gen pop national polling presentationfor k-12 teachers and students. mandatory or encouraged...

GEN POP NATIONAL

POLLING PRESENTATION

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1

© 2020 Morning Consult, All Rights Reserved.

2

KEY FINDINGS

1. In January, Americans indicated they were more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine compared to December. That was especially true

among Baby Boomers, Gen Z, the South region, and Independents. The general public and school parents continue to be less likely to

vaccinate their children than themselves.

2. School parents’ comfort with their children returning to school increased from December to January – reversing a four-month trend.

However, most don’t believe the coronavirus outbreak will be controlled enough for it to be safe for children to go back to school until

April or after.

3. Based on parent reports, public district schools were significantly less likely to provide in-person education compared to private schools

in January. Forty-three percent of district school parents indicated their children’s schools were offering remote learning only, compared

to 18 percent of private school parents.

4. More than two out of five school parents would prefer a hybrid schooling approach after the pandemic subsides – mixing home-based

and in-person education. An additional 14 percent responded that they would like to have a fully home-based education.

5. Interest and participation in learning pods has been steady since November. Nearly one out of six school parents said they were

participating in pods in January. The vast majority – nearly 80 percent – say they are using pods to supplement regular schooling.

6. School parents feel more comfortable discussing COVID-19 school policies with their child’s teacher, their coworkers and peers, and the

school administration than they do discussing other current events and social issues. Americans feel most comfortable discussing

current events and social issues with their family members.

C O V I D - 1 9 A N D S C H O O L I N G

O P I N I O N S A B O U T K - 1 2 E D U C AT I O N

AWA R E N E S S A N D FAV O R A B I L I T Y O F S C H O O L C H O I C E P O L I C I E S

D I S C U S S I O N O F C U R R E N T E V E N T S

S U RV E Y P R O F I LE A N D D E M O G R A P H I C S

AG E N D A

4

Most adults believe that a COVID-19 vaccine should be either mandatory or encouraged for K-12 teachers and students.

M AN D AT O R Y O R E N C O U R AG E D C O V I D - 19 V AC C I N ES

When an FDA approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is available, do you think it should be mandatory or encouraged for the following groups?

All Adults

44%42%

36%

33%

39%41%

44%46%

17% 17%

20% 21%

Teachers and other staff working atpublic K-12 schools in person

Teachers and other staff working atprivate K-12 schools in person

Students attending public K-12 schoolsin person

Students attending private K-12schools in person

Mandatory Encouraged but not mandatory Neither encouraged nor mandatory

5

Most adults and school parents are willing to get vaccinated. School parents are slightly more likely to vaccinate their children than the general population.

C O V I D -1 9 V AC C I N E

If an FDA approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available right now, would you agree to be vaccinated/agree to have your child/children vaccinated?

Yourself 53%

Your Child 45%

Yourself 52%

Your Child 48%

All Adults School Parents

8 pts.

gap between all adults and

their children

4 pts.

gap between school parents

and their children

6

Since December, Americans are more likely to agree to be vaccinated, especially Baby Boomers, those in the South, Independents, and Gen Z.

C O V I D -1 9 V AC C I N E

If an FDA approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available right now, would you agree to be vaccinated?

Groups Most Likely To

Get Vaccinated

Groups Moderately

Likely To Get Vaccinated

Groups Less Likely to

Get Vaccinated

Asian American 72% -

Educ: Bachelors or

Postgrad69% +7

High Income $75k+ 67% +7

Baby Boomers 64% +13

Democrat 62% +7

Suburban 59% +9

Northeast Region 59% +6

Non-Hispanic White 57% +7

Middle Income $35K to

< $75K54% +9

Urban 53% +4

West Region 53% +2

Hispanic 52% +9

South Region 52% +12

Independent 51% +12

Midwest Region 51% +4

Republican 50% +8

Small Town 49% +5

Gen Z 48% +13

Millennials 47% +7

Gen X 46% +1

Educ: < College 46% +7

Low Income < $35K 42% +3

Rural 40% +4

Black 31% +1

Vs

December

Vs

DecemberVs

December

Dark outline indicates a demographic that experienced a large increase (+10 or more) in

likelihood of getting vaccinated since December.

