TIMSS School Questionnaire - Grade 8

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TIMSS 2011
School
Questionnaire
Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
1990 K St., NW
Washington, DC 20006

© IEA, 2011
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The
valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1850-0645. Approval expires XX/XX/2011. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you
have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the survey instrument, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual response to this survey, write directly to: National Center for Education
Statistics, 1990 K Street, N.W., Room 9034, Washington, D.C. 20006.

School Questionnaire
Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS

NCES is authorized to collect information from

2011 (Trends in International Mathematics and

the questionnaire under the Education Sciences

Science Study), an educational research project

Reform Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-279, Section

sponsored by the International Association for

153). You do not have to provide the information

the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

requested. However, the information you provide

TIMSS measures trends in student achievement in

will help the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing

mathematics and science, and studies differences

efforts to understand better how the educational

in national education systems in more than 60

system in the United States compares to that in

countries in order to help improve teaching and

other countries. There are no penalties should you

learning worldwide.

choose not to participate in this study. Your answers

This questionnaire is addressed to school

may be used only for statistical purposes and may

principals and department heads who are asked to

not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any

supply information about their schools. Since your

other purpose (Public Law 107-279, Section 183 and

school has been selected as part of a nationwide

Title V, subtitle A of the E-Government Act of 2002

sample, your responses are very important in helping

(P.L. 107-347)). Your response will be combined with

to describe eighth-grade education in the United

those from other participants to produce summary

States.

statistics and reports.

It is important that you answer each question

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30

carefully so that the information provided reflects

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions,

the situation in your school as accurately as possible.

and completing and reviewing the collection

Some of the questions will require that you look up

of information. An agency may not conduct or

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond

assistance of another staff member to help provide

to, a collection of information unless it displays a

this information.

currently valid OMB control number. Send comments

Since TIMSS is an international study and all

regarding this burden estimate or any other

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may

aspect of this collection of information, including

find that some of the questions seem unusual or are

suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Stephen

not entirely relevant to you or schools in the United

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics,

States. Nevertheless, it is important that you do your

U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW,

best to answer all of the questions so comparisons

Room 9034, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not

can be made across countries in the study.

return the completed form to this address.

It is estimated that you will need approximately
30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We

Thank you.

appreciate the time and effort that this takes and
thank you for your cooperation and contribution.
When you have completed the questionnaire,
please return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

TIMSS 2011

School Enrollment
and Characteristics

1

5

What is the total enrollment of students in your
school as of April 4, 2011?

A. How many people live in the city, town, or area
where your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

_____________ students
Write in a number.

2
What is the total enrollment of eighth-grade
students in your school as of April 4, 2011?
_____________ students

More than 500,000 people --- 1

100,001 to 500,000 people --- 2

50,001 to 100,000 people --- 3

15,001 to 50,000 people --- 4

3,001 to 15,000 people --- 5

3,000 people or fewer --- 6

Write in a number.

B. Which best describes the immediate area in which
your school is located?
Fill in one circle only.

3
Approximately what percentage of students in your
school have the following backgrounds?
Fill in one circle for each line.
0 to 10%

11 to 25%

26 to 50%

More than
50%

a) Come from economically
disadvantaged homes ---------- 1 2 3 4
b) Come from economically
affluent homes ----------------- 1 2 3 4

4

Urban–Densely populated --- 1

Suburban–On fringe or
outskirts of urban area --- 2

Medium size city or large town --- 3

Small town or village --- 4

Remote rural --- 5

C. Which best characterizes the average income level
of the school’s immediate area?
Fill in one circle only.

High --- 1

Medium --- 2

Low --- 3

Around the first of October 2010, what percentage
of students at this school were eligible to receive
free or reduced-price lunches through the National
School Lunch Program?
_____________ percentage of students
Write in a number.

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

3

 6

7
What type of school is this?
_

Fill in one circle only.

Regular public school--- 1

A regular public school with
a magnet program--- 2

A magnet school or school with a special program
emphasis (e.g ., Montessori, science/math school,
performing arts school, talented/gifted school,

foreign language immersion school, etc.) -- 3

Special education: a school that primarily
serves students with disabilities--- 4

Alternative: a school designed to address the
needs of students, typically at risk of educational
failure, which cannot be met in regular schools--- 5

A. Approximately what percentage of students in
your school have English as their native language?
Fill in one circle only.

More than 90%---- 1

76 to 90%---- 2

51 to 75%---- 3

26 to 50%---- 4

25% or less---- 5

B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school,
what percentage has been identified as limitedEnglish proficient (LEP)/English language learners
(ELL)?
Fill in one circle only.

