NAEP 2008 - 2010 Wave 2

THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF

EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

Wave 2 Submittal for 2008

VOLUME II

Part 7 of 8

BACKGROUND QUESTIONS

FOR 2008 ASSESSMENT

School Grade 8 (School Characteristics & Policies; Reading, Mathematics, Science, Charter School)

Volume II contains:

• Part 1 of 8 - Student Grade 4: Pilot Science; Reading Braided Study

• Part 2 of 8 - Student Grade 8: Pilot Science; Reading Braided Study

• Part 3 of 8 - Student Grade 12: Pilot Science

Part 4 of 8 - Teacher Grade 4 (Background, Education, Training; Reading, Mathematics, Science)

• Part 5a of 8 - Teacher Reading Grade 8 (Background, Education, Training; Reading)

• Part 5b of 8 - Teacher Mathematics Grade 8 (Background, Education, Training; Mathematics)

• Part 5c of 8 - Teacher Science Grade 8 (Background, Education, Training; Science)

Part 6 of 8 - School Grade 4 (School Characteristics & Policies; Reading, Mathematics, Science, Charter School)

Part 7 of 8 - School Grade 8 (School Characteristics & Policies; Reading, Mathematics, Science, Charter School)

Part 8 of 8 - School Grade 12 (School Characteristics & Policies; Reading, Mathematics, Science, Charter School)

June 29, 2007

School Questionnaires

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School Questionnaire

Grade 8

This questionnaire should be completed by the principal or the head of the school.

School Questionnaire

Grade 8

Part I: School Characteristics and Policies

1. What grades are taught in your school? Fill in all ovals that apply. (VB337248) [4/8/12]

A Pre-kindergarten

B Kindergarten

C 1st grade

D 2nd grade

E 3rd grade

F 4th grade

G 5th grade

H 6th grade

I 7th grade

J 8th grade

K 9th grade

L 10th grade

M 11th grade

N 12th grade

2. Do all students in your school follow the same calendar? (VB556165) [4/8/12]

A Yes  Go to Question 3

B No  Skip to Question 4

3. Please indicate the number of hours of instruction that eighth-grade students in your school completed as of February 1, 2008. (VB607886) [8]

,

hours of instruction as of February 1, 2008

4. For each group of students following a separate calendar, please indicate the number of hours of instruction that eighth-grade students in your school completed as of February 1, 2008. (VB607887 [8])

First group:

,

hours of instruction as of February 1, 2008 [8]

(VB607888)

Second group:

,

hours of instruction as of February 1, 2008 [8]

(VB607889)

Third group:

,

hours of instruction as of February 1, 2008 [8]

(VB607890)

5. What is the current enrollment in your school? (VB337250) [4/8/12]

,

6. Approximately what percentage of eighth graders in your school…
(Please be sure your answers sum to 100%.) (VC189012) [8]

							[Same at:]
a. is new this year?						%	[8]	(VC189050)
b. has been attending your school for 1–2 years?						%	[8]	(VC189051)
c. has been attending your school for 3 or more years?						%	[8]	(VC189053)
TOTAL	1		0		0	%

7. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, what percentage has been identified as limited-English proficient? (VB337256) [4/8/12]

A 0%

B 1–5%

C 6–10%

D 11–25%

E 26–50%

F 51–75%

G 76–90%

H Over 90%

8. Is your school a public charter school? (NEW) [4/8/12]

(A charter school is a public school that, in accordance with an enabling state statute, has been granted a charter exempting it from selected state or local rules and regulations. A charter school may be a newly created school or it may previously have been a public or private school.)

