The Education Gap: Vouchers and Urban Schools

Appendix B: Construction of Survey Indexes

Depending on the year in which the surveys were administered, indexes were constructed from all, or a subset, of the items that follow. School disruptions: “How serious are the following problems at this child’s school? Very serious, somewhat serious, or not serious?” Kids destroying property; kids being late for schools; kids missing classes; fighting; cheating; racial conflict; guns or other weapons; drugs or alcohol. Dress codes: “Are students required to wear a uniform?” “Are certain forms of dress forbidden?” Hallway monitoring: “Are visitors required to sign in at main office?” “Are hall passes required to leave class?” School resources: “At the school this child attends, which of the following programs or facilities are available to students?” A computer lab; a library; a gym; a cafeteria; guidance counselors; a nurses’ office. School programs: “At the school this child attends, which of the following programs or facilities are available to students?” Special programs for non-English speakers; individual tutors; special programs for students with learning problems; special programs for advanced learners; a music program; an arts program; an after-school program. 217 Construction of Survey Indexes appendix B file 04 ch07-appD pp168-224.qxd 3/14/02 2:08 PM Page 217 School-parent communication: “Do the following practices exist in this child’s school?” Parents informed about student grades halfway through the grading period; parents notified when student sent to the office the first time for disruptive behavior; parents speak to classes about their jobs; parents participate in instruction; parent open-house or back-to-school night held at school; regular parent-teacher conferences held; parents receive notes about this student from this child’s teachers; parents receive a newsletter about what is going on in this child’s school/classroom. Amount of homework: “Approximately how much homework is assigned on an average day?” Class size: “Approximately how many students are in this child’s class?” School size: “Approximately how large is the school this child attends?” Suspensions: “During this past year, was this child ever suspended for disciplinary reasons?” Racial segregation: “What proportion of students in this child’s classroom is minority?” Parents’ involvement in child’s education: “In the past month, how often did you do the following?” Help this child with his or her homework; help this child with reading or math that was not part of his or her homework; talk with this child about his or her experiences at school; attend school activities; work on school projects. Parents’ involvement with child’s school: “How many parent-teacher conferences did you attend this school year?” “How many hours have you volunteered in this child’s school this past month?” “Are you a member of a PTA or other similar organization (Parents’ Council, for example)?” Religious practices (student survey): “During the past year, have you participated in church youth groups or religious services?” “Do you go to classes outside of school for religious instruction?” Well-behaved friends (student survey): “How many of your friends like school?” “How many get good grades?” “How many get into trouble with teachers?” “How many use bad language?” “How many smoke cigarettes?” “How many drink beer or alcohol?” “How many use illegal drugs?” 218 construction of survey indexes file 04 ch07-appD pp168-224.qxd 3/14/02 2:08 PM Page 218 Self-confidence (student survey): “Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about yourself?” I feel good about myself; If I work really hard, I will do well in school; To do well in school, good luck is more important than hard work; I am able to do things as well as most other people; Every time I try to get ahead, something or somebody stops me; I am satisfied with myself; I certainly feel useless at times; At times I think I am no good at all; When I make plans, I am almost certain I can make them work; I feel I do not have much to be proud of. construction of survey indexes 219 file 04 ch07-appD pp168-224.qxd 3/14/02 2:08 PM Page 219 ...