The 5Essentials Survey defines and measures important organizational conditions within a school that affect student outcomes. It has been validated and refined through decades of research.
Both strength in 5Essentials Survey measures and improvement in measures during the course of the year are predictive of improved student outcomes in schools. This is true:
- In both high- and low-poverty schools, at both the elementary and high school level
- On student outcomes including attendance, test scores, GPA, Freshman OnTrack, and college enrollment
The five “essential supports” for school improvement are:
- Effective Leaders The principal works with teachers to implement a clear and strategic vision for school success.
- Collaborative Teachers The staff is committed to the school, receives strong professional development, and works together to improve the school.
- Involved Families The entire school staff builds strong relationships with families and communities to support learning.
- Supportive Environment The school is safe and orderly. Teachers have high expectations for students. Students are supported by their teachers and peers.
- Ambitious Instruction Classes are academically demanding and engage students by emphasizing the application of knowledge.
5Essentials Surveys provide yearly opportunities for teachers and students to share their experiences. Answers to questions are grouped into measures and essentials so that teachers and leaders can reflect on trends, patterns, strengths, areas for improvement, and progress to goals.
- The teacher survey includes questions about instruction, professional development, and the school as a workplace. A primer on making measures from the survey questions is available here.
- The student survey includes questions about students’ experiences, attitudes, and activities in school.
To date, the 5Essentials Survey has been administered to more than 5,000,000 teachers and students in nearly 6,000 schools across the country, and has inspired work internationally, including in Chile, England, and South Africa. In some districts and states, including Chicago and Illinois, the results of the 5Essentials Surveys are available publicly in the form of school reports.