7

Most Americans grade the responses from institutions to the coronavirus pandemic as average or worse. The Federal Government continues to get the lowest ratings.

C O V I D -1 9 R E SPON SE R AT I N G

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard so far, how would you rate the following institutions on their response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?

11%

11%

10%

9%

9%

9%

8%

6%

5%

19%

27%

20%

23%

21%

20%

19%

13%

17%

31%

38%

37%

37%

37%

37%

33%

25%

40%

15%

8%

13%

13%

13%

13%

13%

19%

13%

18%

7%

13%

10%

10%

13%

18%

30%

10%

7%

9%

8%

9%

9%

9%

9%

7%

14%

State government

Local, small businesses

Local government (town, city, county)

Schools

School districts

Local news media/organizations(television, radio, print, online)

National news media organizations(television, radio, print, online)

Federal government

National, multi-national corporations

Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor Don't Know/No Opinion

All Adults

8

+20

-3-6

-30

+39

+9

+34

+7

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

June '20 July '20 August '20 September '20 October '20 November '20 December '20 January '21

Net Positive(Excellent + Above Average – Below Average + Poor)

State Government Federal Government Schools School District

Americans’ mostly positive views of institutional responses to COVID-19 have declined substantially since the summer – including decreases for schools and school districts.

C O V I D -1 9 R E SPON SE R AT I N G

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard so far, how would you rate the following institutions on their response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?

All Adults

9

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

48%

56%

38%

30%

42%

25%

34%

44%

28%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

March '20 April '20 May '20 June '20 July '20 August '20 September '20 October '20 November '20 December '20 January '21

% Very Disruptive

Your Community Your Family/Household Routine Your Personal Routine

The percentage of adults who believe the coronavirus has been ‘very disruptive’ on their personal and household routines decreased from December to January.

C O V I D -1 9 D I S R U PTI ON

How disruptive has the coronavirus (also called COVID-19) been on each of the following?

All Adults

*CDC 7 day rolling average data

New US

COVID Cases*

10

20%

26%

22%

29%

3%

Very Comfortable Somewhat Comfortable Not That Confortable Not At All Comfortable Don't Know/No Opinion

School parents were slightly more comfortable with their children going back to school in January compared to December.

C O M FOR T W I TH C H I LD R EN R E TU R N I N G T O S C H OOL

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak so far, how comfortable are you with your child/children returning to

school right now?

School Parents

51%(-3 vs December)

Total Uncomfortable(very + somewhat)

46%(+4 vs December)

Total Comfortable(very + somewhat)

11

The number of parents that are not at all comfortable with their child returning to school right now has dropped to about where it was in July.

C O M FOR T W I TH C H I LD R EN R E TU R N I N G T O S C H OOL

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak so far, how comfortable are you with your child/children returning to

school right now?

School Parents

26%

20%18%

28%

20%

36%

29%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

May '20 June '20 July '20 August '20 September '20 October '20 November '20 December '20 January '21

Very Comfortable Not At All comfortable

12

Nearly two out of three parents don’t think the outbreak will be controlled enough to send students to school in-person until April or later.

E X PEC TAT I ON F O R S AF E R E TU R N T O S C H OOL

When do you expect the coronavirus outbreak to be controlled enough that it will be safe to send children to school for in-person classes in your community?

63%Believe it won’t be safe to

send children back to school

for in-person classes until

April or later.

School Parents

13

Strong favorability of homeschooling has dropped considerably among school parents this month to the lowest it has been since the start of the pandemic.

C O V I D -1 9 I M PAC T O N H O M ESC H OOLIN G

How have your opinions on homeschooling changed as a result of the coronavirus?

School Parents

18%

40%10%

9%

22%

Much MoreFavorable

Somewhat MoreFavorable

Somewhat LessFavorable

Much LessFavorable

Don't Know/No Opinion

26%

43%

18%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan.

% Much More Favorable

Note: The school parent subsample is weighted based on ACS benchmarks, starting in September 2020

14

Private school and traditional homeschool parents are much more positive about their children’s progress compared to district school parents.

