Taking the Survey
Planning Ahead
Because of the comprehensive nature of the SEC, there are many potential uses and applications in schools. Knowing how you plan to use the data will help you determine which surveys to implement. Some of the most common uses are:
- Comparing instruction in one classroom or school to another.
- Aligning curriculum with standards.
- Evaluation and/or needs assessment of professional development.
- School curriculum improvement.
- Engaging teachers in dialogue about the curriculum.
These surveys take precious time and energy to complete, so leadership support and presence are important for participant understanding and buy-in. Furthermore, if the administration expects to get honest feedback and results on practices and content, everyone must understand that the tool is not evaluative; rather, it provides an opportunity to learn about and share teaching experiences.
Quick Checklist to Plan for SEC
- Decide on needs and survey components to be taken.
- Determine if there is leadership support.
- Identify time for introduction, survey administration, and questions about the process.
- Identify time for conversations and hypothesis generation around the results of the surveys (at a later date, after reports are generated).
Administering the SEC
The surveys should be administered by an informed leader, preferably the leader of the staff taking the surveys. The combined surveys can take 60–90 minutes to complete. They are detailed and require some thought and reflection. It is important to make sure the environment is comfortable and that teachers have any planning materials that may help them answer the questions.
The surveys can be given in two different forms, online and paper. If the online version is given, a computer lab will be needed to accommodate all that are participating. The online version requires a high-speed connection to the Internet. It can be taken in sections, saved, and returned to at a later date. It will also be important to have technical support available during the process. Both online and paper forms are available for use, depending on availability, access, and convenience.
Quick Checklist for Administering Surveys
- Clean, large, comfortable room for survey taking.
- Half- to full-day inservice dedicated to SEC.
- Food and drinks for participants. (Optional)
- Online form: computer lab with high-speed Internet connection.
- Paper form: pencils, easers, tables, and paper surveys.
- Remind teachers to bring any helpful documentation on practices or content.
