District 46 parents can take part in statewide survey

Grayslake Elementary District 46 will join the Illinois State Board of Education in the third statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions.

The survey provides a unique opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to have a voice in improving their schools.

During conference week, Feb. 9-12, teachers, students, and parents will be asked to take a 20-minute research-based survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school's learning environment. This survey will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation. Computers will be available at the schools during conferences.

"We encourage all our teachers, students, and parents to make their voices heard to impact change in District 46. Your input is very important to us," said District 46 Superintendent Ellen Correll.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school's organizational culture in an individualized report measuring five "essentials" critical for school success:

• Effective leaders

• Collaborative teachers

• Involved families

• Supportive environment

• Ambitious instruction

Roughly 20 years of University of Chicago research in about 400 schools has shown that if schools were strong on at least three of the 5Essentials, they are 10 times more likely to make substantial gains in improving student reading and math than schools that were weak on three or more of the essentials.

Generated from a rigorous analysis of teacher and student survey responses, 5Essentials Reports demonstrate that what teachers and students say about their schools can serve as important indicators for school success.

"The state board is committed to helping schools build more complete pictures of their learning conditions, to better guide state and local efforts for school improvement," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch.

"The Illinois 5Essentials Survey provides an important chance for schools to check in with their communities and gather critical feedback to inform district improvement efforts."

Principals and superintendents will receive their 5Essentials Reports in May 2015. Survey results will also be reported publicly on the 2015 state school report card website, and the full 5Essentials Reports will also be released in the fall. An optional parent survey is again available to all schools as a supplement to the 5Essentials Survey for teachers and students.