C O V I D -1 9 I M PAC T O N L E AR N I N G AN D D E VELOPM EN T

How do you feel your child/children is/are progressing on the following this school year?

26%

51%

39%

20% 21%

29%

35%

19%22%

37% 38%

17%

TotalSchoolParents

HomeSchool

PrivateSchool

DistrictSchool

TotalSchoolParents

HomeSchool

PrivateSchool

DistrictSchool

TotalSchoolParents

HomeSchool

PrivateSchool

DistrictSchool

Academic Learning Emotional Development Social Development

% Very Well

*Charter Schools not shown due to low sample size.

15

District schools are much more likely to be providing classes entirely online, while private schools are more likely to be in-person or a mix of in-person and online.

C U R R EN T L E AR N I N G M O D E

Please tell us the grade level for each of your children; what kind of school each child will attend this school year; and what mode of learning they are currently

enrolled in.

43%

18%

43%

34%

41%

36%

23%

42%

21%

School Parents Private School District School

In-person only

Remote-online only

Both in-person and online

16

A large proportion of school parents indicate they prefer some form of hybrid schooling for their children. Nearly two-thirds of private school parents gave such responses.

L E AR N I N G M OD E P R EFER EN C E

After the pandemic, if given the option, to what extent would you prefer schooling to be scheduled each week at home with a parent or tutor to provide the best

education for your child?

14%8%

13%

44%64%

40%

42%

27%

47%

School Parents Private School District School

Completely outside of

the home

Completely at home

A mix of at home and

outside of the home

2-3 days at home

is most preferred

for those that

chose a mix of

home and outside

of the home.

17

Most school parents believe small class sizes in school buildings will provide the best education for their child…

L E AR N I N G E N VI R ON M EN T P R EFER EN C ES

If given the option, what physical learning environment/size learning environment would you select to obtain/provide the best education for your child?

Size of Learning Environment Physical Learning Environment

56%

41%

72%

26%

School Parents

Home

Other space/building

School

Less than 15 students

15-25 students

25+ students

18

…And most school parents believe teachers providing and controlling the curriculum will provide the best edcuation for their child.

L E AR N I N G E N VI R ON M EN T P R EFER EN C ES

If given the option, who would you prefer control the curriculum/provide the instruction to provide the best education for your child?

Control the Curriculum Provide the Instruction

36%

36%

17%

11%

71%

15%

14%

School Parents

Subject matter expert

or group of experts

Parent or group of

parents

Teachers or group of

teachers

School/School district

Parent or group of

parents

Education services

organization/firm

Teachers or group of

teachers

19

Private school parents and traditional home school parents are more likely to report they are participating in a learning pod.

L E AR N I N G P O D S

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, are you currently participating in a 'pod' with other families?

School Parents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Home School

Private SchoolDistrict School

Low Income< $35K

Middle Income$35K to < $75K

High Income$75K+

% Total School Parents % By Demographic

% Currently Participating In A Pod

Yes, we’re currently

participating in a ‘pod’

No, but we're looking

to form or join a 'pod'

14%

No, we're not planning

to participate in a 'pod'

18%

68%

40%

0%


20

Pod participation and interest has been steady since November. About one-third of school parents are participating or expressing interest in them.


As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, are you currently participating in a 'pod' with other families?

School Parents

15%

14%

19%

18%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

November '20 December '20 January '21

Yes, we’re currently participating in a ‘pod’ No, but we're looking to form or join a 'pod'

21

School parents that are interested or are participating in a ‘pod’ believe they are good for socialization and will keep their children up to speed with curriculum. School parents that oppose ‘pods’ believe they are unsafe, too costly or unnecessary for their children.


Why are you participating in a ‘pod’? Why are you looking to form or join a ‘pod’? Why aren’t you planning to participate in a ‘pod’?

“So that my kids still get

some social interaction while

learning remotely.”

“

“It is better than the virtual

learning options for my

children.”

“

“It will help my children to

learn more and socialize.”

“

“To improve the level of

education for and increase

the connection between

kids.”

“

“With how easily the virus is

transmitted… I would rather

just have her stay at home.”

“

“The method our school

district is using is

acceptable.”

