THE KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF A SCHOOL SYSTEM

Results
After completing and tabulating the data, it came to my attention that the responses of the
students, teachers and community were similar throughout their respective groups.
The first method of data collection used was the student survey (see Appendix B). In a
survey of 100 randomly selected students, the question was asked, How would you rate your
current stress level?. This was ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 meaning they felt the least stress
and 10 meaning they felt the most stress. Through all of these results, it is shown that 80% of the
students from all grades feel moderately to strongly stressed (above the interval 5). The results
of this question are presented in a bar graph as follows:
Figure 1
Level of Stress

In the following three questions, students were asked questions that reflected their feelings about
school in general. The question was, Do you feel overwhelmed by the requirements and
expectations Darby has for students? For example, graduation requirements, college preparation
etc.? This had a variety of answers from which the student could choose from: not really
overwhelmed, a little overwhelmed, very overwhelmed and an other option from which the
student could add a different choice. Out of the 100 responses, 75 students admitted to be
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overwhelmed, and 25 students gave the alternate response. The data from these questions are
presented in pie charts. The following shows the results:
Figure 2
Reaction to Requirements and Expectations Darby has for students

In the next question, students were asked whether they enjoyed their questions from which they
could respond, I like most of my classes, I am indifferent but still work hard I dont like my
classes and I dont care for my classes or my grades.
Figure 3
Do You Enjoy Your Classes?

The next question asked whether students had plans after graduations with the options I know
exactly what I want to do in the future, I have an idea of what I want to do in the future, and
I have no plans for the future. This question also had an other option in which students
specified in their answer.
Figure 4
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Do You Have Plans For After Graduation?

The following figures 5 represents student answers to the questions, What range best describes
your cumulative GPA in which students could respond yes, no or I dont know. This data
is presented in the following pie chart:

Figure 5
Range of Cumulative GPA

The next pie chart shows the responses to the question Do you think an improved system should
be put in place that focuses less on standardized testing and more on enhancing skills in subjects
we are passionate about? in which students could respond yes, no or I dont know.
Figure 6
Improved System
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The next few questions were directed towards seniors. The first question posed was Did your
grades improve at all since freshman year? to which a total of 38 seniors responded. Of the 38,
10 answered a little, 11 answered no change, 8 answered Remarkably, 6 answered
opposite of improvement and 3 students answered differently from these options.
Figure 7
Improved Grades

In the next question, seniors were asked to rate their high school experience on a scale of 1 to 10,
where 1 signified an awful experience and 10 was a great one. However, only 36 seniors replied,
meaning there was a discrepancy in this data since in the previous question, 38 seniors replied.
This data is represented in a pie chart and a bar graph as follows:
Figure 8
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High School Experience

For the second part of the first instrument, I gathered the responses of students in high school and
beyond who posted on a blog titled, Study in Finland. The following are the comments of 5
students from the website about studying in Finland, compiled in a chart.
Student
Markus from Austria. Erasmus Exchange
Student, Music/Violin.
Moritz from Austria. Erasmus Exchange
Student, Political Science (Vienna), Public
Administration/Intercultural Studies (Vaasa).
Sunny from China. Bachelors Degree
Programme, Business Information
Technology.
Andrei from Romania. Bachelors Degree
Programme, Linguistics.

Marcus from Austria. Masters Degree

Programme, Paper Technology.

Response
Learn how to use your own creativity and be
innovative
The quality of teaching is remarkable

I feel really safe and welcome

Thanks to the flexibility of the Finnish

education system, I was able to finish school
one year earlier and start studying
immediately
Studying here is a very personal and
collaborative experience-

The second method of data collection used was the staff survey (see Appendix C). In in
electronic survey to 20 randomly selected teachers who teach a variety of classes and grades. The
survey consisted of 12 questions, 3 of the questions being open ended. The survey covered
mostly grade averages and questions over opinions on our school system. The first question

THE KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF A SCHOOL SYSTEM

asked was, What type of class(es) do you teach?. The results of this question is presented
below.
Figure 9
Classes Taught

The second question was a follow up to those who responded that they taught a CORE class; If
you teach CORE, what kind of class do you teach? For the second question, only 14 teachers
responded contrary to the 20 responses from the previous question.
Figure 10
CORE Classes Taught