A Yes

B No

9. What other type of school is this? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [4/8/12]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Regular elementary school	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. A regular school with a magnet program	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
c. A magnet school or a school with a special program emphasis, e.g., science/math school, performing arts school, talented/gifted school, foreign language immersion school, etc.	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
d. Special education: a school that primarily serves students with disabilities	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
e. Alternative: a school that offers a curriculum designed to provide alternative or nontraditional education, not clearly categorized as regular, special education, or vocational	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
f. Private (independent)	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
g. Private (religiously affiliated)	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
h. Privately run public school	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
i. Other	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)

10. About what percentage of your students is absent on an average day? (Include excused and unexcused absences in calculating this rate.) (HE000917) [4/8/12]

A 0–2%

B 3–5%

C 6–10%

D More than 10%

11. About what percentage of your teachers is absent on an average day? (Include all absences in calculating this rate.) (LC000488) [4/8/12]

A 0–2%

B 3–5%

C 6–10%

D More than 10%

12. About what percentage of students who are enrolled at the beginning of the school year is still enrolled at the end of the school year? (Exclude students who transfer into the school during the school year in figuring this rate.) (HE000918) [4/8/12]

A 98–100%

B 95–97%

C 90–94%

D 80–89%

E 70–79%

F 60–69%

G 50–59%

H Less than 50%

13. About what percentage of this year’s eighth graders was held back and is repeating eighth grade? (HE002230) [8]

A 0%

B 1–2%

C 3–5%

D 6–10%

E More than 10%

14. Of the full-time teachers who started in your school last year, what percentage left before the end of the school year? (HE000920) [4/8/12]

A 0%

B 1–2%

C 3–5%

D 6–10%

E 11–15%

F 16–20%

G More than 20%

15. Does your school participate in the National School Lunch Program? (HE002094) [4/8/12]

A Yes  Go to Question 16

B No  Skip to Question 19

16. How does the school operate the program? (VB556173) [4/8/12]

A Student eligibility is determined individually, and eligible students receive free or reduced-price lunch  Skip to Question 18

B All students in school receive free lunch under special provisions (e.g., Provision 2 or 3)  Go to Question 17

17. If your school distributes free lunch to all students under Provision 2 or 3, what was the base year during which individual student eligibility was collected? (VC169323) [4/8/12]

A This school does not distribute free lunch to all students under Provision 2 or 3—eligibility is determined annually.

B 2007

C 2006

D 2005

E 2004

F 2003

G 2002 or earlier

18. During this school year, about what percentage of students in your school was eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program? (VB608487) [4/8/12]

A 0%

B 1–5%

C 6–10%

D 11–25%

E 26–34%

F 35–50%

G 51–75%

H 76–99%

I 100%

19. Does your school receive Title I funding? (Title I is a federally funded program which provides educational services, such as remedial reading or remedial math, to children who live in areas with high concentrations of low-income families.) (VB608488) [4/8/12]

A No

B Yes, our school receives funds, which are targeted to eligible students

C Yes, our school receives funds, which are used for schoolwide purposes

20. Approximately what percentage of students in your school receives the following services? Fill in one oval on each line. Students who receive more than one service should be counted for each service they receive. Please report the percentage of students who receive each of the following services as of the day you respond to this questionnaire. (VB485284) [4/8/12]

	None	1–5%	6–10%	11–25%	26–50%	51–75%	76–90%	Over 90%	[Same at:]
a. Targeted Title I services	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[4/8/12]	(VB610145)
b. Gifted and talented program	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[4/8/12]	(VB485286)
c. Instruction provided in student’s home language (non-English)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[4/8/12]	(VB485287)
d. English-as-a-second-language (not in a bilingual education program)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[4/8/12]	(VB485288)
e. Special education	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[4/8/12]	(VB485289)

21. Does your school offer school-sponsored extracurricular activities such as clubs, competitions, fairs, or exhibits in any of the following areas? Fill in one oval on each line.
(NEW) [4/8/12]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	[4/18/12]	(NEW)
b. English/language arts	A	B	[4/18/12]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	[4/18/12]	(NEW)

22. Does your school offer summer remediation or enrichment programs in the following subjects to eighth graders? Fill in one oval for remediation and one oval for enrichment on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Remediation		Enrichment
	Yes	No	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
b. English/language arts	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)

23. Does your school have content standards for eighth-grade English/language arts, mathematics, and science instruction? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. English/language arts	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

24. What is the primary source of these content standards? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [4/8/12]

	State	District	Department Head	Principal	Teachers	Other	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
b. English/ language arts	A	B	C	D	E	F	[8/12]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)