“

WHY PARTICIPATINGIN A ‘POD’

WHY LOOKING TO FORM OR JOIN A ‘POD’

WHY NOT PLANNING TO PARTICIPATE IN A ‘POD’

“It will give me a chance to

enhance my child's educational

and academic goals as well as

their social life.”

“ “Because it sounds like a good experience and it will help my child to socialize

with other children.”

“ “Pods are very costly and

none are available in my

area.”

“

22

66% 34%

‘Pods’ continue to be primarily used in addition to regular schooling and are less likely to be a substitute for regular school.


You said you're currently participating in a 'pod', is that…? You said you're looking to form a 'pod', would that be…?

School Parents

among those that

looking to join a ‘pod’

among those that are

participating in a ‘pod’79% 21%

In addition and supplementing

regular schooling A substitute for attending regular

school or virtual/remote learning

In addition and supplementing

regular schooling

A substitute for attending regular

school or virtual/remote learning

Yes, we’re currently

participating in a ‘pod’

No, but we're looking

to form or join a 'pod'

14%

18%

23

The amount school parents are willing to pay to participate in a ‘pod’ has decreased since last month. That may be due to the increase in middle-income participation.


What would you be able and willing to spend, on a monthly basis, to participate in a single learning pod per child?

School Parentsamong those interested in or participating in a ‘pod’

$423on average

Per child / per month

$0minimum

per child /

per month

$1,000maximum

per child / per

month

-$67vs. December

Average Willing to Spend Per Child/Per

Month By Demographic

Inco

me *Low Income < $35K $357

Middle Income $35K to < $75K $398

High Income $75K+ $486

Co

mm

un

ity

Typ

e

Urban $499

Suburban $366

*Small Town/Rural $318

Reg

ion

*West $396

*Midwest $408

South $427

Northeast $478

*indicates base size <n=100

24

School parents with children enrolled in private schools are most likely to seek out tutoring for their child outside of regular school hours.


This school year, how likely are you to seek out tutoring for your child/children – outside of regular school hours?

School Parents

18%

31%

21%

21%

10%

Very Likely

Somewhat Likely

Not That Likely

Not At All Likely

Don't know /

No opinion

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Home School

Private SchoolDistrict School

Low Income< $35K

Middle Income$35K to < $75K

High Income$75K+

% Total School Parents % By Demographic

% Very Likely

30%

0%


25

The proportion of parents very likely to seek out tutoring for their child - outside of regular school hours - has remained steady since November.


This school year, how likely are you to seek out tutoring for your child/children – outside of regular school hours?

School Parents

29%

16%

16%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

September '20 October '20 November '20 December '20 January '21

% Very Likely






AG E N D A

27

School parents, especially when thinking about their local school district, continue to be more optimistic than non-parents about the direction of K-12 Education.

D I R EC TIO N O F E D U C AT I O N

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track?

In your local school district In your stateNationwide

% Right Direction

53%

56%

52%

45%

28%

Total SchoolParents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Non-Parents

42%

46%

42%

34%

28%

Total SchoolParents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Non-Parents

35%

37%

35%

27%

22%

Total SchoolParents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Non-Parents

28

Positive sentiment about the direction of education has been steady since November.

D I R EC TIO N O F E D U C AT I O N

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track?

All Adults

37%

46%

33%

33%

44%

30%28%

36%

22%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

February '20 March '20 April '20 May '20 June '20 July '20 August '20 September'20

October '20 November'20

December'20

January '21

% Right Direction

Local School District State Nationwide

29

Americans continue to believe that it’s most important for K-8 student to learn core academics and high school students to learn skills for future employment.

P U R POSE O F E D U C AT I O N

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade/High School? In your opinion, how important is it for students

to learn...

Grades K-8 Grades 9-12

Core academic subjects (54%) Skills for future employment (59%)

Socialization (43%) Core academic subjects (55%)

Become independent thinkers (43%) Become independent thinkers (54%)

How to be good citizens (43%) How to be good citizens (52%)

Skills for future employment (37%) Socialization (44%)

Values, moral character, religious virtues (35%) Values, moral character, religious virtues (40%)

To fix social problems (20%) To fix social problems (27%)

Average % selected Extremely Important 39% Average % selected Extremely Important 48%

% Extremely Important

All Adults

30

The public’s overall expectations of both K-8 and high school education have decreased by 5 points each since February 2020.

