of time in the profession, and other demographic factors

In addition, the most significant attitudinal factors predicting planning to leave the profession include:

• Feeling less empowered to teach in ways that are best for their students;

• Feeling unappreciated for the job they are doing;• Saying they do not receive tailored professional

learning suggestions;• Disagreeing that the evaluation system is fair; and • Saying low pay, lack of professional development,

lack of support from policy-makers, lack of support for the profession, and excessive workload have major impacts on them.

50|

“I'm tired of working so hard, spending thousands of dollars on continuing ed credits, and not being financially compensated. There's a true lack of respect for the field by some politicians who call us "loser socialists"...I am an independent party member who has voted for liberals and conservatives in my time, but what's happening in politics is sickening at how teachers are treated. For newer teachers they're getting less pay, crappy insurance, and lame retirement...and having to graduate (most anyways) with a great deal of student loan debt. It just seems like emotional and financial burnout are inevitable.

However, I love kids, I love making a difference, and I love my subject matter.”

What about teaching as a career means you wouldn’t recommend it?

51|

“We are no longer able to teach and focus on the learning of our students with all the bureaucratic red tape going on. Can the politicians and other MDE decision makers come up with any more hoops for teachers to jump through for even less pay, higher class size, higher poverty and lower per

pupil funding? All we do is work more and more and more...creating more stress.”

Is there any other reason you are thinking about leaving education? (Please specify)

“I can't emphasize enough the reason I will probably leave the field of education (the only thing I ever wanted to do) is more paperwork, less pay, less support. I've never before dreaded each day!”

52|

“Teaching is a calling and a noble profession. The constant criticism from media and politicians is difficult. Not appreciated, valued, or respected.”

Is there any other reason you are thinking about leaving education? (Please specify)

“The politicians are having a negative impact on the world of teaching. They are cutting funds and making standardized testing the focus. I am tired of being tired.”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TEACHER PREP

54|

Overview: Professional development and teacher training

• Educators’ ratings of their professional learning are mixed to negative – far worse than in Tennessee.

• Half say their professional learning this year has improved their performance (51%) compared to 78% on a similar question in Tennessee.

• Just 43% say they receive professional learning suggestions tailored to their needs (75% in TN).

• There is no area of professional development where a majority are satisfied. Educators are most satisfied with professional development on general instructional strategies (though only 49% are satisfied). They are least satisfied with learning in working with students’ behavioral issues and social-emotional needs/mental health.

• A similar pattern emerges when new teachers (five years or less) are asked about their teacher preparation programs. This group feels reasonably well-prepared regarding general instructional strategies but less prepared to handle behavioral issues and social-emotional development.

55|

Half or fewer of Michigan educators rate professional learning positively – in strong contrast to Tennessee.

22%

6%

21%

7%

22%

7%

23%

7%

53%

37%

57%

43%

56%

43%

56%

45%

75%

43%

78%

50%

78%

51%

79%

51%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

TN…

MI

TN…

MI

TN…

MI

TN…

MI

Strongly agree Agree

My professional learning is closely aligned to the evaluation system in

place in my district

In general, the professional learning I have received this year has led to

improvements in my performance*

My professional learning is closely aligned to the instructional materials I

use in class (Teachers only)

I receive specific professional learning suggestions that are tailored to my

needs

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the instructional improvement processes in your school.(RANDOMIZE ORDER)

*In Tennessee, the question read “….improvements in my teaching”

56|

Administrators are more satisfied with professional learning while teachers and ancillary staff are less so.

50%

52%

53%

53%

57%

55%

47%

56%

45%

58%

76%

62%

39%

47%

51%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

I receive specific professional learningsuggestions that are tailored to my needs

In general, the professional learning I havereceived this year has led to improvements

in my performance

My professional learning is closely alignedto the evaluation system in place in my

district


Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the instructional improvement processes

in your school.(RANDOMIZE ORDER)

% agree

57|

Professional learning is viewed as more effective by newer educators, and those in working in Pre-K and multi-level schools.

51%

71%57% 54% 49% 47%

63%54%

46% 43%57%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Tota

l

Up to

2

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

Ove

r 20

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

High

Mul

ti-le

vel

In general, the professional learning I have received this year has led to improvements in my performance

Agree

58|

MI teachers are mixed to negative regarding professional development for instructional strategies (much lower than TN).

