Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2022-23 (ECLS-K:2023) Preschool Field Test

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study,
Kindergarten Class of 2022-23 (ECLS-K:2023)
Kindergarten and First-Grade Field Test Data
Collection, National Sampling, and National
Recruitment

OMB# 1850-0750 v.22

$WWDFKPHQWC0
Spring First-Grade Special Education
Teacher-Level TeacherPaper 6XUYH\
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education

September 2020

Special Education
Teacher Background
Survey
2021

S_ID

T_ID
T

Completing this survey will help us learn more about special
education teachers and the children they serve.
Thank you for your time!
To show our appreciation, we have included with your invitation a check that
equals $20 for the teacher background survey plus $7 for every child for
whom you’ve been asked to complete a survey.
Please return the survey to your school coordinator or an ECLS staff member.
The survey should be sealed in the envelope we provided you. Do not mail this survey
unless you are provided with an additional mailing envelope.
Photo is for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in the photo is a model.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) by the Education Sciences Reform
Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543). The data are being collected for NCES by Westat, a U.S.-based research organization. All of the information you
provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20
U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151). According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0750 v.22. The time required to complete
this information collection is estimated to average approximately 15 minutes per teacher background survey including instructions and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this information collection, or any
comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of these data, please write directly to: Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, National
Center for Education Statistics, PCP, 550 12th St., SW, 4th floor, Washington, DC 20202. # 1850-0750 v.22.
OMB No. 1850-0750, v.22. Approval expires xx/xx/xxxx
SPA1-FT

Draft

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
Special Education Teacher Survey (Teacher Level)
Fall 2021 – Form SPA1-FT

Dear Special Education Teacher or Related Service Provider,
Your school has agreed to participate in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS), a
nationwide study of elementary-aged children, their schools, teachers, and parents. As part of
the study, we are asking teachers at your school to complete surveys. You have been asked to
complete surveys because one or more of the children you serve are participants in this study.
The teacher survey contains questions about you and your classroom practices. There are also
brief surveys for each of the sampled children that you teach. These surveys contain questions
about the children’s skills and abilities.
The ECLS collects information from teachers of children who are in the study and from the
special education teachers or related service providers of sampled children who have
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Our purpose is to investigate the relationship
between the children’s academic progress and various school, classroom, teacher, and
home characteristics.
Taking part in the study is voluntary. You may stop at any time or choose not to answer a
question you do not want to answer. However, only you can provide this information.
Although we realize you are very busy, we urge you to complete this survey as completely
and accurately as possible. You may find at least some of the information we are asking for
in the child’s IEP.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP.

i
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SPA1-FT

MARKING DIRECTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND USE A BLACK OR BLUE BALL POINT PEN TO COMPLETE THIS
SURVEY. DO NOT USE PENCIL OR FELT-TIP PEN.
MARKING BOXES
It is important that you mark an “X” in the box next to your answers and print clearly.
Shown below is the correct way to mark your answers, along with examples of incorrect ways.
Correct Mark:

Incorrect Marks:
Light and thin, outside the box, thick or scrawled.

How to Change an Answer:
Completely black out the box of the incorrect answer and mark an “X” in the box next to the correct
answer.

PRINTING ANSWERS IN BOXES:
Answers should be printed clearly and should not touch or cross any of the box lines. Do not
cross zeroes or sevens. That is, do not write a zero with a line through it like this –
write a seven with a line through it like this – 7.

0, and do not

Write one number per box like this:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

Write words like this:

John Smith

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The first several questions pertain to your roles and responsibilities.
1.

Which of the following best describes your current position in this school? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Special education teacher
Special education teacher consultant
General education teacher
Special education classroom aide
Speech-language pathologist
Physical therapist
Physical therapy assistant or aide
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapy assistant or aide
School psychologist
School counselor
School social worker
Other (Please specify):

2.

How do you classify your main assignment at this school, that is, the activity at which you spend most
of your time during this school year? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Regular full-time teacher or service provider
Regular part-time teacher or service provider
Itinerant teacher or service provider (that is, your assignment requires you to provide instruction or related
services at more than one school)
Long-term substitute (that is, your assignment requires that you fill the role of a teacher on a
long-term basis, but you are still considered a substitute)
Teacher aide
Other (Please specify):

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IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO Q8 ON PAGE 4
3.