P U R POSE O F E D U C AT I O N

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade/High School? In your opinion, how important is it for students to

learn...

All Adults

Average % Selected Extremely Important

44%

39%

53%

48%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%



December'20

January '21

Grades K-8 Grades 9-12

31

School parents view core academics as the main purpose of K-8 education.

P U R POSE O F E D U C AT I O N : K - 8

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn...

School Parents

54%

47%

46%

45%

40%

39%

27%

31%

35%

36%

34%

32%

31%

28%

11%

11%

13%

14%

18%

19%

26%

2%

3%

2%

3%

5%

5%

11%

2%

4%

2%

3%

2%

2%

2%

3%

4%

Core academic subjects (e.g.reading, math, science)

To become independent thinkers

How to interact with others(socialization)

How to be good citizens

Skills for future employment

Values, moral character, orreligious virtues

To fix social problems

Extremely Important Very Important Somewhat Important Not That Important Not At All Important Don't Know/No Opinion

32

School parents are most likely to say that high school grades should focus on skills for future employment.

P U R POSE O F E D U C AT I O N : H I G H S C H OOL

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during High School (9th through 12th grade)? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn...

58%

55%

53%

51%

46%

43%

33%

28%

28%

32%

30%

32%

32%

29%

8%

11%

10%

13%

17%

16%

25%

3%

4%

7%

3%

4%

3%

3%

3%

3%

Skills for future employment

Core academic subjects (e.g.reading, math, science)

To become independent thinkers

How to be good citizens

How to interact with others(socialization)

Values, moral character, orreligious virtues

To fix social problems

Extremely Important Very Important Somewhat Important Not That Important Not At All Important Don't Know/No Opinion

School Parents

33

Americans continue to put more trust in personal sources like teachers, parents, and school principals to make good decisions about education.

T R U ST I N E D U C AT I ON D E C I S ION M AK E R S

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education?

All Adults

44%

33%

25%

21%

19%

19%

18%

14%

41%

49%

52%

50%

51%

46%

50%

45%

10%

15%

18%

21%

20%

25%

24%

28%

5%

5%

8%

10%

11%

8%

13%

Teachers

Parents

School Principals

School District Superintendents

State Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

School Boards

State Legislature and/or Governor

A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

34

School parents also continue to be more likely to trust personal sources like teachers and parents to make good decisions about education.

T R U ST I N E D U C AT I ON D E C I S ION M AK E R S

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education?

School Parents

49%

41%

35%

26%

26%

26%

25%

18%

41%

44%

51%

51%

49%

51%

45%

46%

7%

14%

12%

17%

20%

18%

23%

25%

3%

3%

6%

5%

6%

7%

10%

Teachers

Parents

School Principals

School District Superintendents

School Boards

State Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

State Legislature and/or Governor

A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

35

Americans feel teachers unions are generally more helpful than harmful, and this is especially true among school parents.

T E AC H ER S U N I ON S P E R C EI VED I M PAC T

To what extent do you feel that teachers unions are helpful or harmful toward… ?

Net Helpful(total helpful-total

harmful)

26%

31%

23%

30%

21%

27%

34%

39%

30%

37%

34%

36%

11%

9%

15%

11%

15%

15%

7%

6%

9%

7%

9%

7%

21%

15%

23%

15%

21%

14%

All Adults

School Parents

All Adults

School Parents

All Adults

School Parents

Very helpful Somewhat helpful Somewhat harmful Very harmful Don't know/No opinion

+42

+55

+29

+49

+31

+41

Teacher professional development

Student learning

School operations

36

While school parents remain satisfied with their experiences across different school types, there is softer satisfaction for district schools.

S AT I S FAC T I ON W I T H S C H OOLIN G

To what extent are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your child's/children's experiences with the following types of schooling?

School Parents

97%

92%

95%

84%

66%

60%

56%

33%

31%

32%

39%

51%

3%

5%

5%

10%

3%

3%

*Public CharterSchool

Home School

Private School

District School

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Don't Know / No OpinionTotal

Satisfaction

*The base size for Public Charter School is N=79, data is considered directional.