53%

66%

69%

32%

44%

49%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Instructional strategies specific to thesubject-area content I teach

Covering standards within my instruction

General instructional strategies andpractices (e.g., differentiation, questioning,

wait-time)

Satisfied with Quality and Quantity of Professional Development

MI TN

Please select the response that best describes your current perspective of your professional development (PD) experiences within each of the following areas

during the current school year (TEACHERS ONLY, N=13,405)

59|

Even fewer are satisfied with PD for meeting the needs of all learners, behavioral, and social-emotional issues.

57%

53%

54%

64%

21%

23%

28%

39%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Addressing students' socio-emotionaldevelopment needs and mental health concerns*

Addressing student behavioral issues

Meeting the needs of all learners (e.g., Englishlearners and students with disabilities)

Working with students from diverse racial, ethnic,or cultural backgrounds


MI TN

Please select the response that best describes your current perspective of your professional development (PD) experiences within each of the following areas during the current school year

*In Tennessee, the question omitted “mental health concerns””

60|

Administrators are not highly satisfied with professional development specific to their role.

26%

27%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Using data from classroom observations,teacher feedback and student assessments

to plan professional development

Providing teachers with growth-mindedfeedback following an observation in

classrooms


Please select the response that best describes your current perspective of your professional development (PD) experiences within each of the following areas during

the current school year. (ADMIN ONLY, N=337)

61|

In general, evaluations of professional development are similar across groups of educators, though some variation emerges.

Length of time in education

In general views are similar regardless of tenure in education, though newer educators are less satisfied with PD on general instructional strategies.

Grade-level differences

Elementary educators tend to be less satisfied than others with PD addressing behavioral issues and social-emotional health. Multi-level instructors are less satisfied with covering standards. High school and multi-level instructors are less satisfied with content-area specific PD.

62|

Type of location and district characteristics do not have much relationship to views on professional development.

Poverty and spending

We do not see big variation in satisfaction based on poverty level and per pupil spending.

Urban-rural differences

Although in general the picture is similar in different types of districts, big city educators are less satisfied than others with PD on general instructional strategies and covering standards. Rural educators are more satisfied with learning regarding meeting the needs of all learners and working with students from diverse backgrounds.

63|

New teachers believe their ed prep program prepared them well for general instruction, but not students’ socio-emotional and behavioral issues.

12%

12%

20%

25%

38%

41%

31%

35%

44%

43%

40%

41%

29%

29%

23%

21%

13%

10%

24%

20%

9%

8%

5%

3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Addressing student behavioral issues

Addressing students' socio-emotionaldevelopment needs and mental health concerns

Meeting the needs of all learners (e.g., Englishlearners and students with disabilities)

Working with students from diverse racial, ethnic,or cultural backgrounds

Instructional strategies specific to the subject-areacontent I teach

General instructional strategies and practices (e.g.,differentiation, questioning, wait-time)

Well prepared Somewhat prepared Somewhat unprepared Not at all prepared

Please indicate how well you think your education preparation program prepared you for each of the following (AMONG NEW TEACHERS, N=1,332)

64|

“Additional support and professional development for teachers to learn how to best support their students with various disabilities.”

“New curriculum should be introduced with a significant amount professional development for teachers so that curriculum is delivered effectively.”

What changes do you think would improve student learning in Michigan schools?

“Professional development and funds dedicated to the MENTAL WELLNESS of all students.”

65|

“At least provide funding for Professional Development days. What do you think is going to be developed for free?”

Some open-ended responses note the lack of compensation for required professional development.

What about teaching as a career means you wouldn’t recommend it?

“I also would not recommend teaching because I feel that they do not provide us with the appropriate training to keep our skills and practice up to speed with the changing population. In order to stay current on your practice you, as an educator need to pay and find your own professional development.”

EVALUATION

67|

Overview: Evaluation • Teachers are divided on the fairness of the teacher evaluation system, and few see it as improving their teaching or student outcomes. Again, Michigan compares poorly to Tennessee on these questions.

• Less than half (47%) say the teacher evaluation process is fair to them, compared to 77% in Tennessee.

• Only 35% say the process has improved their teaching, compared to 72% in Tennessee.

Again, we should note the initial ratings of Tennessee’s evaluation system, implemented in 2011, were comparable to Michigan’s (35% said it improved their teaching), but subsequent changes to the evaluation system and how it is implemented have dramatically improved educators’ perceptions.

• Very new teachers (<2 years) are more positive on the fairness and value of the evaluation process. Administrators are also more positive about the process, including as it applies to their own evaluation.

