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Surveys Show High Satisfaction with Portland Public Schools

  • District Students
  • District Staff
  • District Parents

  • Tables and Graphs of satisfaction survey results

    Portland, OR, August 29, 2000 ­ Portland's teachers, administrators, and staff received a strong vote of confidence from a satisfaction survey conducted with students, parents and school staff in Spring 2000. The satisfaction survey was conducted with students in grades four through twelve, school staff and parents.

    Most of the 34,314 parents, staff and students who took part in the survey believe that Portland Public Schools are doing a good job (92 percent), and that children are learning what they need to know (87 percent). The survey results find that parents are well satisfied with the local school their child attends. Generally, parents, school staff and students agree that many practices assessed on the survey are evident in their school.

    "This degree of confidence by students, staff and parents confirms that our schools are doing well. It's exciting for schools to have data which point the way toward setting goals for strategic planning and continued school improvement," said Stephanie Mitchell, Assistant Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment, who led the survey effort. This is the first year that the satisfaction survey was conducted in all District schools, after being field tested in a few schools in 1999. Interestingly, the Spring 2000 results show the same level of satisfaction, or in many cases, even higher satisfaction with schools compared to 1999.

    When compared to last year's results, parent satisfaction showed significant improvement in four areas: children are learning what they need to know in subjects other than basic skills, student discipline is giving all students the chance to learn, children know what is needed to meet State standards and schools are viewed as safe.

    Parents gave high ratings to school staffs' availability to talk with families about their concerns. Interestingly enough, parent satisfaction declined sharply when asked if teachers often talked with families about important matters, such as teaching plans or homework. "Clearly, we need to look at this data, particularly trends over time, continue to do well where we are doing well, and focus on improving where we are not," stated Benjamin Canada, Ph.D., Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. The issue of school communications continues to be of particular concern to parents.

    Comments from some individuals recorded as part of the survey show that while most are very satisfied with their school, some worry about a lack of funding, large class sizes, school communications, student safety, and discipline problems that detract from learning.

    For more information, please contact Stephanie Mitchell, PPS Assistant Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment, 916-3209, or Lew Frederick, Director of PPS Public Information, 916-3304.

    District Students
    Group Response District Students
    Response Rate 74% Students Agree
    Satisfaction Survey Item Total Valid N Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Count %
    1) I am learning what I need to learn in basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics). 18,294 41.5% 52.7% 4.3% 1.5% 17,245 94.3%
    2) I am learning what I need to learn in other subjects. 18,049 33.2% 58.8% 6.5% 1.5% 16,607 92%
    3) Our school is an open, inviting, and welcoming place. 17,569 32.1% 47.0% 14.8% 6.0% 13,905 79.1%
    4) Student discipline gives all students the chance to learn. 16,728 26.0% 47.3% 19.1% 7.6% 12,265 73.3%
    5) The principal and other staff do a good job of running the school. 17,446 38.6% 44.2% 11.4% 5.8% 14,445 82.8%
    6) I know what I need to do to meet the State learning standards. 17,363 46.5% 42.5% 8.3% 2.7% 15,446 89%
    7) I feel safe in my school. 17,564 35.0% 46.2% 12.0% 6.8% 14,251 81.1%
    8) I feel my school is a good place to learn and to prepare me for the future. 5,200 24.7% 58.5% 11.9% 4.9% 4,328 83.2%
    9) Students at my school treat the principal, teachers, and staff with respect. 16,742 15.6% 42.8% 29.0% 12.7% 9,770 58.4%
    10) Teachers and staff at my school care about students. 16,959 41.8% 43.3% 10.1% 4.8% 14,432 85.1%
    11) My school has enough computers so that I can use them during the day. * 17,601 29.0% 39.9% 19.5% 11.6% 12,126 68.9%
    12) Our school is clean. 17,702 18.6% 42.7% 24.9% 13.8% 10,854 61.3%
    13) Our school building is kept in good condition. 17,420 26.1% 48.2% 17.5% 8.2% 12,942 74.3%
    14) Students of different cultures are respected at our school. 10,950 27.4% 51.7% 13.7% 7.2% 8,662 79.1%
    15) Our school rules are equally enforced for everyone. 17,392 31.2% 38.3% 20.7% 9.8% 12,086 69.5%
    16) My school is involved in neighborhood and community activities. 14,845 30.7% 46.0% 16.1% 7.1% 11,390 76.7%
    17) Generally, I am proud to be a student at my school. 17,462 37.6% 43.8% 11.1% 7.5% 14,212 81.4%
    18) I feel safe on the grounds of my school. 5,148 18.4% 57.6% 16.2% 7.9% 3,909 75.9%
    19) Volunteers work to help students learn. 4,653 23.0% 56.3% 15.5% 5.2% 3,689 79.3%
    20) I know this school has special tutoring and study skills programs to help students with school work. 4,672 27.1% 56.1% 11.5% 5.2% 3,891 83.3%
    21) School staff encourage me to stay in school. 10,755 26.1% 51.2% 16.2% 6.5% 8,312 77.3%
    22) My teachers notice when I do well. 5,219 28.3% 50.2% 14.9% 6.6% 4,099 78.5%
    23) The school provides the textbooks and materials I need for school work. 5,347 22.4% 56.0% 14.8% 6.8% 4,191 78.4%
    24) Most of my teachers adjust their teaching to fit different learning styles. 4,901 17.3% 46.8% 25.2% 10.7% 3,145 64.2%
    25) Students who harass or fight with others receive tough discipline at our school. 4,809 25.7% 43.1% 19.7% 11.5% 3,311 68.9%
    26) If I have a problem, there are people at school who can help me. 12,543 44.4% 42.9% 8.6% 4.1% 10,950 87.3%
    27) Students at my school treat me with respect. 12,403 23.3% 48.9% 16.8% 11.0% 8,958 72.2%
    28) Most of my teachers believe that they can help all students learn. 5,707 26.0% 58.2% 12.0% 3.9% 4,801 84.1%
    29) I believe that what I am learning in school can be used in the real world. 5,768 24.9% 50.4% 17.6% 7.1% 4,341 75.3%
    30) My family has many chances to be involved in school activities. 5,415 16.5% 50.4% 24.5% 8.6% 3,619 66.8%
    31) My family gets news from school in the language spoken in our home. 5,637 35.9% 46.8% 9.5% 7.8% 4,661 82.7%
    32) I have chances to take part in activities offered by the school, such as clubs and sports. 6,070 34.0% 53.3% 7.6% 5.1% 5,300 87.3%
    33) I will feel prepared to succeed in the next grade by the end of the school year. 5,708 33.1% 53.7% 8.7% 4.6% 4,592 86.8%
    34) Overall, our school is a good one. 17,284 39.6% 45.0% 9.0% 6.4% 14,619 84.6%


    District Staff
    Group Response District staff
    Response Rate 65% Staff Agree
    Satisfaction Survey Item Total Valid N Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Count %
    1) I am learning what I need to learn in basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics). 2,846 35.9% 56.0% 7.0% 1.1% 2,616 91.9%
    2) I am learning what I need to learn in other subjects. 2,731 18.7% 62.0% 16.3% 3.0% 2,204 80.7%
    3) Our school is an open, inviting, and welcoming place. 2,979 50.8% 43.4% 5.0% 0.8% 2,804 94.1%
    4) Student discipline gives all students the chance to learn. 2,956 29.6% 51.3% 14.1% 5.1% 2,390 80.9%
    5) The principal and other staff do a good job of running the school. 2,940 46.8% 43.3% 7.5% 2.4% 2,648 90.1%
    6) I know what I need to do to meet the State learning standards. 2,758 40.4% 52.3% 6.5% 0.7% 2,558 92.7%
    7) I feel safe in my school. 2,958 38.5% 55.6% 5.1% 0.7% 2,784 94.1%
    9) Students at my school treat the principal, teachers, and staff with respect. 2,957 18.2% 59.7% 17.4% 4.8% 2,301 77.8%
    11) My school has enough computers so that I can use them during the day. * 2,787 17.7% 40.1% 31.0% 11.3% 1,609 57.7%
    12) Our school is clean. 1,688 19.4% 46.1% 23.7% 10.8% 1,106 65.5%
    13) Our school building is kept in good condition. 2,970 15.0% 51.6% 23.7% 9.6% 1,980 66.7%
    14) Students of different cultures are respected at our school. 2,980 47.6% 46.9% 4.9% 0.7% 2,814 94.4%
    15) Our school rules are equally enforced for everyone. 1,629 26.0% 47.0% 21.2% 5.8% 1,189 73%
    23) The school provides the textbooks and materials I need for school work. 1,538 12.9% 45.5% 30.7% 10.9% 899 58.5%
    34) Overall, our school is a good one. 2,907 45.4% 50.2% 3.8% 0.6% 2,778 95.6%
    35) Students at our school receive individual help with school work as needed. 2,830 28.6% 56.5% 13.3% 1.6% 2,408 85.1%
    36) The principal, teachers, and school staff at this school are available to talk to parents about their concerns. 2,947 52.2% 45.8% 1.8% 0.3% 2,886 97.9%
    37) Teachers often talk with families about important matters, e.g., teaching plans, homework, etc. 2,713 34.9% 54.2% 10.1% 0.9% 2,416 89.1%
    38) There are high expectations for student behavior at our school. 1,666 35.7% 48.3% 12.8% 3.2% 1,398 83.9%
    39) Our principal is a strong leader, especially in curriculum and instruction. 1,601 40.2% 41.5% 12.1% 6.1% 1,309 81.8%
    40) Volunteers at our school are recognized for their time and efforts. 1,488 32.9% 54.8% 11.0% 1.2% 1,306 87.8%
    41) Our school keeps parents well-informed about school programs and activities. 1,632 40.3% 54.1% 5.3% 0.4% 1,540 94.4%
    52) Our staff have multiple opportunities for professional growth and development. 1,242 27.1% 59.1% 11.0% 2.7% 1,071 86.2%
    53) There are high expectations for student learning at our school. 1,276 38.6% 51.5% 8.5% 1.5% 1,149 90%
    54) Teachers have input into decisions affecting instruction, classes, and schedules. 1,215 22.1% 60.1% 14.2% 3.6% 999 82.2%
    55) Our school recognizes accomplishments and contributions of our school staff. 1,244 23.6% 56.7% 17.0% 2.7% 998 80.2%
    56) Professional development activities reflect the needs and priorities of teachers. 1,116 14.3% 55.6% 23.9% 6.1% 781 70%
    57) I feel I know enough about implementing a standards-based curriculum. 1,084 20.7% 58.5% 18.3% 2.6% 858 79.2%
    58) There is time in the school schedule for teachers to collaborate with other teachers. 1,219 9.4% 31.8% 38.1% 20.6% 503 41.3%
    59) I am satisfied with my relationship with the school principal. 2,921 50.1% 40.0% 6.7% 3.1% 2,632 90.1%
    60) I am satisfied with school improvement planning at our school. 2,697 25.7% 58.2% 13.2% 3.0% 2,26 83.8%
    61) I am satisfied with parent involvement at our school. 1,609 24.2% 39.2% 27.8% 8.8% 1,020 63.4%
    62) I am satisfied with educational reform at our school. 1,505 21.6% 58.4% 16.0% 4.0% 1204 80%
    63) I am satisfied with classroom conditions, e.g., space, equipment, materials. 1,262 8.2% 45.4% 34.3% 12.1% 676 53.6%
    64) I am satisfied with professional growth and staff inservice at our school. 1,199 14.5% 60.6% 20.4% 4.4% 901 75.1%