Vocational--- 6

0%---- 1

Charter School--- 7

1-5%---- 2

Private (independent)--- 8

6-10%---- 3

Private (religiously affiliated)--- 9

11-25%---- 4

Other--- 0

26-50%---- 5

51-75%---- 6

76-90%---- 7

Over 90%---- 8

4

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

Instructional Time

Resources and Technology

9

8

What is the total number of computers that can be
used for instructional purposes by eighth-grade
students?

For the eighth-grade students in your school:
A. How many days per year is your school open for
instruction?

___________computers

__________days

Write in the number.

Write in the number.

B. What is the total instructional time, excluding
breaks, in a typical day?
_________hours and __________minutes

Write in the number of hours and minutes.

10
A. Does your school have a science laboratory that
can be used by eighth-grade students?
Fill in one circle only.

C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school
open for instruction?

Yes---- 1

No---- 2

Fill in one circle only.

6 days---- 1

5 1/2 days---- 2

5 days---- 3

4 1/2 days---- 4

4 days---- 5

Other---- 6

B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when
students are conducting science experiments?
Fill in one circle only.

Yes---- 1

No---- 2

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

5

 11
How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction affected by a shortage or inadequacy
of the following?
Fill in one circle for each line.

Fill in one circle for each line.

Not at all

Not at all
A little

Some

A lot

A. General School Resources
a) Instructional materials (e.g.,
textbooks)----------------------- 1 2 3 4
b) Supplies (e.g., papers,
pencils)-------------------------- 1 2 3 4
c) School buildings and
grounds- ------------------------ 1 2 3 4
d) Heating/cooling and lighting
systems-------------------------- 1 2 3 4
e) Instructional space (e.g.,
classrooms)---------------------- 1 2 3 4
f) Technologically competent
staff------------------------------ 1 2 3 4
B. Resources for Mathematics
Instruction
a) Teachers with a specialization
in mathematics----------------- 1 2 3 4
b) Computers for mathematics
instruction----------------------- 1 2 3 4
c) Computer software for
mathematics instruction-------- 1 2 3 4
d) Library materials relevant
to mathematics instruction----- 1 2 3 4
e) Audio-visual resources for
mathematics instruction-------- 1 2 3 4
f) Calculators for mathematics
instruction----------------------- 1 2 3 4

6

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

A little
Some

A lot

C. Resources for Science
Instruction
a) Teachers with a
specialization in science-------- 1 2 3 4
b) Computers for science
instruction----------------------- 1 2 3 4
c) Computer software for
science instruction-------------- 1 2 3 4
d) Library materials relevant
to science instruction----------- 1 2 3 4
e) Audio-visual resources for
science instruction-------------- 1 2 3 4
f) Calculators for science
instruction----------------------- 1 2 3 4
g) Science equipment and
materials------------------------ 1 2 3 4

Involving Parents in Your School

12
A. How often does your school do the following for
parents concerning individual students?

C. How often does your school do the following for
parents in general?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Fill in one circle for each line.

Never

Never
Once a year

2–3 times a year

More than
3 times a
year

a) Inform parents about their
child’s learning progress-------- 1 2 3 4
b) Inform parents about the
behavior and well-being of
their child at school------------- 1 2 3 4
c) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about their child’s
learning------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Once a year
2–3 times a year

More than
3 times a
year

a) Inform parents about the
overall academic achievement
of the school (e.g., results of
national tests, results of
inspections of learning)--------- 1 2 3 4
b) Inform parents about school
accomplishments (e.g.,
tournament results, facility
improvements)------------------ 1 2 3 4

d) Support individual parents
in helping their child with
schoolwork---------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Inform parents about the
educational goals and
pedagogic principles of
the school----------------------- 1 2 3 4

B. How often does your school ask parents to do the
following?

d) Inform parents about the
rules of the school -------------- 1 2 3 4

Fill in one circle for each line.
Never

Once a year
2–3 times a year

More than
3 times a
year

a) Volunteer for school
projects, programs,
and trips------------------------- 1 2 3 4
b) Serve on school
committees- -------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Discuss parents’ concerns or
wishes about the school’s
organization (e.g., rules and
regulations, time tables,
safety measures) --------------- 1 2 3 4
f) Provide parents with
additional learning materials
(e.g., books, computer
software) for their child to
use at home - ------------------- 1 2 3 4
g) Organize workshops or
seminars for parents on
learning or pedagogical
issues---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

7

School Climate

13

14
How would you characterize each of the following
within your school?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Fill in one circle for each line.

