The 42 nd Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools pdkpoll.org.

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

Continue the Conversation

www.pdkconnect.org