Editorial Staff

Poll Finds Mixed Views About Schools’ Pandemic Performance

/in , , , , , /by Editorial Staff
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on
LinkedIn
+

Read media coverage of this report in The Boston Herald, NBC 10, WCVB, Boston 25, CommonWealth magazine, State House News Service, WHDH, Yahoo News and EducationNext. 

Massachusetts residents more satisfied with performance of individual teachers than with school districts, teachers’ unions

BOSTON – A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts residents have mixed opinions about how K-12 education has functioned, but they tend to view the performance of individual teachers more favorably than that of institutions like school districts and teachers’ unions, according to a poll of 1,500 residents commissioned by Pioneer Institute.

“Massachusetts residents have not been satisfied with the remote learning Massachusetts schools are providing during the pandemic,” said Pioneer Institute Executive Director Jim Stergios.  “And they place a fair amount of the blame on the shoulders of both school districts and teachers’ unions.”

Overall grades

A plurality of respondents (29 percent) gave schools a grade of “C” for their pandemic performance.  “B” was the second most common grade, at 26 percent.  Overall, 65 percent gave schools an “A”, “B” or “C.”  Seventy percent of parents/guardians rated schools an A, B, or C.

Grades were lower among parents with three or more children.  Twenty-two percent gave the schools an “F,” compared to 13 percent of parents with one child and 11 percent of those with two.

Influence of teachers’ unions

When asked to rate teachers’ union involvement in decisions to teach remotely on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most involved, a plurality (31 percent) rated union involvement a 10.  A higher percentage of Bostonians (36 percent) ranked teachers’ union involvement a 10.  Just over half of parents/guardians placed it at 8 or higher.

By a 45 percent to 39 percent margin, state residents believed that teachers’ unions haven’t acted in the best interests of children during the pandemic.  Among parents who don’t work in the schools, 49 percent said the unions have not acted in the best interest of children, compared to 37 percent who believe they have.

Residents were more satisfied with the performance of individual teachers.  About half were very or somewhat satisfied, with only 29 percent somewhat or totally unsatisfied.

Impact on children

Among parents asked how much their children’s education had been compromised during the pandemic as a result of learning remotely, a plurality (21 percent) replied 10 when asked to rate on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the most compromised.   A majority (54 percent) rated the degree to which their children’s education had been compromised at seven or higher.

Sixteen percent of parents said their children’s education was inadequate enough that they would consider having them repeat the grade.  Another 26 percent were unsure.

The more education was remote and asynchronous, the more likely parents were to believe their children should repeat the grade.  Only 9 percent of parents whose children had 16 or more hours per week of synchronous education would consider having them repeat, while the number rose to 23 percent among parents whose children’s education was totally asynchronous.

Forty-three percent of parents believed their children’s socialization has been entirely inadequate during the pandemic.

Parents of children receiving special education services have been generally happy with those services during the pandemic.  Thirty-eight percent said the services have been somewhat adequate and 26 percent said they have been very adequate.

The poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling between March 19 and 21.  It has a +/- 2.4 percent margin of error for the questions asked of Massachusetts residents, 3.9 percent for parent questions and 6.3 percent for parents of children with special needs.

About Pioneer Institute

Pioneer’s mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond.

Pioneer’s vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent.

Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise.

Get Updates on Our Education Research

Related Content:

Vitamin Parents Part 2: Twin Moms Converting a Decent Traditional School Experience Into a “Wow” Homeschool One

This week's episode of Homeschooling Journeys features Andreina, twin sister of Mariana (last week’s interview). Using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Andreina funds activities like competitive jujitsu, music lessons at School of Rock, and Surf Skate Science. As a "Vitamin Homeschooler” (Curious Mike’s term), Andreina enhances her children's education through independent learning tasks and family projects. While the kids’ desire for homeschooling serves as the foundation for their motivation, she experiments also with small rewards like a little screen time or chocolate. Andreina also benefits from family support with her twin; Mike observes that formal feedback isn't common in homeschooling, unlike in traditional classrooms.

