Insight Student Survey

What are the benefits of administering a student survey?

Schools benefit when student voice helps shape instructional culture. TNTP’s Insight Student Survey elevates students’ perspectives to give leaders a full picture of the classroom experience and help them give all students the educational opportunities they deserve.

The Challenge

In TNTP’s 2018 study The Opportunity Myth, we learned that most students do everything their schools ask of them—yet many don’t get what they need out of school to be ready to pursue their goals after high school. That’s partly because so many decisions are made in administrative offices that are far removed from the daily experiences of students. Understanding and elevating student perspectives can give school systems crucial information about ways they can provide stronger, more equitable school experiences.

Our Approach

TNTP’s Insight Student Survey helps ensure school and system leaders have a full picture of what’s happening in their classrooms based on specific feedback from students. Our survey measures students’ perceptions on the aspects of school culture that make the biggest difference for their own experience and are within schools’ direct control.

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What types of topics are included on the survey?

Students from grades 3-12 answer questions about key aspects of school culture:

• School Belonging
• Trusting Relationships
• Academic Expectations
• Academic Support
• Academic Rigor

Depending on our partners’ needs, we can also add questions about other important topics, such as:

• Engagement
• School Environment

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What school-based staff are involved in the student survey administration?

In a successful student survey administration, all school staff play a role in making students aware of the survey and encouraging students to complete the survey, from the principal, to teachers, to school office staff.

It is recommended that each school appoint a School Coordinator to oversee project management of the student survey administration and communicate with school-based staff to ensure everyone understands how they can support the survey process.

School Coordinators will oversee the project management of student surveys.

• Ensure smooth survey administration logistics.
• Serve as the point of contact for teachers and students during the survey window.
• Invest teachers and other school-based staff in the value of student surveys and the survey administration process.
• Implement a school-based student survey administration plan and monitor completion rates to increase levels of participation from students.
• Manage communications with teachers, other school staff, and students throughout the survey window.

Principals will support the School Coordinators in administering surveys.

• Invest teachers and students in student surveys by communicating that student survey data collection is a school priority and inspire teachers and other school-based staff to encourage students to participate in the survey.
• Support the School Coordinator with increasing survey response rates.

Teachers and other school-based staff will proctor the survey and encourage students to complete the student survey by following the administration protocols.

• Invest students and encourage students to complete the student survey.

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How do teachers administer the survey and what can students expect?

Prior to the survey launch date teachers will receive a URL link and QR code for the survey. Teachers can pre-load the site onto each computer/device as a bookmark or homepage. They can also share the link or QR code with students electronically by email or text message, or the QR code and be printed and posted or handed out to students for them to easily scan.

1. Teachers will read survey instructions aloud (using a provided proctor script).
2. Students will log into the survey using their unique Student ID.
   

   

3. Once they enter their unique Student ID, students will begin the survey. If any students experience technical difficulties, please reach out to insightsurvey@tntp.org. Students should complete the surveys in one sitting. Survey responses are saved once the student clicks on “Submit.” Students can continue to work on their surveys as long as they do not reload the page or click on “Submit.”
4. After students submit the survey, they will see a final “Thank you” screen that tells them they are finished.
5. Students who finish early can read or work silently.

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How can leaders use student survey results to impact change? (Includes report walk-through video and reflection guide)

Student survey results provide valuable information about how your students experience instructional practices at your school. The student data report provides detailed student feedback that you can use to better understand your students’ perceptions about their classroom experience.

Report Walk-Through

Reflection Guide

The report data provides valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your school’s instructional culture from the students you serve. Use the Student Survey Reflection Guide to reflect on your school’s results and develop a strategy to help improve your school’s instructional culture. It includes the following Action Steps:

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