As of today's date, how many children with and without IEPs do you teach or serve?
WRITE NUMBER IN BOX.
With IEPs

4.

Without IEPs

As of today's date, how many children with IEPs that you teach or serve are the following ages?
WRITE NUMBER IN BOX. IF THERE ARE NO CHILDREN OF A PARTICULAR AGE, WRITE "0."
Number of
Children
a.

3 years old

b. 4 years old
c.

5 years old

d. 6 years old
e.

7 years old

f.

8 years old

g. 9 years old or older
h. Total (sum of a-g)

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5.

How many of the children with IEPs that you teach or serve belong to each of the following
racial-ethnic groups? WRITE NUMBER IN BOX. IF NONE, WRITE "0."
Please count each child only once. Hispanic children should only be counted in the Hispanic or
Latino/Latina category regardless of race.
Number of
Children
a.

Hispanic or Latino/Latina of any race

b. American Indian or Alaska Native,
non-Hispanic
c.

Asian, non-Hispanic

d. Black or African American, non-Hispanic
e.

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander,
non-Hispanic

f.

White, non-Hispanic

g. Two or more races, non-Hispanic

6.

As of today's date, how many boys and girls with IEPs do you teach or serve?
WRITE NUMBER IN BOX. IF NONE, WRITE "0."
Number of
Children
a.

Number of boys

b. Number of girls

7.

How many of the students with IEPs that you teach or serve are English Language Learners (ELLs)?
WRITE NUMBER IN BOX. IF NONE, WRITE "0."
Number of Students

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8.

During the school year, how many children with IEPs have you worked with or provided services for,
on average, each week? (Include children you work with directly, as well as children for whom you
consult with the general education teacher and/or another special education teacher or service
provider.) MARK ONE RESPONSE.
1-10
11-20
21-40
More than 40

9.

During this school year, where have you worked with children with IEPs? INCLUDE ONLY CHILDREN
WHO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL. MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
In a general education classroom
In a special education classroom
In a non-classroom space (for example, office, therapy room, small work space, mobile van, etc.)
In a location outside of the school setting (for example, a child's home, a private clinic, etc.)
Other (Please specify):

10. For how many students do you serve as case manager? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
1-10
11-20
21-40
More than 40
None
11. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement. I am
satisfied with my class size or caseload (that is, the total number of students you teach or serve).
MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither disagree nor agree
Agree
Strongly agree
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THE NEXT FEW QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT STUDENTS' CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR.
IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO Q17 ON PAGE 8
12. How often does disruptive student behavior interfere with your instruction? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Never
Seldom
Usually
Always

13. How much time per day would you estimate that you spend handling disruptive student behavior?
MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Less than ½ hour
½ hour to less than 1 hour
1 to less than 1½ hours
1½ to less than 2 hours
2 to less than 2½ hours
2½ to less than 3 hours
3 hours or more

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14. The next set of questions relates to your instructional activities and resources. How strongly do you
agree or disagree that the following behavioral support practices are characteristic of your teaching?
MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Strongly
disagree
a.

Disagree

Neither
disagree
nor agree

Agree

Strongly
agree

Routines are consistently implemented.

b. Expectations of students are clearly
communicated in positive terms.
c.

You gain the attention of all students
before beginning a lesson.

d. You solicit both group and individual
responses to questions.
e.

You provide all students with individual
opportunities to respond to questions.

f.

There is a system for documenting and
rewarding appropriate student behavior.

g. You use a continuum of consequences to
discourage inappropriate student behavior.

15. How strongly do you agree or disagree that you teach the following social and emotional competencies
to the students that you teach or serve? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Strongly
disagree
a.

Disagree

Neither
disagree
nor agree

Agree

Self-awareness (teaching students to
recognize their own feelings, interests,
strengths, and limitations)

b. Self-management (teaching students to
regulate emotions and manage daily
stressors)
c.

Social awareness (teaching students to
take the perspective of others and
appreciate similarities and differences)

d. Relationships and social skills (teaching
students prosocial behavior and skills to
develop meaningful relationships)
e.

