Division of School Services
Missouri School Improvement Program
The Missouri School Improvement Program uses a series of
Advance Questionnaires (AQ) to assist districts and schools with School
Improvement Planning, as well as to provide an exhaustive source of
opinions from educators, students and parents that are used during the
review process that takes place every five years. In contrast to other
sources which provide information concerning student achievement, or the
deployment of resources, the AQ provide insight into the 'Educational
Process'. The concepts that the AQ attempt to measure are fundamental
to the notion of school improvement, and are often conceptualized by
researchers in education as the mechanism which connects resources to
student achievement.
Each of the headings in bold letters below represents an Educational
Process indicator which comes from one of the AQ questionnaires. The
original questions appear below the indicator. These questions have
been combined statistically to produce a single score, which is then
reported for each school that completed the AQ.
The scores for each indicator were also examined across all available
schools, and those in the top 16% were labeled 'Above Average' and those
in the bottom 16% were labeled 'Below Average'. All others were labeled
as 'Average'. The actual percentile ranking is also provided.
(Ele) From Middle and Jr. High School Questionnaire
Instructional Communication
Learning is made clear by teachers
Teachers are prepared for class
Good teacher-student communication
Parents know what goes on in school
Focus on Learning
Good teacher-student communication
My school is a good place to learn
(Sec) From Secondary Student Questionnaire
Quality of the Learning Environment
My teachers make clear what I'm supposed to learn.
In most classes, if we are having trouble learning something our teacher usually finds another way to help us understand it.
Most of my teachers are organized and well prepared to teach.
My teachers inform me about my progress in their class.
Most of my teachers make learning interesting.
In my school, all students are given a chance to succeed.
Students are given opportunities to work and learn independently.
Most teachers want students to contribute their thoughts in class.
There is good communication between teachers and students
If a student has a problem there are teachers who will listen and help.
Most of my teachers really seem to care if we learn in their class.
Building Condition
My school is kept clean.
Most of the rooms here are in good condition.
Library Services
It is easy to get help using the library.
The library is usually available when I need it.
Community Attractiveness
The community is proud of this school
This community is a good place for a kid to grow up
School Climate
I feel safe at school.
Overall, my school is a good place to learn.
There is a feeling of belonging at my school.
I like going to this school.
(Prt) From Parent Questionnaire
Quality of the Learning Environment
Teachers inform me about what my child will be studying.
The way they teach at this school works well for my child.
My child is given a fair chance to succeed at school.
There are good learning materials at my child's school.
My child likes attending this school.
I can talk with my child's teachers or principal whenever I need.
My child's school has a very good learning environment.
I know how well my child is doing in class.
My child has good teachers who know what they are doing.
Overall School Safety
I feel my child is safe at school.
Discipline in my child's school is administered fairly.
If I could, I would send my child to a different school.
Adequacy of Resources
The district pays enough to attract and keep good teachers.
The community provides enough money to the local schools so they can do a good job.
Parental Involvement
Talked to your child's teacher--frequency.
Gone to an open house at school--frequency.
Attended parent/teacher meetings--frequency.
Visited the school on your own--frequency.
Helped with after-school activities--frequency.
Helped with classroom learning--frequency.
(Fac) From Faculty Questionnaire
Instructional Leadership
The mission of this school is clearly defined.
All staff hold high expectations for student learning.
There are open channels of communication among students, staff and administrators.
Teacher Commitment
I usually look forward to each working day as a teacher.
If I had a chance to choose all over again, I would still choose teaching as a career.
Support for Professional Development
I have adequate financial support from the school district for professional development.
My participation in workshops and conferences is encouraged.
Missouri Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education
"Making a positive difference through education
and service.
Division of School Services
Missouri School Improvement Program
Posted May 28, 1998
URL: http://www.dese.state.mo.us/planning/profile/