25. Are these content standards aligned with your district or state English/language arts, mathematics, and science assessments? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8/12]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	[8/12]	(NEW)
b. English/language arts	A	B	[8/12]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	[8/12]	(NEW)

26. Which one statement best describes how your school develops eighth-grade curricula for the following subjects? Fill in one oval for mathematics, one oval for English/language arts, and one oval for science. (New) [8]

	Mathematics	English/ language arts	Science	[Same at:]
a. The District office provides a standard, commercially designed curriculum.	A	A	A	[8]	(New)
b. The District develops a curriculum that each school adopts.	B	B	B	[8]	(New)
c. A group of curriculum specialists develops the curriculum.	C	C	C	[8]	(New)
d. A curriculum committee composed primarily of teachers develops the curriculum.	D	D	D	[8]	(New)
e. Teachers develop their own curricula, under the guidance of a curriculum specialist or an experienced teacher.	D	D	D	[8]	(New)
f. Each teacher is responsible for developing the curriculum for his or her students.	F	F	F	[8]	(New)
g. Other	G	G	G	[8]	(New)

27. How often are eighth-grade instructional materials and curricula updated in the following subjects? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Every year	Every 2 years	Every 3 years	Every 4 years	Every 5 years	More than every 5 years	No specific schedule	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	[8]	(New)
b. English/ language arts	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	[8]	(New)
c. Science	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	[8]	(New)

28. During each week, how much time does the typical student in grade 8 in your school receive instruction in each of the following subjects? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Less than 3 hours	At least 3 hours but less than 5 hours	At least 5 hours but less than 7 hours	At least 7 hours but less than 10 hours	At least 10 hours but less than 12 hours	12 or more hours	[Same at:]
a. Mathematics	A	B	C	D	E	F	[8]	(NEW)
b. English/ language arts	A	B	C	D	E	F	[8]	(NEW)
c. Science	A	B	C	D	E	F	[8]	(New)

29. Which of the following describes how your school assigns eighth-grade teachers to classes? (NEW) [8]

A Requests are granted based on teacher seniority.

B Class assignments are rotated.

C The Principal/School Administrator decides which teacher fits best with a particular class or group of students.

School Questionnaire

Grade 8

Part II: Reading

1. What are the requirements for employment as an eighth-grade English/language arts teacher in your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. A bachelor’s degree	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. A successfully completed probationary period	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Completion of a minimum specified number of education courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Completion of a minimum number of English/language arts courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Successful completion of a licensing examination	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

2. Is there an English/language arts specialist available (full- or part-time) to eighth graders at your school? (NEW) [8]

A Yes, available full-time to my school  Go to Question 3

B Yes, available part-time to my school  Go to Question 3

C No  Skip to Question 4

3. Are any of the following a responsibility of the English/language arts specialist available to eighth graders at your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Providing technical assistance/support to individual teachers about English/language arts content or the teaching of English/ language arts	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Conducting professional development for groups of teachers about English/language arts content or the teaching of English/ language arts	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Providing English/language arts instruction to students on various topics	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Providing English/language arts instruction to students at various grade levels	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Providing English/language arts enrichment to some student groups	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

4. Is there someone regularly available to eighth-grade English/language arts teachers in your school or district who has any of the following responsibilities? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mentor teachers	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Observe classes	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Select and/or develop curriculum materials	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Coordinate curriculum implementation	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Organize or prepare for external standardized testing	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

5. Does your school employ the following personnel to assist with English/language arts class instruction for eighth-grade students with reading disabilities (SD) and/or English language learners (ELL)? Fill in one oval for SD and one oval for ELL on each line. (NEW) [8]

	SD		ELL
	Yes	No	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Special Education teachers (and related service providers)	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
b. Specialist teachers in reading	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
c. Speech pathologists	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
d. Certified ELL/bilingual education teachers	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
e. Other staff not trained in SD or ELL	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)
f. Parent volunteers	A	B	C	D	[8]	(NEW)

