Teachers and K–12 education made headlines this year. Elections can only tell us so much about what the public thinks about K–12 education. That's why we look to polls like EdChoice's six-years-running "Schooling in America Survey," which allows us to provide a clear picture of Americans' views and attitudes on K–12 issues. For this year's survey, we interviewed a representative national sample of 1,803 American adults, including an extra 533 school-aged parents. Most notably, we surveyed a separate sample of 777 public school teachers.
Learn what we found in this slide show of our key findings.
To download the full report, visit www.edchoice.org/SIA2018.
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2. From walkouts to ballot measures,
teachers and K–12 education made
headlines this year.
3. Education even ranked as the
second-highest issue in
gubernatorial races.
1. Health Care
3. Jobs
4. Public Safety
5. Immigration
2. Education
Source: http://mediaproject.wesleyan.edu/releases/101818-tv/
4. Peering through the kaleidoscope
of November state elections as a
whole, it is challenging to interpret
how Americans feel about education
matters and reforms.
5. Thankfully, polls like our six-years-running
Schooling in America Survey allow us to
provide a clear picture of Americans’ views
and attitudes about K–12 issues.
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
2018 SCHOOLING
IN AMERICA
Public Opinion on K–12 Education with a
Special Focus on Parents and Teachers
Paul DiPerna
Michael Shaw
6. For this year’s survey, we interviewed a
representative national sample of 1,803
American adults, including a large group
of parents. We also separately
surveyed teachers.
Public School Teachers = 777 Parents of school-aged children = 533
8. Most teachers aren’t promoters
of their vocation.
Selected Demographics Among Public School Teachers by Net Promoter Score (NPS) Groups, 2018
CURRENT PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS 26 32 42 -17 6.49 777
% Promoter
(9 or 10)
% Passive
(7 or 8)
% Detractor
(0 to 6)
NPS Mean Score N =
Notes: We measure an NPS Score by subtracting the percentage of "Detractor" responses from the percentage of "Promoter" responses. The difference indicates
loyalty and commitment within a specific population for the job of public school teacher.
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q29.
9. Public school teachers trust their students and
principals more than parents.
Public School Teachers' Trust in K–12 Education Stakeholders
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q31.
Principal
Students
Teachers’ Union Leadership
District Superintendent
Parents
School Board
State DOE
Federal DOE
57
52
46
41
36
35
28
25
Percentage of Current Public School Teachers Saying "Complete" or "A Lot of" Trust
10. More than half of teachers think schools spend
too much time on standardized testing.
Views on Time Spent on Standardized Testing
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q40.
19
26
39
36 36
36
28
29
52
Public School Teachers School Parents General Population
Too High About Right Too Low
Percentage of Respondents
11. So what are parents doing for their
kids’ schooling and education?
It turns out, quite a lot.
And we see more reported
activity than in 2016.
12. They are making financial sacrifices …
What Parents Have Done to Support Their Children’s K–12 Education, 2016 and 2018
Notes: Phone-only survey results shown for 2016. Mixed-mode results (online and phone) shown for 2018. Responses within parentheses were volunteered.
For the online survey, the respondent was permitted to skip the question.
Sources: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q11; EdChoice, 2016 Schooling in America Survey.
2016 2018
Taken Additional Job 22%
Moved Closer to School 21%
Taken Out New Loan 13%
Changed Job 17%
Percentage of Current School Parents 40%
30%
29%
20%
13. … and expending more time and effort.
What Parents Have Done to Accomodate Their Children’s K–12 Education, 2016 and 2018
Notes: Phone-only survey results shown for 2016. Mixed-mode results (online and phone) shown for 2018. For the online survey, the respondent was
permitted to skip the question.
Sources: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q12; EdChoice, 2016 Schooling in America Survey.
Helped with Homework at Least One Night/Week
Have Family or Friend Look After Child
Have Family or Friend Help Transport Child
Significantly Changed Daily Routine
Paid for Before- or After-Care Services
Paid for Child’s Transportation to/from School
Paid for Tutoring
Percentage of Current School Parents
86%
52%
15%
21%
34%
41%
50%
2016 2018
88%
63%
54%
42%
58%
23%
32%
14. Majorities of parents express satisfaction with
their schooling experiences.