Responsible decision making (teaching
students to identify and analyze problems,
understand consequences, and take
responsibility for their decisions)
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Strongly
agree

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16. How strongly do you agree or disagree that you utilize the following practices?
MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Strongly
disagree
a.

Disagree

Neither
disagree
nor agree

Agree

Display pictures, posters, artwork, and
other décor that reflect diverse cultures
and ethnic backgrounds

b. Ensure that all notices and communications
to families and caregivers are written in
their language of origin
c.

Use alternative formats and varied
approaches to communicate and share
information with families and caregivers

d. Screen books, movies, and other media
resources for negative cultural, ethnic, or
racial stereotypes before using them with
students

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Strongly
agree

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The next questions ask about professional development.
17. In the past 12 months, did you participate in any professional development activities pertaining to the
use of evidence-based practices for working with students with disabilities? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Yes
No
18.



GO TO Q21 on page 9

In the past 12 months, how many hours did you spend on these activities? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
4 hours or less
5-8 hours
9-12 hours
13-16 hours
17-20 hours
21-24 hours
25-28 hours
29-32 hours
33 hours or more

19. Overall, how helpful were these activities to you? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Very unhelpful
Unhelpful
Neither unhelpful nor helpful
Helpful
Very helpful

20. To what extent was the professional development you received in the past 12 months relevant to your
role teaching or serving students with disabilities? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Not relevant
Somewhat relevant
Relevant
Very relevant
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21. In the current school year, do you work closely with a master or mentor teacher who was assigned
to you by your school or district? MARK ONE REPSONSE.
Yes
No



GO TO Q24-1 on page 10

22. How frequently do you work with your assigned master or mentor teacher? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
A few times a year
Once or never

23. Overall, to what extent did your assigned master or mentor teacher improve your skills in the following
areas? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Not
at all

To a
small
extent

To a
moderate
extent

To a
great
extent

Not applicable/
not part of my
work responsibility

a. Providing large group instruction
b. Providing small group or one-on-one
instruction or therapy
c.

Managing students' behavior

d. Completing paperwork
e. Conducting student assessments
f.

Finding needed human or material
resources

g. Communicating with parents

IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO Q35 ON PAGE 17. OTHERWISE, GO TO NEXT PAGE.

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24-1. Please indicate the extent to which you agree with each of the following statements about your school.
MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.

Strongly
disagree

Disagree

Neither
disagree
nor agree

Agree

a. The level of child misbehavior (for example,
noise, horseplay, or fighting in the halls or
cafeteria) in this school interferes with my
teaching.
b. Many of the children I teach are not capable of
learning the material I am supposed to teach
them.
c. I feel accepted and respected as a colleague by
most staff members.
d. Teachers in this school are continually learning
and seeking new ideas.
e. Routine administrative duties and paperwork
interfere with my job of teaching.
f. Parents are supportive of school staff.
g. There is a great deal of cooperative effort among
the staff members.
h. In this school, staff members are recognized for
a job well done.
i.

The academic standards at this school are too low.

j.

There is broad agreement among the entire school
faculty about the central mission of the school.

k. The school administrator sets priorities, makes
plans, and sees that they are carried out.
l.

The school administration's behavior toward the
staff is supportive and encouraging.

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SPA1-FT

Strongly
agree

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THE NEXT SET OF QUESTIONS PERTAINS TO THE AVAILABILITY AND USE OF INSTRUCTIONAL
TECHNOLOGY. IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO QUESTION 28, ON PAGE 15.