6. Does your school offer any of the following activities for eighth-grade students who fall behind or need extra help in English/language arts? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Tutoring	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Placement of instructional aides in classrooms to provide assistance	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Use of instructional aides for pull-out instruction	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Enrichment courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Extra subject period	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
f. Extra work or homework	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
g. Additional support outside the school day (for example, before- or after-school programs, Saturday classes, summer school program)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
h. Other	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

7. Does your school have a school-wide curriculum for English/language arts instruction?
(NEW) [8/12]

A Yes

B No

8. To what extent is your school’s English/language arts program structured according to the following resources? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. State curriculum standards or frameworks	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
b. District curriculum standards or curriculum guides	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
c. Results from state/district assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
d. In-school curriculum frameworks and standards for learning	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
e. Results from school assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
f. Recommendations from school reading/language arts department	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
g. Discretion of individual teachers	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
h. Commercially designed programs	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)

9. To what extent does your school’s eighth-grade English/language arts curriculum focus on preparation for the following types of assessments? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW)
[8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. Federally-mandated assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
b. State assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
c. District assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
d. School assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)

10. During the last two years, to what extent have professional development activities offered to teachers in your school focused on the following? Fill in one oval on each line. (VB380370)
[4/8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. Use of language arts across the curriculum	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(VB380371)
b. Interpreting and analyzing literature	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(VB380372)
c. Understanding the process of reading or writing	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(VB380373)
d. Instructional strategies for teaching language arts	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(VB380374)

School Questionnaire

Grade 8

Part III: Mathematics

1. What percentage of eighth-grade students in your school is enrolled in the following mathematics classes? Fill in one oval on each line. (VB525185) [8]

	None	1–10%	11–25%	26–50%	51–75%	76–90%	91–100%	Course not offered	[Same at:]
a. Eighth-grade mathematics (not algebra or pre-algebra)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525186)
b. Introduction to algebra or pre-algebra	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525187)
c. Algebra I (one-year course)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525188)
d. Algebra I (first year of two-year course)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525189)
e. Algebra I (second year of two-year course)	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB517155)
f. Geometry	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525190)
g. Algebra II	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525191)
h. Integrated or sequential mathematics	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	[8]	(VB525192)

2. Do students who complete a one-year course in Algebra I by the end of eighth-grade receive high-school credit? (VC084852) [8]

A Yes

B No

3. Are eighth-grade students typically assigned to mathematics classes by ability and/or achievement levels (so that some classes are higher in average ability and/or achievement levels than others)? (VB525196) [8]

A Yes

B No

4. What percentage of eighth-grade students in your school enrolls in more than one mathematics class in a year (including summer school) for the purpose of remediation or to catch up to grade level? Do not include students who receive additional mathematics instruction as part of special education or because of IEP provisions. (VB525194) [8]

A None

B 1 to 5 percent

C 6 to 10 percent

D 11 to 20 percent

E More than 20 percent

5. What percentage of eighth-grade students in your school enrolls in more than one mathematics class in a year (including summer school) for the purpose of advancement or to get ahead of grade level? (VB525195) [8]

A None

B 1 to 5 percent

C 6 to 10 percent

D 11 to 20 percent

E More than 20 percent

6. What are the requirements for employment as an eighth-grade mathematics teacher in your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. A bachelor’s degree	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. A successfully completed probationary period	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Completion of a minimum specified number of education courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Completion of a minimum number of mathematics courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Successful completion of a licensing examination	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

7. Is there a mathematics specialist available (full- or part-time) to eighth graders at your school? (NEW) [8]

A Yes, available full-time to my school  Go to Question 8

B Yes, available part-time to my school  Go to Question 8

C No  Skip to Question 9

8. Are any of the following a responsibility of the mathematics specialist available to eighth graders at your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [4/8/12]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Providing technical assistance/support to individual teachers about mathematics content or the teaching of mathematics	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
b. Conducting professional development for groups of teachers about mathematics content or the teaching of mathematics	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
c. Providing mathematics instruction to students on various topics	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
d. Providing mathematics instruction to students at various grade levels	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
e. Providing mathematics enrichment to some student groups	A	B	[4/8/12]	(NEW)

