KJRH Tulsa Teacher Survey Fiasco

[Shadow6]

KJRH Channel 2 sent out a "confidential" survey to Tulsa Public Schools teachers.  Unfortunately for any Tulsa teacher that responded to the survey, it looks like everyone that received the message also received that teacher's "confidential" response.

KJRH sent out this unsolicited e-mail to TPS teachers because they could.  The names of teachers are public record, and TPS standardizes how e-mail addresses are set up. Anyone who knows a TPS teacher's first and last name can determine the TPS e-mail address. Until yesterday, this standardized policy made sense to me.

The FROM address for the e-mail was KJRH Teacher Survey [KJRH_TEACHER_SURVEY@LISTS.SCRIPPS.COM] and the TO address was KJRH_TEACHER_SURVEY@LISTS.SCRIPPS.COM

Here is the text of the e-mail message:



<<...OLE_Obj...>>

Hi,
This is Erin Christy, news anchor and reporter for Channel 2 Works For You. The following is a survey we sent out to the faculty of Tulsa Public Schools to get some feedback on our school system. We would like to use the information you provide for upcoming stories. You do not need to provide your name. Please take just a minute to answer our questions.

You may reply to this email by filling out the survey below. Or you can open the attachment, save it and send it back to us. Either will work.

Thank You,
Erin Christy
KJRH Channel 2 Works For You
<<tps teacher survey.doc>>



Here is the survey:

Channel 2 Works For You Teacher Survey
YOUR IDENTITY WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS

I am a school teacher (Y/N)

What grade level do you teach? (K- 4; 5-6; 7-8; 9-12)

How many years have you been a teacher? (1-3, 4-6, 7-10, 11-15, 16-20, more than 20)

On an average, how much of your own money do you spend on supplies each year? (Less than $50, $50-$100, $100-$250, $250-$500, more than $500)

I am given the resources to adequately teach such as paper, pencils, books and computer technology. (Agree/Disagree)

I would consider most of my students' family income to be: ($100,000+; $99,000-$75,000; $74,000 - $50,000; $49,000-$25,000; below $25,000)

I would consider most of my students to be:  (Rich, Middle Class, Poor)

The majority of my students are: (White and speak English; White and speak some English; White and do not speak English; African American and speak English; African American and speak some English; African American and do not speak English; Hispanic and speak English; Hispanic and speak some English; Hispanic and do not speak English; Other)

I feel my school's principal welcomes my input on issues. A/D

In general, national standardized tests have helped students. A/D

In general, national standardized tests have improved the educational system. A/D

I feel my school has proper measures in place to spot and help a student who may become violent.  A/D

My school is responsive to concerns about violent students.  A/D

I believe I have adequate disciplinary tools to deal with students.  A/D

I have been attacked by a student.  Y/N
I have been threatened by a student. Y/N

I have been afraid of a student. Y/N

Have you ever taken away a gun from a student? Y/N

Have you ever taken away a knife from a student? Y/N

Have you ever seen a weapon in class? Y/N

I have had children in my class who are physically/sexually abused. Y/N

I have been threatened by parents. Y/N

I have suspected, but not reported, children who may be in an abusive situation. Y/N

I feel national standardized tests are an accurate measure of a student's ability. A/D

I feel students are given enough time to prepare for these assessment exams A/D

I've altered my curriculum to meet the expectations of national achievement tests. A/D

I feel national standardized tests create the artificial appearance of a quality education. A/D

I believe that national standardized tests are increasing the overall quality of education. A/D

I will lose my job if my students do not meet testing requirements. Y/N/POSSIBLY

I have been encouraged by administrators and/or other teachers to "fudge" answers or act unethically to keep test scores at acceptable levels. Y/N

"High stakes" testing has radically changed incentives for teachers.  There is now a reason to cheat. A/D

Have you ever helped a child in a way that could be considered cheating? Y/N

Have you ever given students extra time to complete a test? Y/N

Have you ever filled in the blanks on a student's test? Y/N

Have you ever erased and changed a student's answer selection? Y/N

When teaching, do you concentrate on test topics at the exclusion of more important lessons? Y/N/SOMETIMES

Do you prepare students for specific questions? Y/N/SOMETIMES

Do you "teach to the test," basing your lesson plans on questions from past years' exams? Y/N/S

Do you feel it is wrong to hold children back a grade level? Y/N

I believe students are getting well-rounded educations that adequately prepare them for college. A/D

I believe students are getting well-rounded educations that will make them smart and aware adults. A/D

I'm happy with my decision to become a teacher. A/D

I'm planning to leave the teaching profession for a different career. Y/N/POSSIBLY


Please feel free to write any additional comments, questions or concerns regarding your career as a teacher.


   OPTIONAL
If you wish to discuss your answers, please provide your name and the best way to contact you.  This information will remain confidential.

Name:
Phone Number:
Email: