Due to its extensive validation and its basis in a unifying theory, the 5Essentials Survey has become one of the most widely used climate surveys across the country. However, the validation of the 5Essentials Survey framework was based largely on data from 1991-2005. With the expansion of interest in school climate surveys brought about by ESSA legislation and accumulated research findings, it is a critical time to investigate the degree to which the 5Essentials Survey and Framework continues to predict a school’s ability to improve student achievement.
With funding from the Gates Foundation we are currently working on validating the 5Essentials survey measures using longitudinal data from the Chicago Public Schools from 2011-19. The validation work will focus on both elementary and high schools, with student outcomes that include not only test scores, but attendance, grades, Freshman OnTrack status, graduation rates, and college enrollment for high schools as well.