9. Does your school offer any of the following activities for eighth-grade students who fall behind or need extra help in mathematics? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Tutoring	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Placement of instructional aides in classrooms to provide assistance	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Use of instructional aides for pull-out instruction	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Enrichment courses	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Extra subject period	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
f. Extra work or homework	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
g. Additional support outside the school day (for example, before‑ or after‑school programs, Saturday classes, summer school program)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
h. Other	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

10. Are the following technological resources available to eighth-grade teachers for use in mathematics instruction? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Cable/satellite/closed-circuit television	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Videodisc player/VCR/DVD player	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Digital/video camera	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Videoconferencing equipment	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. Scanner for images or text	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
f. Projection device for projecting images directly from a computer	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
g. Computer	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
h. Internet	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
i. Computer printer	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
j. Hand-held devices (e.g., personal digital assistants such as Palm Pilots or Pocket PCs)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

11. At your school, who sets the policy on the following types of technology use in the classroom? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Each individual teacher	The mathematics teachers collectively within the school	The curriculum supervisor of the district	The local Board of Education	The state Board of Education	[Same at:]
a. Calculators	A	B	C	D	E	[8]	(NEW)
b. Computers	A	B	C	D	E	[8]	(NEW)
c. Hand-held devices	A	B	C	D	E	[8]	(NEW)

12. Does your school have a school‑wide curriculum for mathematics instruction?
(NEW) [4/8/12]

A Yes

B No

13. To what extent is your school’s mathematics program structured according to the following resources? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [4/8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. State curriculum standards or frameworks	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
b. District curriculum standards or curriculum guides	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
c. Results from state/district assessments	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
d. In‑school curriculum frameworks and standards for learning	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
e. Results from school assessments	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
f. Recommendations from school mathematics department	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
g. Discretion of individual teachers	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)
h. Commercially designed programs	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(NEW)

14. To what extent does your school’s eighth-grade mathematics curriculum focus on preparation for the following types of assessments? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW)
[8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. Federally-mandated assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
b. State assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
c. District assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
d. School assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)

School Questionnaire

Grade 8

Part IV: Science

1. What are the requirements for employment as an eighth-grade science teacher in your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. A bachelor’s degree	A	B	[8]	(New)
b. A successfully completed probationary period	A	B	[8]	(New)
c. Completion of a minimum specified number of education courses	A	B	[8]	(New)
d. Completion of a minimum number of science courses	A	B	[8]	(New)
e. Successful completion of a licensing examination	A	B	[8]	(New)

2. Is there a science specialist available (full- or part-time) to eighth graders at your school? (New) [8]

A Yes, available full-time to my school  Go to Question 3

B Yes, available part-time to my school  Go to Question 3

C No Skip to Question 4

3. Is each of the following a responsibility of the science specialist available to eighth graders at your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Providing technical assistance/support to individual teachers about science content or the teaching of science	A	B	[8]	(New)
b. Conducting professional development for groups of teachers about science content or the teaching of science	A	B	[8]	(New)
c. Providing science instruction to students on various topics	A	B	[8]	(New)
d. Providing science instruction to students at various grade levels	A	B	[8]	(New)
e. Providing science enrichment to some student groups	A	B	[8]	(New)

4. Is there someone regularly available to eighth-grade science teachers in your school or district who has any of the following responsibilities? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Mentor teachers	A	B	[8]	(New)
b. Observe classes	A	B	[8]	(New)
c. Select and/or develop curriculum materials	A	B	[8]	(New)
d. Coordinate curriculum implementation	A	B	[8]	(New)
e. Organize or prepare for external standardized testing	A	B	[8]	(New)

5. Does your school have laboratory facilities for eighth-grade science instruction? (New) [8]

A Yes  Go to Question 6

B No  Skip to Question 7

6. Do your school’s science laboratories that are available for eighth-grade instruction have the following features? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Demonstration stations	A	B	[8]	(New)
b. Student lab stations	A	B	[8]	(New)
c. Storage areas for chemicals and other supplies	A	B	[8]	(New)
d. Electricity	A	B	[8]	(New)
e. Running water	A	B	[8]	(New)
f. Gas for burners	A	B	[8]	(New)
g. Hoods or air hoses	A	B	[8]	(New)
h. Safety equipment	A	B	[8]	(New)
i. Computer(s)	A	B	[8]	(New)
j. Internet connection	A	B	[8]	(New)