68|

MI teachers are divided on the fairness of their evaluation process – a sharp contrast to Tennessee post changes to the TN system.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the teacher evaluation process used in your school:

20%

8%

11%

18%

15%

57%

40%

55%

56%

60%

77%

47%

67%

74%

75%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


(TEACHERS ONLY) The processes used to conduct my teacher evaluation are

fair to me

MI

TN

I understand the tool and process used to evaluate me

My evaluator is knowledgeable and skilled in using our district evaluation tool

(NON-TEACHERS) The processes used to conduct my evaluation are fair to me

69|

Large majorities of roles say they understand the process and their evaluator is skilled, but there is large variation in perceptions of fairness.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the teacher evaluation process used in your school

I understand the tool and process used to evaluate me

My evaluator is knowledgeable and skilled in using our district

evaluation tool

The processes used to conduct my (TEACHERS: teacher) evaluation are

fair to me 65%

69%

68%

70%

73%

67%

61%

71%

74%

75%

75%

80%

47%

75%

77%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Teachers Admin Ancillary Para Support

% agree

70|

New teachers are much more likely to perceive the evaluation as fair; there is little difference across grade levels.

47%

70%55% 51% 47% 43% 46% 46% 47% 51% 48%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel

The processes used to conduct my teacher evaluation are fair to meTotal agree


71|

Urban teachers and those in higher-poverty districts are less likely to see the evaluation as fair.

47%39% 45% 48% 50% 52% 47% 45% 49% 48% 46%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

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n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

The processes used to conduct my teacher evaluation are fair to meTotal agree


72|

MI educators are also less convinced than in TN now that the evaluation process is leading to improvement.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the teacher evaluation process used in your school:

17%

5%

15%

4%

8%

55%

30%

54%

32%

41%

72%

35%

69%

36%

48%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


MI

TN

MI

TN

In general, the teacher evaluation process used in my school has led to improvements in

student learning

I receive the coaching and support I need to be able to use my evaluation results to

improve my performance

(TEACHERS ONLY) In general, the teacher evaluation process used in my school has led

to improvements in my teaching

73|

Teachers are more negative than other roles about whether the evaluation process improves performance.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the teacher evaluation process used in your school

I receive the coaching and support I need to be able to use my evaluation results to improve

my performance

In general, the teacher evaluation process used in my

school has led to improvements in student learning

48%

52%

53%

56%

35%

49%

59%

59%

30%

46%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%


% agree

74|

Very new teachers are more likely to see the evaluation process as improving their performance.

35%

65%49%

41%33% 30%

40% 36% 35% 33% 34%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel

In general, the teacher evaluation process used in my school has led to improvements in my teaching

Total agree


75|

There is not much variation by type of district in perceptions of evaluation process improving teaching.

35% 36% 37% 32% 37% 37% 36% 34% 39% 34% 33%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

In general, the teacher evaluation process used in my school has led to improvements in my teaching

Total agree


76|

“Tools for evaluation should be authentic. Our district bases a large part of teacher evaluations on NWEA Scores…We are unfairly ranked based on results used for a purpose that it was not intended for.”

“There is entirely too much time spent on testing. M-Step test results are not valid, yet we are being evaluated on our scores. The teacher evaluation process is an incredible waste of time and energy. It does not help to make me a better teacher. It takes a tremendous amount of time that I could be spending on lesson planning and other things that are needed for my students. I would say testing and teacher evaluation are the most frustrating part of my job that the state requires.”

Complaints about the evaluation process in open-ended responses often focus on the link to student testing or the amount of time and “busy work” it takes.

STANDARDIZED EXAMS

78|

Overview: Standardized exams

• Only one in five educators (20%) believes the benefit of standardized exams is worth the current investment of time and effort. Fewer than half (41%) use testing data on a regular basis.

• There is a wide variation in the perceived usefulness of specific tests.

• By almost 2:1, educators see the NWEA as more helpful (39%) than not (21%).

• In contrast, by a more than 2:1 margin, they are more likely to say the M-STEP is not helpful (54%) than helpful (21%).

• Views are more evenly divided on the PSAT and SAT, while few use iReady or Discovery Education.

• Although administrators are more positive on the evaluation system, their views on testing are closely aligned with those of teachers. Very new teachers (<2 years) are more likely to perceive value in standardized tests.