Parents' Satisfaction with Schools, 2017 and 2018
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Notes: Phone-only survey results shown for 2017. Mixed-mode results (online and phone) shown for 2018. For the online survey, the respondent was permitted to skip
the question. Sample sizes vary by school type and by year: Home School (2017, N = 47; 2018, N = 126); Private School (2017, N = 122; 2018, N = 188); Public
Charter School (2017, N = 59; 2018, N = 166); Public District School (2017, N = 485; 2018, N = 825).
Sources: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q4, Q6, Q8, Q10.
90
86
93
79
75 78
73
66
Home School Private School Public Charter School Public District School
2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018
Percentage of Current and Former School Parents Saying They Have Been "Very" or "Somewhat" Satisfied
15. But huge gaps still exist between where parents
would prefer to send their kids to school and
where they actually send their kids to school.
Parents' Schooling Preferences by School Type
Notes: The percentages in this chart reflect a composite that averages split samples' responses to two slightly different versions of this question (16C/D). Responses
within parentheses were volunteered: "DK" means "Don't Know." "Ref" means "Refusal." For the online survey, the respondent was permitted to skip the question. For
enrollment data sources, see National K–12 Profile and Context on p. 5.
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q16C and Q16D.
Current/Former School
Parents (Composite C/D)
Actual Enrollments
Public School District Public Charter School Private School Home School (DK/Ref/Skip)
36 13 1040
82 105 3
2
Percentage of Current and Former Schools Parents
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
16. School choice programs would allow
preferences to more closely match
actual enrollments.
17. And overall support for school choice remains strong, with education
savings accounts (ESAs) being the most popular type.
The Public's Views on ESAs, with Description, 2013–2018
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Notes: From 2013 to 2015 we slightly changed question wording to more accurately reflect the features of an ESA program and to avoid the inclusion of potentially
loaded words or limiting ESA uses. Phone-only survey results shown for 2013–2017. Mixed-mode results (online and phone) shown for 2018. Responses within
parentheses were volunteered. "DK" means "Don't Know." "Ref" means "Refusal." For the online survey, the respondent was permitted to skip the question.
Sources: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q23; EdChoice, Schooling in America Survey, 2016–2017
(partial samples of General Population); Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, Schooling in America Survey, 2013–2015.
25
11
64
56
10
34
28
24
19
10
71 74
8
18
11
23
62
52
30
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Favor (DK/Ref/Skip) Oppose
Percentage of General Population
18. Education funding always comes into play,
whether legislators are considering school
choice programs or any other policy.
$$$ $$ $$ $$ $$
19. Yet we find the vast majority of
Americans don’t know how much
we spend on K–12 education.
The Public's Awareness of K–12 Education Spending
Notes: Responses of "Don't Know" and "Refusal" not shown. For the online survey, the respondent was permitted to skip the question, which is also not shown.
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q13.
Counts of Respondents
(Estimates)
0% 20%10% 40%30% 60%50% 90%70%
Only one respondent correctly estimated $11,500
100%
212
($1K)
159
($2K)
91
($3K)
231
($5K)
193
($10K)
70
(>$50K)
71
($20K)
80%
20. But when they find out,
their opinions change.
How Information Affects Americans' Views on K–12 Education Funding
Notes: Responses within parentheses were volunteered. "DK" means "Don't Know." "Ref" means "Refusal." For the online survey,
the respondent was permitted to skip the question.
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q14A and 14B.
Split A/Without Information (N = 900)
Split B/With Information (N = 903)
Q14-Split A. Do you believe that public school funding in the United States is at a level that is:
Q14-Split B. According to the most recent information available, on average $11,454 is being spent per year on each student
attending public schools in the United States. Do you believe that public school funding in our country is at a level that is:
Too High About Right Too Low (DK/Ref/Skip)
12 6221 4
22 4332 3
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Percentage of General Population by Split Question
21. But do Americans think public school
districts are spending those funds
the right way?