7. Which of the following technological resources are available in your school to eighth-grade teachers for science instruction? Fill in one oval on each line. (NEW) [8]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Desktop computer	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
b. Laptop computer	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
c. Tablet PC (notebook-like computer that allows users to write or draw through the use of a stylus or touch-screen)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
d. Digital projector (device that connects to a computer to display presentations, demonstrate lessons, such as an LCD)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
e. CD-ROM software	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
f. Online software	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
g. Digital music device (pocket-sized music player used to listen to or create audio files, such as an MP3 player)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
h. Cable/satellite/closed-circuit television	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
i. DVD player and DVDs	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
j. Digital camera	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
k. Graphing calculator	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
l. Handheld device (pocket-sized computing device, such as personal digital assistant or smartphone)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
m. Data collection sensors/probes (tool that connects to a handheld device or graphing calculator and detects motion, pH, temperature, light)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
n. Online course management system (web-based software used to organize information, assignments, grades, and discussions)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)
o. Digital whiteboard (computerized display panels that can respond to fingertip command and creates a shared interactive space, akin to traditional chalkboards)	A	B	[8]	(NEW)

8. Which of the following are available to eighth-grade science teachers? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Available	Not Available	[Same at:]
a. Science textbooks	A	B	[8]	(New)
b. Science magazines and books	A	B	[8]	(New)
c. Supplies for science demonstrations	A	B	[8]	(New)
d. Supplies for science labs	A	B	[8]	(New)
e. Student access to computers in science classroom	A	B	[8]	(New)
f. Student access to computer labs for science instruction	A	B	[8]	(New)
g. Teacher access to computers for science instruction	A	B	[8]	(New)
h. Computerized science labs for classroom use	A	B	[8]	(New)
i. Science kits	A	B	[8]	(New)

9. Does your school have a school-wide curriculum for science instruction? (New) [4/8/12]

A Yes

B No

10. To what extent is your school’s science program structured according to the following resources? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [4/8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. State curriculum standards or frameworks	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
b. District curriculum standards or curriculum guides	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
c. Results from state/district assessments	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
d. In-school curriculum frameworks and standards for learning	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
e. Results from school assessments	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
f. Recommendations from school science department	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
g. Discretion of individual teachers	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)
h. Commercially designed programs	A	B	C	D	[4/8]	(New)

11. To what extent does your school’s eighth-grade science curricula focus on preparation for the following types of assessments? Fill in one oval on each line. (New) [8]

	Not at all	Small extent	Moderate extent	Large extent	[Same at:]
a. Federally-mandated assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
b. State assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
c. District assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)
d. School assessments	A	B	C	D	[8]	(New)

School Questionnaire

Grade 8

Part V: Supplemental Charter School Questions

This section should be completed by the principal or the head of the school.

1. Is your school a public charter school? (NEW) [4/8/12]

(A charter school is a public school that, in accordance with an enabling state statute, has been granted a charter exempting it from selected state or local rules and regulations. A charter school may be a newly created school or it may previously have been a public or private school.)

A Yes  Go to Question 2

B No  You have finished the survey. Thank you for your time.

2. In which year did your school start providing instruction as a charter school? (VC104697) [4/8/12]

3. How many times has your charter been renewed? (Enter 0 if you have not had to renew your charter yet.) (NEW) [4/8/12]

Times

If “0 Times” skip to Question 6.

