District 117 is encouraging teachers, sixth-through-twelfth-graders, and parents of students pre-kindergarten through high school to participate in the online “Illinois 5 Essentials” survey. The district’s goal is to use the results as feedback to be responsive to the needs of those served in the community.

The survey is required to be implemented this school year by legislation passed in 2011. It represents the first attempt by Illinois to administer a statewide survey of learning conditions to teachers, students and parents.

The research-based survey is designed to help identify strengths and weaknesses in school climate and learning conditions.

The “essentials” that the survey says are indicators or school improvement are effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment and ambitious instruction.

University of Chicago research indicates schools strong in three of those categories are ten times more likely to improve student learning than schools that aren’t.

Parents are encouraged to review school newsletters, school and district websites and parent letters for information relating to the specifics of the survey process. School computer labs will be available to complete the survey on February 14th and 15th.

The survey process is in conjunction with the second-semester Parent-Teacher conference schedule. Results will be shared with the state board of education and District 117 this summer.