PDK Gallup Poll

The 45^th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll shows widespread confusion and changing views about current issues and trends in education. In relation to assessment, here is their summary of American’s knowledge and beliefs.

•          62% percent of respondents hadn’t heard of the Common Core
•          77% believe testing hurts or makes no difference education
•          58% are opposed to using test scores to evaluate teachers
•          70% have trust and confidence in teachers
•          90% believe electives and extra-curricular activities are essential to a well-rounded education
•          The majority of parents want schools to also build motivation, character, and goal setting skills
•          Parents value 21^st century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity

·         Attitudes about local schools are higher than attitudes about our country’s schools in general

o   Parents of school age children rate their own schools higher than they rate schools nationally

o   They have a more positive attitude towards the safety of schools and the quality of education

Analysis:

American’s support fundamental goals and key ideas, but don’t really understand the complexity of educational initiatives and policies. The results depict a gap between knowledge and beliefs and also show the power of the media to trump trustworthy sources of information: Those who gave schools low grades cited negative media commentary as their primary source. This data indicates a disconnect between the decisions of policymakers and the constituents they represent.