24-2. Which of the following statements is true about how well your school system provides you with the
instructional materials and other resources you need to teach or serve students with IEPs? MARK ONE
RESPONSE.
I get all the resources I need.
I get most of the resources I need.
I get some of the resources I need.
I don't get any of the resources I need.
24-3. In general, how adequate is each of the following for your students with IEPs?
MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
I don’t
Often
Sometimes
use these
Never
not
not
with my
adequate
students adequate adequate

Always
adequate

a. Digital tablets (such as an iPad)
b. Visual display technology (for example,
SMART Board®)
c. Computers (with internet access)
d. Licensed computer software packages

24-4. Do you implement any of the following technology use practices in teaching or serving students
with IEPs? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
Encourage students to use personal cell phones and/or tablets as tools
Encourage or require students to use tablets or other digital devices provided by the school as tools
Encourage or require students to use school computers as tools
Provide web-based instruction
Provide blended learning
Other (Please specify):

None of the above
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24-5. Please report the following about the computers available to your students with IEPs every day.
PLEASE INCLUDE ANY DESKTOP, LAPTOP, OR OTHER COMPUTER-TYPE DEVICE (FOR EXAMPLE, TABLETS)
USED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES. IF NONE, WRITE "0."
a.

Total number of devices

b. Number with internet access

24-6. Please report the following about the computers that can be brought into the room (for example,
laptops on carts). PLEASE INCLUDE ANY DESKTOP, LAPTOP, OR OTHER COMPUTER-TYPE DEVICE (FOR
EXAMPLE, TABLETS) USED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES. IF NONE, WRITE "0."
a.

Total number of devices

b. Number with internet access

24-7. How frequently do you or your students use computers (desktop, laptop, or other computer-type
devices such as a Chrome Book) in the following instructional activities? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON
EACH ROW.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Not
applicable
to my role

a. Daily assignments
b. Internet research
c. Special projects
d. Presentations
e. Homework
f. Accessing digital resources available
through the district (intranet)

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24-8. How frequently do you or your students use an interactive whiteboard (for example, SMART Board®,
ActivBoard) in the following instructional activities?
Not
MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
applicable
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
to my role
a. Daily assignments
b. Internet research
c. Special projects
d. Presentations
e. Homework
f. Accessing digital resources available
through the district (intranet)
24-9. How frequently do your students use digital cameras (still or video) in the following instructional
activities? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Not
applicable
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
to my role
a. Daily assignments
b. Special projects
c. Presentations
d. Homework

24-10. How frequently do your students use digital tablets (such as an iPad) in the following instructional
activities? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Not
applicable
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
to my role
a. Daily assignments
b. Internet research
c. Special projects
d. Presentations
e. Homework
f. Accessing digital resources available
through the district (intranet)
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IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO Q35 ON PAGE 17.
25. The next few questions ask about your beliefs about teaching. To what extent do you agree with
each of the following statements? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Neither
Strongly
disagree
Strongly
agree
Agree
disagree Disagree nor agree
a.

If I try really hard, I can get through even to
the most difficult or unmotivated students.

b. If some students in my class are not doing
well, I feel that I should change my approach
to the subject.
c.

By trying a different teaching method, I can
significantly affect a student’s achievement.

d. There is really very little I can do to ensure
that most of my students achieve at a high
level.
e.

I work to create lessons so my students will
enjoy learning and become independent
thinkers.

f.

I feel sometimes it is a waste of my time to try
to do my best as a teacher.

g. The attitudes and habits students bring to my
class greatly reduce their chances for academic
success.
h. My success or failure in teaching is due
primarily to factors beyond my control rather
than to my own effort or ability.
26. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements as it applies to your
instruction? MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Neither
Strongly
disagree
Strongly
agree
Agree
disagree Disagree nor agree
a.

The amount a student can learn is
primarily related to family background.

b. If a student did not remember information I
gave in a previous lesson, I would know how
to increase his or her retention in the next
lesson.
c.

If a student in my class becomes disruptive
and noisy, I feel assured that I know some
techniques to redirect the student quickly.

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27. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements on
working with children. MARK ONE RESPONSE ON EACH ROW.
Strongly
disagree

Disagree

Neither
disagree
nor agree

Agree

a. I really enjoy my present job.
b. I am certain I am making a difference in
the lives of the children I work with.
c.

If I could start over, I would choose this
again as my career.

The next set of questions ask for your background information.
28. What is your gender? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Male
Female

29. In what year were you born? WRITE IN YEAR BELOW.

YEAR

30. Are you Hispanic or Latino/Latina? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
A person who is Hispanic or Latino/Latina is of Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South
or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
Yes
No

31. Which best describes your race? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White
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Strongly
agree

9921

32. What is the highest level of education you have completed? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Did not complete high school
High school diploma or equivalent/GED
Some college or technical or vocational school
Associate’s degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
An advanced professional degree beyond a master’s degree (for example, Ph.D., MD, Ed.D.)