79|

Four in ten educators use state and local standardized assessment data, but only 20% believe it worth the effort.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding statewide standardized exams (RANDOMIZE ORDER. ASKED

TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS, N=15,713)

4%

3%

9%

24%

17%

32%

28%

20%

41%

0% 20% 40% 60%


I regularly use state and local standardized assessment data

to inform my work

Overall, information received from statewide standardized

exams is worth the investment of time and effort

MI

TN

80|

Administrators are more likely to use assessment data but no more likely to say statewide tests are worth it.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding statewide standardized exams (RANDOMIZE ORDER. ASKED

TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS, N=15,713)

I regularly use state and local standardized assessment data to

inform my work

Overall, information received from statewide standardized exams is

worth the investment of time and effort 34%

34%

22%

47%

23%

62%

17%

41%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Teacher Admin Ancillary Para

% agree

81|

Very new teachers are more positive on standardized exams – but still fewer than half say the effort is worth it.

20%

43%

26% 21% 18% 18%29%

20% 17% 21% 22%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

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Mul

ti-le

vel

Overall, information received from statewide standardized exams is worth the investment of time and effort

Total agree

AMONG TEACHERS, EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, N=15,713

82|

Across all types of districts fewer than a third see the investment in testing as worth it.

20%30%

21% 16% 21% 20% 18% 22% 24%18% 18%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Overall, information received from statewide standardized exams is worth the investment of time and effort

Total agree


83|

Regarding M-STEP in particular, more than twice as many educators say it is notuseful as say it is useful – among administrators it is nearly 3:1.

54%

59%

66%

57%

24%

53%

69%

57%

39%

21%

19%

23%

25%

32%

20%

22%

24%

22%

Total

Teachers

Admin

Ancillary

Para

Elementary

Middle

High

Multi-level

M-STEP

Not at all useful Not very useful

Very useful Somewhat usefulIn your experience how helpful are each of the following specific standardized exams

in measuring and improving student learning? Please select n/a if students in your school do not take the following benchmark assessments. (AMONG TEACHERS,

EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, N=15,713)

84|

In contrast, NWEA is seen as more valuable than not, particularly among administrators and elementary and middle school educators.

21%

23%

8%

16%

16%

20%

18%

27%

15%

39%

39%

51%

48%

30%

47%

50%

25%

32%

Total

Teachers

Admin

Ancillary

Para

Elementary

Middle

High

Multi-level

NWEA

Not at all useful Not very useful

Very useful Somewhat usefulIn your experience how helpful are each of the following specific standardized exams



85|

Opinions about the PSAT are divided. Administrators and ancillary staff are more likely to see it as useful, while upper grade educators are more opinionated but not necessarily more positive.

18%

20%

12%

19%

8%

4%

20%

40%

18%

22%

20%

45%

33%

20%

6%

24%

47%

26%

Total

Teachers

Admin

Ancillary

Para

Elementary

Middle

High

Multi-level

PSAT

Not at all helpful Not very helpful

Very helpful Somewhat helpfulIn your experience how helpful are each of the following specific standardized exams



86|

Views of the SAT match views of the PSAT almost exactly.

In your experience how helpful are each of the following specific standardized exams in measuring and improving student learning? Please select n/a if students in your

school do not take the following benchmark assessments. (AMONG TEACHERS, EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, N=15,713)

16%

19%

13%

17%

8%

4%

11%

41%

18%

20%

18%

39%

30%

21%

6%

14%

47%

25%

Total

Teachers

Admin

Ancillary

Para

Elementary

Middle

High

Multi-level

SAT

Not at all helpful Not very helpful

Very helpful Somewhat helpful

87|

Most educators say their schools are not using iReady or Discovery Education.

6%

7%

6%

8%

83%

80%

Discovery Education

iReady

In your experience how helpful are each of the following specific standardized

exams in measuring and improving student learning? Please select n/a if

students in your school do not take the following benchmark assessments.

Not helpful Helpful Not applicable


LITERACY

89|

Overview: Literacy • Majorities say they have resources available such as enough books in the classroom and literacy interventionists – but there is still a ways to go before these tools are available in all schools.

• Two in five say there are not enough books in their classrooms, including a third of elementary educators.

• Two in five say they do not have access to reading interventionists, including a quarter of elementary educators.

• The schools without these resources are often those with high need – high poverty and/or low-spending urban districts. In addition, Macomb County educators are less likely than others to say these are available. There are also gaps in the Thumb and UP.

• K-5 educators are not confident about the implementation of the 3rd grade reading bill that goes into effect next year, Only 22% say their schools are prepared to offer “substantial” support to 3rd graders who are retained, while 24% say their schools are not prepared to offer any support at all. Again, preparation is least in high-poverty urban schools – and in Macomb County.

