NC News

State Teaching Survey Results Announced

Governor-Elect Perdue Recognizes 15 Schools For Excellent Teacher Working Conditions

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced results of the 2008 Teacher Working Conditions Survey. A record number of more than 104,000 educators from every public school in the state completed the survey last spring. The survey helps shape state education policy, strengthen classroom working conditions and enhance the learning environment for students. Findings from the survey were released during the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Conference held today in Cary. Also at the conference, Governor-elect Beverly Perdue recognized 15 schools for excellent teacher working conditions and student learning conditions.

“Six years ago, we administered the first Teacher Working Conditions Survey to make sure when educators speak, North Carolina listens,” said Easley. “Each year, participation has increased and teachers have shared valuable opinions that have shaped policy, improved student learning and secured North Carolina’s position as a leader in education innovation.”

“The survey is a critical tool to figuring out what we need to do in North Carolina, and in America, to make sure that every teacher understands that they are the most valuable professional in this country,” said Governor-elect Beverly Perdue.

The online, anonymous survey gives teachers the opportunity to share their opinions on professional development, facilities and resources, school leadership, use of time and teacher empowerment in their schools and school districts. In 2002, North Carolina became the first state in the nation to implement a teacher working conditions survey. Today, more than 20 states have implemented similar initiatives and in 2007, the national magazine Education Week named the survey as an indicator of quality on state education report cards.

An initial analysis of data from the 2008 Teacher Working Conditions Survey and previous years’ surveys found strong and significant connections between positive teacher working conditions and student achievement. In particular, survey results showed that schools with strong, supportive leadership and schools with sufficient resources had students performing at higher levels. The report also found that an adequate amount of planning time, atmosphere of trust and effective School Improvement Teams are connected to student performance and teacher retention. A complete report on the results of the 2008 Teacher Working Conditions Survey compiled by the New Teacher Center at the University of California in Santa Cruz will be available at www.ncteachingconditions.orgin January 2009.

Fifteen schools were recognized by Governor-elect Beverly Perdue at the conference as Real D.E.A.L. (Dedicated Educators, Administrators & Learners) winners for demonstrating excellent working and learning conditions. Receiving the 2008 Real D.E.A.L. school awards from Perdue were: Ellendale Elementary School (Alexander County); Chocowinity Primary School (Beaufort County); Harry M. Arndt Middle School (Catawba County); Peachtree Elementary School (Cherokee County); Graham Elementary School (Cleveland County); 71st Classical Middle School (Cumberland County); New Bridge Middle School (Onslow County); South Topsail Elementary School (Pender County); Sunny View Elementary School (Polk County); Laurel Hill Elementary School (Scotland County); Stanly Early College High School (Stanly County); Carpenter Elementary School (Wake County); Panther Creek High School (Wake County); Wilkesboro Elementary School (Wilkes County) and Meadowlark Elementary School (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.)

“Not only does this conference demonstrate just how dedicated our educators are, it also shows Governor-elect Perdue is a dedicated education governor as well,” said Easley.

Represented among these 15 schools were high schools, middle schools and elementary schools from urban and rural areas of the state. For additional information on the winning schools, visit www.ncteachingconditions.org.

The conference is funded by the National Education Association and AT&T.

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© 2008 NE NC News.