Edward Achorn on Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, & Slavery

This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Charlie Chieppo and Ret. MN Justice Barry Anderson interview Edward Achorn, a noted writer, historian, and author of "Every Drop of Blood: The Momentous Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln" and "The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention That Changed History". Achorn shares insights into Lincoln's improbable political rise and the critical events leading to his 1860 Republican presidential nomination, including his strategic maneuvering following his defeat in the 1858 Illinois Senate race.

Vitamin Parents Part 1: Twin Moms Converting a Decent Traditional School Experience Into a “Wow” Homeschool One

The upcoming episodes of "Homeschooling Journeys" feature twin sisters, Mariana and Andreina, originally from Venezuela and now living in Florida. Each is a mom of two kids. Curious Mike describes them as "Vitamin Homeschoolers"—they see homeschooling as a way to enhance their children's education rather than addressing any major issues with traditional schooling. They discuss the challenges of balancing time and responsibilities but emphasize the benefits of stronger family bonds and the enriching experiences they've been able to provide through Educational Savings Accounts (ESA). Non-homeschoolers often worry about the socialization of homeschooled kids, but Mariana and Andreina have their children socializing a lot—playing in rock bands, competing at a high level in soccer, and attending in-person, unusual academic classes, like Surf Skate Science and competitive extracurriculars.

PRI’s Lance Izumi on The Great Classroom Collapse

Lance Izumi delves into his latest book, "The Great Classroom Collapse: Teachers, Students, and Parents Expose the Collapse of Learning in America's Schools". He discusses why, despite decades of education reforms and vast spending, many American students remain underprepared in critical subjects like reading and math.

Learning From California: Policy Lessons From Golden State Exodus

Joe Selvaggi speaks with Tim Anaya of the Pacific Research Institute about his new book, The California Left Coast Survivor’s Guide, exploring insights and lessons on how Massachusetts can stay competitive.

Is Massachusetts at a Turning Point – 10 Data Points That Give Me Pause

Massachusetts tops the charts in many studies.  Best public…

From Stress to Success: How Daniella Transformed Her Son’s Learning with ESA Funds

This week on Homeschooling Journeys Curious Mike talks with Daniella Moreci-Pack, an Arizona mom utilizing her state's Education Savings Account (ESA) to homeschool her son with ADHD. Daniella shares how she spends ESA funds on special needs therapies, curriculum products, and in-person enrichment activities like karate and dance classes. She explores key themes, including the flexibility of homeschooling, the initial anxiety of leaving traditional schooling, and the common shift from structured schedules to more child-led learning. Daniella also discusses navigating ESA red tape, as new rules add bureaucratic hurdles. Tune in to hear highlights of Daniella's approach and resilience in overcoming these challenges to give her child a personalized education.

AFC’s Denisha Allen on School Choice & Black Minds Matter

Denisha shares her journey and the motivations behind founding Black Minds Matter, a national movement dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and promoting high-quality educational options for Black students. She delves into the politics of urban school reform, highlighting the challenges posed by race and class-based achievement gaps and the political influence of teachers' unions.

New England Short Circuit: Distorted Incentives Drive Energy Prices Up and Reliability Down

Joe Selvaggi talks with Travis Fisher from the Cato Institute about the rising costs and increasing fragility of the New England power grid, as green capacity incentives distract from neglected infrastructure.

From Garden to Table: How Alicia Garcia Reshapes Home Ec with ESAs

In the debut episode of Homeschooling Journeys, we meet Alicia Garcia, the founder of Project Flourish Community. Alicia offers an innovative Home Ec experience where students participate in hands-on learning, from picking ingredients in her backyard to cooking healthy meals. As both a provider and user of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Alicia shares her unique perspective on homeschooling. The episode delves into the challenges of setting up ESA payments and the benefits of specialized learning. Alicia also touches on a heartwarming story of how she used ESA funds to help her introverted son join a local stage musical.