In the third question, teachers were asked to specify the grade(s) they taught. The data is
presented in the following graph.
Figure 11
Grades Taught
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In the following questions, teachers where asked to predict class averages for their overall
classes this year, for Honors or AP/KAP classes as well as regular classes, which were introduced
as 2 separate questions. For the first question about averages of Honors or AP/KAP courses, 9
teachers responded and for the next question about averages for normal classes, 17 teachers
responded. These questions made it easier to see individual responses for each type of teacher to
help me organize my data. The data is presented in bar graphs in the following:
Figure 12
Honors or AP/KAP Class Averages

Figure 13
Regular Class Averages

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The next 3 questions were open ended responses. The first question asked How would you
describe your class environment? Are students productive and focused in most of your classes? Is
there any variation between classes and their environments? to which all 20 teachers responded.
This information was left unedited and is presented in the following charts.
Figure 14
Class Environment

Question

How would you describe your class environment? Are students productive and
focused in most of your classes? Is there any variation between classes and their
environments?

Response Laid back, molds to the kids I have in class, fluid or malleable
Response I attempt to create a safe and fun learning environment where students are busy from
the beginning to the end of class. There is very little down time in my room each
day.
Response Most students are focused and productive. There are days when everyone is
productive, and other days when few are focused. We switch activities 2-3 times a
day and this helps to keep their focus. Yes, there is a variation between classes. It
varies between time of day, make up of the students in a particular class, and
background of the students. These three things definitely impact a class period.
Response Students that value education are focused. Students that do not have a clue are
somewhat less focused and must be motivated to learn.
Response It varies, but students are typically very productive.
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Response Larger classes tend to be more unfocused/off task/louder. Later in the day classes
tend to be more unfocused/off task/louder. However, most students tend to be
productive and focused overall.
Response We work hard in class but have fun when appropriate.
Response Class environment varies period to period and day to day. It is impacted by who is in
attendance, day of the week and what we are working on. So it the environment
could range from calm and quiet to chaotic and loud. Every class is different.
Response Relaxed task oriented hands on interactive
Response It depends on the class personality. I have one class this year that is very focused and
always on task. I have another class that can be a little distracted at certain times
(usually leading up to breaks). I have a class that is really quiet but I wouldnt say
they are on task they are usually still waking up.
Response Depends on the class but in general mostly casual, but productive
Response Productive most of the time. Social the rest.
Response A lot people focus and really enjoy the course. My classes are usually filled with
students who have good work ethic and actually like the subject. Of course there are
one or two that will mess around but they dont reflect the classes at all.
Response Yes. Almost all of my students are good students and do very well.
Response A lot of people underestimate the class and it ends up being harder than they can
handle and some students are just great at understanding the material. Theres a lot of
variation with the environments. Some of my classes are quiet and some have
outspoken students.
Response My class is not a difficult class but many students choose to make it seem that way
by not doing their work.
Response Students are mostly productive

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Response It varies among classes. Some of the students will either choose to be productive and
there are some that choose to slack off and not get work done.
Response Most pay attention.
Response Laid back.

The second question asked, Do you think the scores students receive on tests/assessments give
an accurate/true representation of a students understanding of the material you teach? to which
20 teachers also responded.
Figure 15
Accuracy of Test Scores
Question
:

Do you think the scores students receive on tests/assessments give an accurate/true

representation of a students understanding of the material you teach?

Response Yes
Response Yes
Response Yes
Response Yes
Response Sometimes, not always. A lot of time it shows how much info they can cram into
their brain on a relatively short basis and forget 1 day later.
Response For the most part yes, but there are always students who dont test well or that dont
take tests seriously.
Response Usually. Sometimes an A student has a bad day and does not perform as well on a
test. Other times, a less strong student works hard and performs above his/her normal
abilities. Tests and assessments are vital to showing what kids know as an individual,
without the help of other students and resources (i.e. Internet).

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Response No
Response I believe that tests are a limited view of the students understanding of a topic as not
all students test well. Many of my students have test anxiety, which is why labs and
activities are also a chunk of their grades.
Response For the most part, yes. However, there are always students that are struggle taking
tests or misinterpret questions.
Response Most of the time
Response Depends on the test, mainly yes.
Response Yes practice quizzes learning targets targeted assessments
Response The initial test yes it is a true reflection of what they have learned at that time.
Response yes
Response Sometimes, other times they do forget from one assessment to the next. That is
typical when learning a new language.
Response Yes. They show me what they learned and how they became creative with a simple
idea
Response Yes, because the only assessments we have are just skills
Response Yes, most of the time. Sometimes the tests are hard but the content stuff should give
a good reflection of how they studied. I understand that maybe they get confused on
how questions are worded though
Response Yes the tests are easy and are not tricky, if you read the notes you will do fine
The final open ended question asked, Is there anything specifically that you like/dislike about
our current school system? to which only 13 teachers responded.
Figure 16
Likes/Dislikes about Our Current School System
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Question
:

Is there anything specifically that you like/dislike about our current school system?