37

Americans, especially school parents, believe that government spending per student is much lower than actual expenditures.

S C H OOL S P E N D IN G E S T IM AT E

How much do you think is spent per year on each student in your state’s public schools? Your estimate of the state average–to the nearest thousand dollars–will represent

the combined expenditures of local, state, and federal governments.

FY18 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics = $1,000

Median Estimate

$5,000

$3,000

$2,500

$3,000 $3,000

$5,000

Adults Total School Parents K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents

FY18 State Actuals

Maximum $22,845

Mean $12,485

Minimum $7,525

38

When given actual spending information, Americans, school parents, and non-parents all continue to be less likely to believe school spending per student is ‘too low’.

S C H OOL F U N D I N G

Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is:

52%

52%

55%

35%

37%

34%

13%

11%

11%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

Non-Parents

37%

34%

42%

39%

43%

33%

24%

23%

25%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

Non-Parents

Without Information With Information

On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public

school each year. Do you believe public school funding is:

State Per Pupil Spending Source: National Center for Education Statistics

39

The gap has narrowed a little since last year between those with and without information who say per-student funding is “too low.”

S C H OOL F U N D I N G

Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is:

On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public school each year. Do you believe public school funding is:

All Adults

60%

52%

40%

47%

37%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%



December'20

January '21

% Too Low


40

$43,000

$40,000 $40,000 $40,000

$44,500

$42,000

Adults Total School Parents K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents

Americans believe that their state’s teachers make right around the lowest reported average state salary.

T E AC H ER S AL AR Y E S T IM AT E

How much do you think is the average teacher salary in your state’s public schools? FY17 State Actuals

Maximum $83,585

Mean $57,282

Minimum $43,107

FY18 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics= $10,000

Median Estimate

41

Americans are less likely (-18 points) to say teacher salaries should increase when given a publicly reported statistic.

T E AC H ER S AL AR I E S

Do you think that public school teacher salaries

in your state should:

62%

62%

65%

32%

29%

31%

6%

9%

4%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

Non-Parents

44%

46%

45%

47%

44%

48%

9%

9%

7%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

Non-Parents


On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual

average salary of $____ per student attending public school each year.

Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should:

State Teacher Salary Source: National Center for Education Statistics

42

The percentage of Americans who believe teacher salaries should increase - after being given information - has dropped six points since last month.

T E AC H ER S AL AR I E S

Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should:

On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual average salary of $____ per student attending public school each year. Do you think that public

school teacher salaries in your state should:

:All Adults

70%

62%

45%

67%

50%

44%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%



December'20

January '21

% Increase


43

Additional consideration of cost and transportation does not appear to affect school parents’ preference for school type.

P R EFER R ED S C H O OLIN G T YP E

If given the option, what type of school would you select in order to obtain

the best education for your child?

If given the option, and neither financial costs nor transportation were

factors, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best

education for your child?

33%

33%

34%

38%

31%

32%

43%

46%

39%

39%

10%

9%

11%

9%

9%

8%

9%

4%

8%

15%

16%

7%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

35%

35%

35%

40%

31%

31%

44%

45%

39%

45%

8%

7%

6%

9%

8%

7%

9%

10%

9%

8%

20%

7%

Adults

Total SchoolParents

K-4 Parents

5-8 Parents

9-12 Parents

Preference Preference without cost & transportation factors

44

In January, there was a slight uptick in parents who believe the amount of standardized testing in American schools is ‘too high’.

S T AN D AR D I ZED T E ST I N G

All public schools and most private schools give their students standardized tests during the school year. When thinking about students preparing for and taking

these tests, in general, do you believe the amount of time spent on standardized testing in American schools is:

School Parents

17% 16%

31%

44%

39%40%43%

31%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

February '20 March '20 April '20 May '20 June '20 July '20 August '20 September '20October '20 November '20December '20 January '21

Too Low About Right Too High






AG E N D A

46

All demographics continue to see a lift in support for charter schools once given a description.