90|

Majorities say libraries and classrooms have enough books – but only half say educators receive enough professional learning on literacy.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements (RANDOMIZE ORDER)

AMONG TEACHERS/EDUCATORS/ADMINISTRATORS, N=15,713

7%

14%

20%

16%

41%

45%

46%

50%

48%

59%

66%

67%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%


An appropriate amount of class time is devoted to teaching literacy

My school’s library is stocked with enough books and reading material to support students’ literacy needs

There are enough books and reading material in classrooms to support students’ literacy needsEducators in my school receive

enough professional learning on literacy throughout the school year

91|

Teachers and administrators generally share perceptions, except teachers are less likely to say classrooms have enough books.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements (RANDOMIZE ORDER)

AMONG TEACHERS/EDUCATORS/ADMINISTRATORS, N=15,713

64%

73%

72%

66%

48%

62%

68%

67%

46%

67%

67%

63%

45%

55%

65%

66%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%


An appropriate amount of class time is devoted to teaching literacy

My school’s library is stocked with enough books and reading material to support students’ literacy needs

There are enough books and reading material in classrooms to support students’ literacy needsEducators in my school receive

enough professional learning on literacy throughout the school year

% agree

92|

Pre-K and Elementary educators are more likely to say classrooms have enough books.

59%66% 60% 61% 59% 57%

67% 66%56% 51% 54%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel

There are enough books and reading material in classrooms to support students’ literacy needs

Agree


93|

Fewer in Macomb County say classrooms are well-stocked.

59% 58%49%

61% 57% 59% 58% 62% 60% 61% 64% 60% 57% 57% 62%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP


Agree


94|

Big-city educators, especially in lower-spending districts, are less likely to say there are enough books.

59% 53%61%59%60% 60%59%58% 59%58%58% 56%56%51% 51%45%

57%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High


Agree


In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

95|

A majority of educators say literacy interventionists are available in their school/district; four in ten say literacy coaches are.


17%

10%

6%

26%

43%

56%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Don't know

None

Other

Pre-service and in-service training

Literacy coaches to help teachers improve theirpractive

Literacy interventionists to help students whoneed additional support in reading

What strategies are available in your school or district to help improve student literacy? Select all that apply

96|

Administrators and ancillary staff are slightly more likely to report these resources than teachers are, while teachers and other staff are more likely to say they don’t know.


35%

6%

4%

18%

32%

50%

16%

9%

8%

32%

48%

60%

3%

9%

8%

44%

50%

58%

15%

11%

6%

26%

44%

57%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Don't know

None

Other

Pre-service and in-service training

Literacy coaches

Literacy interventionists

What strategies are available in your school or district to help improve

student literacy? Select all that apply

Teacher Admin Ancillary Parapro

97|

Three quarters of elementary educators say interventionists are available.

56% 53% 57% 58% 57% 54%46%

75%

52%

35% 41%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel

What strategies are available in your school or district to help improve student literacy?

Interventionists


98|

Oakland, Genesee slightly more likely to report having access to interventionists; Thumb and UP somewhat less.

56% 54% 52%62% 62%

55% 57% 59%50% 55%

61% 57% 56% 53%46%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Genn

esse

e

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP


Interventionists


99|

Fewer in big cities, particularly in lower-spending districts, say interventionists are available.

56%48%

57%59%55% 55%57%55% 56%55%60%47%49%47% 43%37%

60%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High


Interventionists


In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

100|

Six in ten elementary educators say literacy coaches are available; newer educators less likely to report this tool.

43%36% 37%

43% 44% 43% 39%

60%

34%27% 31%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

ined

ucat

ion

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Pre-

K

Elem

enta

ry

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

High

Sch

ool

Mul

ti-le

vel


Coaches


101|

Macomb, South-Central, UP report less access to literacy coaches.

43% 46%35%

43% 42% 45% 43%30%

45% 44% 41% 46% 44% 42%29%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Genn

esse

e

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP


Coaches


102|

Those in higher-spending districts are a little more likely to say literacy coaches are available.

43% 45%45%43%41% 43%40%43% 41%40%47% 42%42%48% 47%

30%

53%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High


Coaches


In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities

103|

Those who have literacy interventionists or coaches available generally report they are helpful.

AMONG HAVE LITERACY INTERVENTIONISTS, N=8,897

32%

37%

11%

4%

16%

In your experience, how helpful are your school/district’s literacy coaches for the teachers they work with?

33%

41%

8%

2%

15%

In your experience, how helpful are your school/district’s literacy interventionists in improving

student outcomes?

