The “go-to” diagnostic for public education professionals who sense more than a modicum of uneasiness, unhappiness, uncertainty (or any combination of these characteristics) among teachers and staff has become climate research. Seen as a scientific way to determine if, in fact, there is fire where smoke is seen, climate studies are all the rage, because of the opportunity to give staff members a confidential spot to vent.
Unfortunately, many times, the result of climate studies is the equivalent of going to a doctor for a bronchial issue and walking out with a prescription for an antibiotic. A cursory exam room review of symptoms by even the most skilled medical practitioner can only address today’s complaint. It doesn’t go far enough to determine if something more systemic might be at work – something where a different course of treatment would produce a better long-term result.
Akin to an MRI, effective climate research determines the existence of issues below the surface complaints, while creating a baseline result for comparison in future years.
Such an approach also protects the school district from inadvertently sending out a study to its staff with questions that read like a witch hunt. In essence, if you are using climate research primarily to chase down a rumor or feeling of instability, it’s pretty hard to not write questions that sound like, “Do you think most people trust the superintendent?”
To avoid such clumsiness and to maximize the value of your investment in climate research, consider the following:
As always, begin with the end in mind. Our first question for any study – climate, resident, parent, etc. – is, “When we are done with this research, what do you need to know to make any decisions you need to make?” Writing questions needs to wait, until you are certain of the research data you are looking to secure.
Eliminate the “I’m just curious” topics. Research that is self-administered – meaning you have to rely on the willingness of your target audience to take the time to participate – needs to be focused and targeted. If you’re “just curious” about something, but have no plans to do anything meaningful with that data, you’re making your survey longer than it needs to be.
Statements are better than questions. All the promises of confidentiality can’t overcome a question like, “Do you trust the School Board?” Put yourself in the place of the respondent. If there is even a hint of a trust issue, would you feel comfortable speaking your mind on something like that? Seeking agreement or disagreement on statements – and taking the “I” and “you” out of the language – makes it easier for respondents to share their thoughts.