C H AR T E R S C H OOL F AV O R AB I L I TY

Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'charter schools' in K–12 education?Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools?

51%

59% 58%

65%

58%

46%

59%

45%

53%

64%

70% 69%73%

70%

62%

73%

60%62%

Adults Total School Parents K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent

Total Support(Strongly Support + Somewhat Support)

Without Description With Description

47

Americans’ overall support of charter schools continues to hold steady.


Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school

regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools?

All Adults

6%5%

13%11%

41%43%

22%21%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%



December'20

January '21

Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown.

48

Overall support for charter schools has held steady among school parents as well.


Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school

regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools?

School Parents

6%5%

9%

12%

39%

36%

44%

28%

33%

26%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%



December'20

January '21



49

Respondents are on average +19 points more supportive of school vouchers when given a description.

S C H OOL V O U C H ER F AV O R AB I L ITY

Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'school vouchers' in K–12 education?A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems?

40%

50% 49%52% 51%

35%

45%

38%40%

59%

68%66%

70%68%

59%

65%

55%57%


Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support)


50

Strong support for school vouchers has decreased -4 points this month.


A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems?

All Adults

13%

10%

14%12%

34% 34%

24%

29%

25%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%



December'20

January '21



51

Support for school vouchers remains steady this month among school parents.


A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems?

School Parents

9%10%

14% 11%

28%

41%

37%

33%

38%

31%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%



December'20

January '21



52

The general public are much more supportive of education saving accounts (ESAs) once given a description.

E D U C AT I ON S AV I N G S AC C O U N TS F AV O R AB I L ITY

Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'education savings accounts' in K–12 education?An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system?

43%

55%59%

52% 54%

42% 43%46%

42%

69%

77% 78% 76%81%

70% 70%73%

65%


Total Support(Strongly Support + Somewhat Support)


53

In January, overall support for education savings accounts remained stable.


An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system?

All Adults

5%3%

7%5%

37%38%

30%31%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%



December'20

January '21



54

Among school parents, soft support for education savings accounts has increased +5 points since November 2020.


An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system?

School Parents

5%

2%

8%7%

35% 36%

41%

34%36%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%



December'20

January '21








AG E N D A

56

Americans are most comfortable discussing social issues and COVID-19 school policies with their family and children.

D I S C U SSI ON O F C U R R EN T E V EN TS

How comfortable are you discussing current events/social issues with each of the following…?

How comfortable are you discussing COVID-19 school policies with each of the following…?

All Adults

52%

46%

40%

23%

54%

47%44%

31%

Family members Your child/children(among parents)

Friends Coworkers / Peers

% Very Comfortable

Current Events/Social Issues COVID-19 School Policies

57

School Parents

School parents are more comfortable talking with their child’s teacher, peers, and school administration about COVID-19 school policies than current events.

D I S C U SSI ON O F C U R R EN T E V EN TS

55%

49% 48%

30% 29%

24%

59%

53%51%

45%

39% 40%

Family members Your child/children Friends Your child's teacher Coworkers / Peers School administration

% Very Comfortable

Current Events/Social Issues COVID-19 School Policies

How comfortable are you discussing current events/social issues with each of the following…?

How comfortable are you discussing COVID-19 school policies with each of the following…?






AG E N D A

59

M ETH OD OLOGY

Survey Profile, 1

Dates January 8-15, 2021

Survey Data Collection

& Quality Control Morning Consult

Survey Sponsor EdChoice

Population General Population (Adults, Age 18+)

Sampling Frame National sample of adults (age 18+) living in the United States,

including the District of Columbia, with an oversample of school

parents

Sampling Method Non-Probability, Stratified (based on Age, Gender)

Mode Online Survey

Language English

60

M ETH OD OLOGY

Survey Profile, 2

Survey Time Gen Pop Median = 11.22 minutes, Oversample Median = 13.58

minutes

Sample Size Total, N = 2,201 Gen Pop Adults

Oversampling N = 700 School Parents

Quotas Age, Gender

Weighting Age, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Education, Census Region

Measure of Precision

(adjusted for weighting) ± 2.95 percentage points (Gen Pop), ± 3.99 percentage points

(Oversample)