33a. What is the name of the college or university where you earned your highest degree? If not applicable,
please go to Q34.

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
33b. In what city and state is it located? (If outside the U.S., please note the country.)

CITY

STATE

The next few questions pertain to your years of experience.
34. If you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, what was your undergraduate major field of study?
MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Early childhood education
Elementary education
Special education
Other education-related major (such as secondary education, educational psychology,
education administration, music education, etc.)
Non-education major (such as history, English, etc.)

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35. If you have a graduate degree, what was the major field of study of your highest level graduate degree?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
Early childhood education
Elementary education
Special education
Other education-related major (such as secondary education, educational psychology,
education administration, music education, etc.)
Non-education major (such as history, English, etc.)

36. Have you ever taken a college course in the following areas? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
Early childhood education
Elementary education
Special education
English as a Second Language (ESL) or teaching English language learners
Child development
Methods of teaching reading or language arts
Methods of teaching mathematics
Methods of teaching science
Classroom management
None of the above

37. Did any of your college or graduate school courses address issues related to the following?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
Response to Intervention
Early Intervening Services
None of the above

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38. The next few questions ask about your credentials. Which of the following describes the teaching
certificate you currently hold in this state? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Regular or standard state certificate or advanced professional certificate
Certificate issued after satisfying all requirements except the completion of a probationary period
Certificate that requires some additional coursework, student teaching, or passage of a test before
regular certification can be obtained
Certificate issued to persons who must complete a certification program in order to continue teaching
I do not hold any of the above certifications in this state.

39. Which of the following credentials, licenses, or certificates do you have for working with children with
disabilities? DO NOT INCLUDE ACADEMIC DEGREES, SUCH AS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, MASTER'S DEGREE,
OR PH.D. MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
Disability-specific credential
Special education credential (for more than one disability category)
Early childhood special education credential
General education credential
Speech-language pathology license or credential
Other professional license, credential, or endorsement (Please specify):

None of the above
IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, PLEASE GO TO Q45 ON PAGE 19.
40. Which of the following best describes the type of educator preparation program you participated in
while earning your current and initial certification? MARK ONE IN EACH COLUMN.
Current
Certification
a.

Initial
Certification

Traditional four-year program based at an institution
of higher education

b. Alternative program based at an institution of higher
education
c.

Alternative program not based at an institution of
higher education

d. Other preparation program
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41. Have you taken the exam for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification?
MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Yes



No

GO TO Q43

42. What was the result of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards exam?
MARK ONE RESPONSE.
Awaiting test results
Passed
Have not yet passed

43. Counting this school year, how many years have you worked in your current school, including part
time? WRITE THE NUMBER OF YEARS TO THE NEAREST FULL SCHOOL YEAR. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST YEAR,
WRITE "1."
Year(s)

44. Counting this school year, how many total years have you been working with children in any school,
including years in which you worked part time? This would include other assignments such as teaching
in a regular classroom or otherwise providing services to children. WRITE THE NUMBER OF YEARS TO THE
NEAREST FULL SCHOOL YEAR. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST YEAR, WRITE "1."
Year(s)

45. Counting this school year, how many total years have you been working with children receiving special
education or related services in any school, including years in which you worked part time? WRITE
THE NUMBER OF YEARS TO THE NEAREST FULL SCHOOL YEAR. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST YEAR, WRITE "1."
Year(s)

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46. How long do you plan to continue to teach or provide related services? MARK ONE RESPONSE.
As long as I am able
Until I am eligible for retirement benefits from this job
Until I am eligible for retirement benefits from a previous job
Until I am eligible for Social Security benefits
Until a specific life event occurs (for example, parenthood, marriage)
Until a more desirable job opportunity comes along
Definitely plan to leave as soon as I can
Undecided at this time

47. Please fill in the boxes below with the date the survey was completed.

2 0 2 1
MONTH

DAY

YEAR

Thank you very much for answering these
questions and taking the time to participate in
the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study.

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