Response Start time, wrongful emphasis on needing classes or having to have certain classes.
Wrongfully guided competition.
Response We are pushed to be better which makes it a challenge every day. However, this
makes us the wonderful district we are.
Response I prefer more discipline.
Response Students fail to take responsibility for their learning. No paper, pencil, notebook etc.
Students also need to learn to take notes which is a requirement if you plan to attend
college.
Response I think that our current system puts a lot of pressure on students and teachers to get
high scores on standardized tests. I believe that their should be more options for
students available.
Response Too many interruptions to our day. Also feel that exams are an important part of the
students education, so would like to see them return with the same weight as before.
Response Our lackadaisical approach to anything outside of standardized testing. We have no
attendance policy. Come and go as you please. Late work is taken across the board
because a students failing grade is now the teachers fault not an issue of work ethic
and parental involvement. We have 5 million course choices, but that doesnt mean
that students make the best choices or that having more choices makes the overall
quality of the education better.
Response I wish we double blocked
Response The structure of the school day does not allow for any kind of in-depth study hurry
up quick get this, rush through the halls to the next class, and then hurry up and get
something totally different, etc. I think this structure encourages us to rush through
things so we dont allow exploration of any certain topic, just a quick, whats the
right answer? approach.
Response I dont think a structured school has to have more standardized tests. Many of our
current standardized tests are driven by the state not the school district. I want

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students to be able to choose but also have mastery in those subjects.
Response A lot of students took the course because they had to and not because they wanted to,
but a lot of the students really enjoyed it and came back for the next level. I dont
know how I feel about that
Response Start times are too early.
Response Everyone seems so stressed.

In the next few questions, teachers were asked to rate how much they enjoyed teaching on a scale
of 1 to 10, 1 being they hated teaching and 10 being they loved teaching. This data was presented
in a bar graph.
Figure 17
Do You Enjoy Teaching?

In the next question, teachers were asked whether they thought standardized testing was
effective. This response is presented in a pie chart.
Figure 18
Standardized Testing

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Then, teachers were asked, Do you feel like the majority of your students like the
subject/content you teach?. This response is presented in a pie chart.
Figure 19
Student Opinions on Content

Finally, teachers were asked the question, Do you think an effective/good school system should
be more structured or more flexible? (More structured meaning: more standardized tests, less
options for students in terms of choosing classes, stricter graduation requirements, less focus on
enhancing student skills in one field of learning and more focus on mastery in all fields of
learning). The teachers could respond A strongly structured school system is most effective,
A flexible school system is most effective, or an other option. This data is presented in a bar
graph:
Figure 20
School System
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The third and final method of data collection used were the community interviews (see Appendix
D). The interview to 5 members of the Hilliard community consisted of 6 open ended questions
and a scale. The majority of the response presented in charts. The results of these questions are
shown as follows:
Figure 21
Safe Environment
Do you like the Hilliard City Schools education system? Is it a comfortable
environment? Are you confident your kids are in "good hands"?
Parent #1

Yes, I think its a safe place. I know its a clean environment and I wouldn't have
to worry.

Parent #2

Of course! Its a great environment and I think the teachers take care of my kids
well.

Librarian
#1

Yes.

Librarian
#2

Yes

College
Senior

I think its okay. I had a good high school experience and youre always going to
have some kids who dont make the environment as safe as it can be but overall
they do a good job.

The second question asked, At what point of your life were you sure of what career you wanted
to pursue? Did you change your mind a lot?
Figure 22
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Career Plans
At what point of your life were you sure of what career you wanted to pursue?
Did you change your mind a lot?
Parent #1

I changed my mind around the time I was in college. I had an idea of what I
wanted to do but realize I didn't like it anymore.

Parent #2

Yes, I had I wanted to be a teacher but I never ended up pursuing that dream. It
wasnt because I didnt want to buy there were factors in my life that didnt allow
me to make time for myself to continue.

Librarian
#1

I had an idea of what I wanted to do around 18, and I followed through with it.

Librarian
#2

It did fluctuate a bit. I think I had an idea but I didn't follow through with it in the
end.