Not a problem

Very high

A. To what degree is each of the following a problem
among eighth-grade students in your school?

High

Medium

Minor problem

Low

Very
low

a) Teachers’ job
satisfaction---------------------- 1 2 3 4 5
b) Teachers’ understanding
of the school’s curricular
goals----------------------------- 1 2 3 4 5
c) Teachers’ degree of
success in implementing
the school’s curriculum--------- 1 2 3 4 5
d) Teachers’ expectations
for student
achievement-------------------- 1 2 3 4 5

Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late at school----------- 1 2 3 4
b) Absenteeism (i.e.,
unjustified absences)----------- 1 2 3 4
c) Classroom disturbance---------- 1 2 3 4
d) Cheating------------------------- 1 2 3 4
e) Profanity------------------------ 1 2 3 4
f) Vandalism----------------------- 1 2 3 4
g) Theft----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Parental support for
student achievement----------- 1 2 3 4 5

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse
among students (including
texting, emailing, etc.) --------- 1 2 3 4

f) Parental involvement
in school activities-------------- 1 2 3 4 5

i) Physical injury to other
students------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Students’ regard for
school property----------------- 1 2 3 4 5

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse
of teachers or staff (including
texting, emailing, etc.)---------- 1 2 3 4

h) Students’ desire to do
well in school-------------------- 1 2 3 4 5

k) Physical injury to teachers
or staff--------------------------- 1 2 3 4
B. To what degree is each of the following a problem
among teachers in your school?
Fill in one circle for each line.
Not a problem

Minor problem
Moderate problem

Serious
problem

a) Arriving late or leaving early---- 1 2 3 4
b) Absenteeism-------------------- 1 2 3 4

8

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

Teachers in Your School

15

17
In your school, are any of the following used to
evaluate the practice of eighth-grade mathematics
teachers?

How difficult was it to fill eighth-grade teaching
vacancies for this school year for the following
subjects?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes

Were no vacancies in this subject
No

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff--------------------------- 1 2

Easy to Fill in vacancies
Somewhat difficult

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school-------------------------------------- 1 2

Very
difficult

a) Mathematics -------------------- 1 2 3 4
b) Science -------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Student achievement----------------------------- 1 2
d) Teacher peer review------------------------------- 1 2

16

18
In your school, are any of the following used to
evaluate the practice of eighth-grade science
teachers?
Fill in one circle for each line.

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes

a) Observations by the
principal or senior staff---------------------------

Does your school currently use any incentives
(e.g., pay, housing, signing bonus, smaller classes)
to recruit or retain eighth-grade teachers in the
following fields?

No

Yes

No

1 2

a) Mathematics -------------------------------------- 1 2

b) Observations by inspectors
or other persons external
to the school-------------------------------------- 1 2

b) Science -------------------------------------------- 1 2
c) Other ---------------------------------------------- 1 2

c) Student achievement----------------------------- 1 2
d) Teacher peer review------------------------------- 1 2

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

9

Leadership Activities

19
During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school leadership activities
in your role as a school principal?
Fill in one circle for each line.
No time

No time
Some time

A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s
educational vision or goals ----- 1 2 3
b) Developing the school’s
curricular and educational
goals ---------------------------- 1 2 3
c) Monitoring teachers’
implementation of the
school’s educational goals
in their teaching ---------------- 1 2 3
d) Monitoring students’
learning progress to ensure
that the school’s educational
goals are reached --------------- 1 2 3
e) Keeping an orderly
atmosphere in the school ------ 1 2 3
f) Ensuring that there are clear
rules for student behavior ------ 1 2 3
g) Addressing disruptive
student behavior --------------- 1 2 3
h) Creating a climate of trust
among teachers ---------------- 1 2 3
i) Initiating a discussion to help
teachers who have problems
in the classroom ---------------- 1 2 3
j) Advising teachers who have
questions or problems with
their teaching ------------------- 1 2 3

10

Fill in one circle for each line.

Grade 8 School Questionnaire

Some time
A lot of time

k) Visiting other schools or
attending educational
conferences for new ideas ------ 1 2 3
l) Initiating educational
projects or improvements ----- 1 2 3
m) Participating in professional
development activities
specifically for school
principals ----------------------- 1 2 3

Thank You
Thank you for the thought, time, and effort you have
put into completing this questionnaire.

timssandpirls.bc.edu

TIMSS 2011
School
Questionnaire
Grade 8

© IEA, 2011
International Association
for the Evaluation of
Educational Achievement