Participation Rate 27.95% (Gen Pop), 9.38% (Oversample)

Methods Page https://edchoice.morningconsultintelligence.com/methodology/

Project Contact Paul DiPerna, [email protected]

61

D EM OG R AP H IC B AS E S I Z ES

DemographicsUnweighted

(N = )

Hispanic 109

White 1844

Non-Hispanic White 1768

Black 124

Other 55

Generation Z 109

Millennial 652

Generation X 545

Boomers 789

Male 992

Female 1209

< College 1083

College + 1118

Northeast 485

Midwest 518

South 789

West 409

DemographicsUnweighted

(N = )

Total School Parents 1154

K-4 Parents 668

5-8 Parents 504

9-12 Parents 368

Non-Parents 920

Liberal 621

Moderate 636

Conservative 834

Democrat 821

Independent 568

Republican 705

Urban 528

Suburban 1083

Small Town 210

Rural 380

Low Income <$35K 597

Middle Income $35K to <$75K 774

High Income $75K+ 830

62

D EM OG R AP H IC B AS E S I Z ES AN D W E I G H TS

Demographics Unweighted Weighted Target (%)

Hispanic 5% 16% 16%

White 84% 78% 78%

Non-Hispanic White 80% n/a n/a

Black 6% 12% 12%

Other 11% 9% 9%

Age: 18-34 22% 30% 30%

Age: 35-44 22% 16% 16%

Age: 45-64 30% 34% 34%

Age: 65+ 26% 20% 20%

Male 45% 48% 48%

Female 55% 52% 52%

< College 49% 69% 69%

College + 51% 31% 31%

Northeast 22% 18% 18%

Midwest 24% 21% 21%

South 36% 37% 37%

West 19% 24% 24%

63

M ETH OD OLOGY U P D AT E

Methodology Update

In addition to the monthly general population polling, Morning Consult has

begun oversampling K-12 school parents, among a national sample of parents

living in the United States (including the District of Columbia). The sample is

collected via stratified sampling based on race and ethnicity quota targets

derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 Current Population Survey.

Approximately 700 additional K-12 school parents are interviewed in English

each month comprising the oversample. The completed K-12 school parent

interviews are weighted to population totals obtained from the 2016 Current

Population Survey on the following demographic variables: age, gender, region,

race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. Morning Consult has also

implemented a pre-administration quota to ensure at least 65 percent of K-12

parent respondents had at least one child attending a public district school.

64

S C H OOL P AR E N T D E F IN IT I ON S

Total School ParentsHave at least one child enrolled in grades K-12 for the

2020-2021 school year

Charter School ParentsHave at least one child enrolled in a charter school for

the 2020-2021 school year

District/Public School ParentsHave at least one child enrolled in a district/public

school for the 2020-2021 school year

Private School ParentsHave at least one child enrolled in a private school for

the 2020-2021 school year

Home School ParentsHave at least one child enrolled in home school for the

2020-2021 school year

Note: Parent groups are not necessarily exclusive, there are cases where a parent could have children enrolled in different school types.

65

S C H OOL P AR E N T S

76%

15%

9%5%

District School Parents Private School Parents Home School Parents Charter School Parents

(N = 882) (N = 169) (N=106) (N = 59)

Based on enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year

Note: Parent groups are not necessarily exclusive, there are cases where a parent could have children enrolled in different school types.

W H O W E AR E

Morning Consult is a global data intelligence company

delivering insights on what people think in real time.

By surveying tens of thousands across the globe every

day, Morning Consult is unmatched in scale and speed:

It determines the true measure of what people think and

how their decisions impact business, politics and the

economy.

Industry leaders rely on Morning Consult’s proprietary

technology and analysis for real-time intelligence to

transform information into a competitive advantage.

EdChoice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan

organization. Our team is driven by the shared mission

to advance freedom and choice in K-12 education

where all families, regardless of race, origin or family

income, are free to choose a learning environment—

public or private, near or far, religious or secular—that

works best for their children. Learn more about our

mission, values, intellectual legacy, staff, fellows and

board of directors at: EdChoice.org.

gen pop national polling presentationfor k-12 teachers and students. mandatory or encouraged...

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