College
Senior

I changed my major twice but doubted myself hundreds. I think I didn't know
what I wanted to go into but just took something I thought would pay well when
I'm older but it just ended up being hard and not something I liked.

The third question asked, Are you familiar with the common CORE standards? Here are a list
of attributes of common CORE, which is basically our standard schooling system on a national
scale, do you like/dislike any of these standards in particular, would you change anything? Or
you can just tell me anything you like or dislike about the school system in general?
Figure 23
CORE Standards
Are you familiar with the common CORE standards? Here are a list of attributes
of common CORE, which is basically our standard schooling system on a national
scale, do you like/dislike any of these standards in particular, would you change
anything? Or you can just tell me anything you like or dislike about the school
system in general?
Parent #1

I think its hard on kids these days. They expect too much from them and put them
on a scale with all the other kids, when every kid is different. Its unfair.

Parent #2

Too many rules for kids, too harsh needs to be more imaginative

Librarian

I dont like it as a whole to be honest, especially for younger grades, Too harsh

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#1

and too rigid for teachers doesnt allow breathing. Needs to be less rigid and more
imagination.

Librarian
#2

I think its tough, really. I mean at the same time, school should be hard because
thats when you know your child is learning something but giving excessive
homework to like, first graders isn't going to help. And I know in Finland they
have more recess and I think that would be great for schools here to do.

College
Senior

I think getting up in the morning was my biggest problem. And like in high school
they were not very flexible with the students and kept them so caged in. I felt like
we were treated like kids but all of a sudden when we moved on to college, we
were expected to be adults. I think they need to make that change not so
surprising.

For the fourth question, members of the community were asked how they defined a good
school system. The following responses were recording.
Figure 24
Good School System
What do you define as a good schooling system?
Parent #1

Anything that has a high graduate rate and that people who were students think "I
liked this school structure and was glad I went here instead of ______"

Parent #2

A lot of people that go on to college, high grad rates, anything very successful in
the long term. I feel like we should take into consideration what they do to
students overseas and incorporate it because they are so successful.

Librarian
#1

High grad rate, high rate of kids going on to secondary school, personalized
attention and participation

Librarian
#2

One like Finland, they should pay teachers more, focus in bringing good teachers

College
Senior

High graduation rates, a school were a lot of people leave knowing what they
want to do confidently and are happy about

For the fifth question, they were asked Do you think all of the state tests we have (for example,
the ACT, AP exams, OAA, OGTs) are effective? Or do you think we should just have one or two

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major tests that dictate the course of our future, like what college we get into or if you graduate
from high school?
Figure 25
Effectiveness of State Tests
Do you think all of the state tests we have (for example, the ACT, AP exams,
OAA, OGTs) are effective? Or do you think we should just have one or two major
tests that dictate the course of our future, like what college we get into or if you
graduate from high school?
Parent #1

I think the tests are good because we learn to memorize a lot of information but
other than that, not really because sometimes students get scores they dont like
and it messes up their future. Taking so many tests probably raises anxiety in
many students so I dont like them.

Parent #2

Dont like too many tests, maybe one or two.

Librarian
#1

Tests are important but they shouldnt dictate, tests arent a reliable predictor, it
matters on type of student and what kind of test taker they are, doesnt offer good
indicator

Librarian
#2

I think the one or two tests would be better because students end up just
cramming for all their AP tests a lot and are taking other ones as well so it doesnt
really reflect how smart they really are

College
Senior

We should have one or two tests. All of the OAAs and OGT were in my opinion
unnecessary because they just stressed kids out and it was terrible

In the next question they were asked, Do you think an improved system should be put in place
that focuses less on standardized testing and more on enhancing skills in subjects we are
passionate about? (For example if you like science, maybe focusing on a lot of those skills versus
trying to be good at everything).
Figure 26
Improved System
Do you think an improved system should be put in place that focuses less on
standardized testing and more on enhancing skills in subjects we are passionate
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about? (For example if you like science, maybe focusing on a lot of those skills
versus trying to be good at everything)
Parent #1

Yes of course because than you probably wouldnt change your mind so much

Parent #2

Yes

Librarian
#1

Yes, it helps decide early on what you want to study

Librarian
#2

Yes of course

College
Senior

Of course I probably could have avoided changing my mind a bunch if I knew

what I liked at the beginning

Finally, they were asked to scale their level of confidence from 1 to 10 on how sure they were
that this district does its best to prepare children for a successful future. This is the only answer
that has been presented in a bar graph.
Figure 27
Confidence in District

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