4. In which year was your charter most recently renewed? (VC104700) [4/8/12]

5. For how many years was your charter renewed? (VC104701) [4/8/12]

A 1 to 3 years

B 4 to 5 years

C 6 to 10 years

D 11 or more years

6. Who granted your school’s original charter? (VC104703) [4/8/12]

A School district

B State Board of Education (includes State Board of Regents and District of Columbia Board of Education)

C Postsecondary institution

D State charter-granting agency

E City or state public charter school board

F Other

7. Is your charter school a newly created school or was it converted from a pre-existing school? (VC104705) [4/8/12]

A Newly created school  Skip to Question 9

B Converted from a pre-existing school  Go to Question 8

8. Was the pre-existing school a public school or a private school? (VC104756) [4/8/12]

A Public school

B Private school

9. Which one of the following best describes your charter school’s primary focus in terms of program content? (VC104758) [4/8/12]

A We have a comprehensive curriculum with no specialized area of focus.

B We have a special curricular focus, for example, the arts, math/science, foreign language immersion.

C Our curriculum is based on a particular educational theory, for example, Montessori, open school, Core Knowledge.

D Our curriculum is based on a particular moral philosophy or set of values, for example, African-centered education, character-based education, Eastern philosophy.

10. Among eighth-grade students who are new to your charter school this year, approximately what percentage performs at or above average on your state assessment? (VC104970) [8]

Percent

11. Does your school participate in the National School Lunch Program? (HE002094) [4/8/12]

A Yes  Skip to Question 13

B No  Go to Question 12

12. Why does your school not participate in the National School Lunch Program? (VC104793) [4/8/12]

A My school has eligible students but chooses not to participate in the program.

B My school does not have students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

C My school does not have a cafeteria or does not serve lunch.

D Other

13. What is the legal status of your school? (VC104799) [4/8/12]

A Officially part of the school district or local education agency (LEA)

B Independent from the school district or local education agency (LEA)

C A separate local education agency (LEA) as stipulated by state law

14. Who has primary control or authority over the following aspects of your school? Fill in one oval on each line. (VC104818) [4/8/12]

	Your school	Management company	District/ charter-granting agency	Governing board/ board of trustees	Other	[Same at:]
a. Total budget	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104825)
b. Purchase of supplies and equipment	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104832)
c. School calendar	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104838)
d. Student discipline policies (e.g., suspension/expulsion)	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104842)
e. Curriculum	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104844)
f. Personnel, including hiring of teaching staff	A	B	C	D	E	[4/8/12]	(VC104846)

15. In which of the following areas is your school monitored/audited by the state or your school’s charter-granting agency? Full in one oval on each line. (VC104856) [4/8/12]

	Yes, by state	Yes, by charter-granting agency	Not monitored	[Same at:]
a. Curriculum topics taught	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104866)
b. Teaching methods used	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104871)
c. Student achievement	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104880)
d. Student behavior	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104886)
e. Student attendance	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104895)
f. School governance	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104898)
g. School finances	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104900)
h. Compliance with state or federal regulations	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104901)
i. Special education services	A	B	C	[4/8/12]	(VC104903)

16. Are you required to report directly to any of the following groups on your school’s progress? Fill in one oval on each line. (VC104905) [4/8/12]

	Yes	No	[Same at:]
a. Chartering agency	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104943)
b. Parents	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104944)
c. Community/general public	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104945)
d. School governing board	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104946)
e. Private funders or donors	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104947)
f. State Board of Education	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104948)
g. State department of education (if this is not the chartering agency)	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104949)
h. Legislature	A	B	[4/8/12]	(VC104950)

17. Have you surveyed or interviewed the parents of the students in your school to find out why they chose to send their children to your school? (VC104951) [4/8/12]

A Yes  Go to Question 18

B No  You have finished the survey. Thank you for your time.

18. About how many parents indicate that they chose to send their children to your school for the following reasons? Fill in one oval on each line. (VC104952) [4/8/12]

	None	Less than half	About half	About three-quarters	All or almost all	Did not ask	[Same at:]
a. Their child was performing poorly in another school.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
b. They wanted a more rigorous curriculum for their child.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
c. They wanted the particular curricular focus this school has.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
d. They wanted a safer environment for their child.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
e. They were seeking greater parental involvement in their child’s education.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
f. They wanted smaller class sizes.	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)
g. Other reason	A	B	C	D	E	F	[4/8/12]	(NEW)

School Questionnaire Grade 8 2

OMB Wave 2 Submission