Very helpful

Somewhat helpful

Not very helpful

Not at all helpful

Don't know

AMONG HAVE LITERACY COACHES, N=6,845

104|

Only one in five educators say their schools are prepared to provide “substantial” support to 3rd graders held back under new law.

AMONG K-5 TEACHERS, EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, N=6,665

24%

45%

22%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Our school is not prepared toprovide additional support for

students who are held back

Our school is prepared toprovide some additional

support to help students whoare held back meet literacy

benchmark

Our school is prepared toprovide substantial support toensure students who are held

back meet literacybenchmarks next year

Starting next year, state law will require schools to retain 3rd grade students who

do not receive proficient scores in reading. Which of the following best

describes the situation in your school?

105|

Administrators are a little more confident about their ability to provide at least “some” support.


13%

40%

32%

28%

44%

17%

13%

60%

14%

26%

45%

20%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Our school is not prepared toprovide additional support for

students who are held back

Our school is prepared toprovide some additional

support to help students whoare held back meet literacy

benchmark

Our school is prepared toprovide substantial support toensure students who are held

back meet literacybenchmarks next year

Which of the following best describes the situation in your school?


106|

Longer-term educators and those in Macomb County more likely to say their school is unprepared.

24%13%

19%20%25%27% 27%

34%23%

30%29% 26%18%

23%22%21%25%28%18%21%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Tota

l

Up to

2 y

ears

in…

3-5

year

s

6-10

yea

rs

11-2

0 ye

ars

21+

Way

ne

Mac

omb

Oak

land

Gene

see

Kent

Met

ro D

etro

it

Sout

h Ce

ntra

l

Thum

b

Flint

-Mid

Citi

es

Mid

-Mich

igan

Wes

t

Sout

hwes

t

Nor

ther

n Lo

wer

UP


Our school is not prepared to provide additional support


107|

Those in urban schools, especially high poverty and low-spending districts, more likely say they are unprepared.

24%

38%

23%24%21% 22%24%26% 24%24%25% 29%40%40% 43%

52%

31%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Tota

l

Big

city

Smal

l city

Subu

rb

Smal

l tow

n/ru

ral

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High

Low

pove

rty

Mid

dle

High

Low

spen

ding

Mid

dle

High


Our school is not prepared to provide additional support

In B

ig C

ities

In B

ig C

ities


POLICY CHANGES

109|

Educators see promise in all of the potential policy changes presented in the survey; they are most enthusiastic about reducing class sizes and expanding pre-school access.

% “large impact”

% “some impact”

Reducing class sizes 80% 16%Expanding access to high quality pre-school for all Michigan families 65% 28%Allocating funding based on student need 59% 33%Expanding school-based programs to connect families with social services they may need

53% 40%

Ensuring early-career teachers and principals are supported by effective mentors

52% 41%

Offering more training for teachers in the impact of adverse childhood experiences

39% 47%

Making more literacy coaches available to help teachers implement research-based reading instruction

38% 45%

110|

In general, MI educators rate these policies in the same order, with reducing class sizes on top.

Reducing class sizes

Especially important to teachers (85%) and those considering leaving the field (85%). Less important (but still top-rated) among brand new teachers (70%)

Expanding pre-K access

Top priority among administrators (69%).

Overall

Some groups, including Pre-K and elementary educators, big city educators, are more likely to say all the policies would be impactful.

111|

Different groups of educators generally share perspectives on mid-tier issues regardless of where they teach or how far they are in their career.

School-based connections to social services

Important to those in low-poverty districts (51% large impact) as well as those with high poverty rates (55%).

Mentoring new educators

Seen as large impact by 58% of brand new teachers, along with 51% of 20-year veterans.

Allocating funding based on student need

Especially popular among big city educators (70% large impact), but also seen as important by majorities of suburban (56%) and rural educators (58%).

112|

ACE training and literacy coaches are consistently in bottom tier of priorities, though big majorities say they would make at least some difference.

Adverse childhood experiences training

Seen as more impactful by administrators (49%) and ancillary staff (50%) than teachers (37%). Higher priority among new educators (52%) than 20-year veterans (35%).

Literacy coaches

Highest appeal is in big-city low-funding schools, where 50% say it would make a large impact. Elementary and newer educators are also more likely to say this would be impactful.

Documents

2019 EDUCATOR SURVEY - launchmichigan.org · 20.04.2018 · Methods • The 2019 Launch Michigan educator survey was conducted online. All PreK-12 public school educators in Michigan