    District Parents
    Group Response District Parents
    Response Rate 32% Parents Agree
    Satisfaction Survey Item Total Valid N Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Count %
    1) I am learning what I need to learn in basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics). 11,858 34.6% 52.9% 9.0% 3.5% 10,369 87.7%
    2) I am learning what I need to learn in other subjects. 11,454 23.0% 59.9% 13.7% 3.5% 9,487 82.8%
    3) Our school is an open, inviting, and welcoming place. 11,847 42.6% 47.9% 7.2% 2.3% 10,719 90.5%
    4) Student discipline gives all students the chance to learn. 10,323 28.4% 56.2% 11.1% 4.4% 8,731 84.6%
    5) The principal and other staff do a good job of running the school. 10,070 35.1% 54.3% 7.7% 2.9% 9,000 89.4%
    6) I know what I need to do to meet the State learning standards. 11,057 26.2% 54.4% 15.7% 3.8% 8,905 80.5%
    7) I feel safe in my school. 10,954 28.9% 60.2% 8.3% 2.5% 9,763 89.1%
    11) My school has enough computers so that I can use them during the day. * 8,762 14.4% 42.2% 31.2% 12.2% 4,954 56.5%
    12) Our school is clean. 10,358 23.6% 63.1% 10.0% 3.3% 8,976 86.7%
    13) Our school building is kept in good condition. 11,382 20.0% 66.2% 11.1% 2.7% 9,815 86.2%
    14) Students of different cultures are respected at our school. 10,107 39.5% 54.7% 4.2% 1.6% 9,517 94.2%
    34) Overall, our school is a good one. 11,470 40.4% 51.1% 6.1% 2.4% 10,499 91.5%
    35) Students at our school receive individual help with school work as needed. 9,932 22.1% 50.5% 20.0% 7.5% 7,205 72.5%
    36) The principal, teachers, and school staff at this school are available to talk to parents about their concerns. 10,616 37.9% 51.8% 7.4% 2.9% 9,522 89.7%
    37) Teachers often talk with families about important matters, e.g., teaching plans, homework, etc. 10,612 18.4% 38.8% 31.8% 11.0% 6,071 57.2%
    38) There are high expectations for student behavior at our school. 10,095 31.3% 52.9% 11.7% 4.1% 8,500 84.2%
    40) Volunteers at our school are recognized for their time and efforts. 8,292 34.9% 57.2% 6.3% 1.6% 7,640 92.1%
    41) Our school keeps parents well-informed about school programs and activities. 10,887 34.9% 55.6% 7.7% 1.8% 9,849 90.5%
    42) I feel comfortable communicating with staff at my child's school. 11,697 37.2% 50.6% 9.4% 2.8% 10,266 87.8%
    43) I know in general terms, what my child is being taught during the school year. 10,437 25.8% 63.3% 8.7% 2.1% 9,300 89.1%
    44) My child's school provides information for families that is clear, useable, and linked to children's successes in school. 9,806 23.3% 57.7% 15.8% 3.2% 7,942 81%
    45) The school provides information on family and youth services in our community. 8,918 17.7% 59.5% 19.5% 3.3% 6,887 77.2%
    46) Local businesses or community agencies provide services to my child's school. 6,243 18.0% 61.0% 17.9% 3.2% 4,928 78.9%
    47) The school has parent activities at times when I can attend. 10,068 20.8% 62.0% 13.9% 3.3% 8,338 82.8%
    48) My child's school invites families to be involved in a variety of school activities. 10,287 34.6% 55.9% 7.8% 1.7% 9,311 90.5%
    49) Parents are included on committees to develop school policies and school improvement plans. 8,431 31.5% 61.6% 5.1% 1.9% 7,849 93.1%
    50) The school gives families information on developing home conditions or environments that support learning. 9,073 18.0% 60.2% 18.2% 3.6% 7,098 78.2%
    51) I know the school will refer me to an appropriate agency/resource, if I need extra help with my child. 7,897 22.3% 57.4% 13.8% 6.5% 6,297 79.7%

    *Parent results may not be representative of all parents (Q11):

    NOTE 1: Results for District Parents aggregate two groups: parent representative sample and parent population. Parent representative sample is a carefully selected subgroup of parents chosen to match characteristics of the students at each school (grade level and ethnicity); follow-up was conducted with this group to improve the response rate and the reliability of the results. Parent population is the non-representative group who returned the mailed parent satisfaction survey. Statistical tests were conducted to determine whether there were sigificant differences in responses between the representative and non-representative groups. There were not, except for two items. Because the means for the two parent groups are equivalent, the results are representative of the district as a whole, except for the starred item.

    NOTE 2: There were two forms of the student and staff satisfaction surveys. The Total Valid Number of respondents for these groups varies by item. Each survey form asked a core set of questions of all groups.

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