23. Public school teachers are more likely to blame local districts for
disruptions caused by walkouts and strikes, but Americans
generally are more likely to blame teachers’ unions.
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q32.
44
5253
46
50
47
Individual TeachersLocal School District State GovernmentTeachers’ Union
Public School Teachers School Parents General Population
Who is Most Responsible for School Disruptions from Teacher Walkouts?
Percentage of Respondents Assigning Top Two Rankings to Stakeholders (i.e. Who is Most Responsible)
60
39
54
48
52
56
24. (However you word the question, a substantial proportion of public
school teachers support the essence of the Janus v. AFSCME ruling that
empowers teachers to choose whether they pay dues to unions.)
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q42.
48
46
58
47
51
58
49
51
56
Split G/General Split H/Including Teachers’ Union Split I/Citing Janus v. AFSCME
Public School Teachers School Parents General Population
Views on Public-Sector Union Fees and Janus v. AFSCME
Q42-Split G. Some states prohibit public-sector unions from collecting fees from public employees who they represent but who
do not choose to join the union. In general, do you favor or oppose this prohibition?
Q42-H. Some states prohibit public-sector unions—including teachers’ unions—from collecting fees from public employees
who they represent but who do not choose to join the union and pay dues. In general, do you favor or oppose this prohibition?
Q42-I. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in Janus v. AFSCME that prohibit public-sector unions—including teachers’
unions—from collecting fees from public employees who they represent but who do not choose to join the union and pay dues.
In general, do you favor or oppose this prohibition?
Percentage of Respondents Saying "Strongly" or "Somewhat" Favor
25. When it comes to how our schools perform,
few Americans are aware of how their states
hold public schools accountable.
Lack of Awareness of Home State's Use of A−F Grades or Other Ratings for Accountability
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Note: "Yes" and "No" responses not shown.
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2017), Q38.
17
29
37
Public School Teachers School Parents General Population
Percentage of Respondents Saying “Unsure”
26. Americans think the broad purpose of a
state accountability system should be:
What Should Be the Purpose of State Accountability Systems?
Item on which public school teachers are more likely to differ with parents and the public
% Public School Teachers
(N=777)
% School Parents
(N=300)
% General Population
(N=1,002)
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q33.
60
62
34
26
18
56
50
39
32
19
58
50
38
31
20
Ensure minimum standards of reading and math learning
Identify low-performing schools for additional assistance
Create transparent record of school performance
Reward high-performing schools
Penalize low-performing schools
Percentage of Respondents Assigning Top Two Rankings to Items (i.e. What is Most Important)
27. And many indicate that teachers
should be empowered to develop and
implement accountability systems.
% Public School Teachers
(N=777)
% School Parents
(N=300)
% General Population
(N=1,002)
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q34.
Teachers
Parents
Principals
School District Superintendents
School Boards
State Government Officials
Federal Government Officials
66
32
37
20
18
15
13
51
53
22
17
21
18
16
49
47
21
20
16
22
15
Who Should Have the Most Say in Developing a State Accountability System?
Item on which public school teachers are more likely to differ with parents and the public
Percentage of Respondents Assigning Top Two Rankings to Stakeholders (i.e. Who Should Have the Most Say?)
28. There’s no consensus, however, about
who should be held responsible
in K–12 education.
% Public School Teachers
(N=777)
% School Parents
(N=300)
% General Population
(N=1,002)
Source: EdChoice, 2018 Schooling in America Survey (conducted September 25–October 7, 2018), Q36.
33
29
21
25
24
27
20
21
36
33
26
25
21
16
20
19
39
33
30
23
18
18
19
18
School Districts
State Government Officials
School Boards
Teachers
Parents
Students
Prinicpals
Schools
Who Should Be Held Most Accountable in a State Accountability System?
Item on which public school teachers are more likely to differ with parents and/or the public
Percentage of Respondents Assigning Top Two Rankings to Stakeholders (i.e. Who Should Be Held Most Accountable?)
29. For more findings from this report, visit
To contact the authors, email
paul@edchoice.org and
mshaw@edchoice.org.
EDCHOICE.ORG/SIA2018