Many surveys have already been sent out to teachers, parents, and guardians about possible ways to open up schools this fall.

Options across these surveys offer multiple scenarios and often take less than five minutes to complete. They are needed to a great extent…

… but are they really getting a sense of what really might need to happen to open up schools this fall?

This past year teachers were presented with the biannual opportunity to complete the state’s Teacher Working Condition Survey. And it had an interesting spin attached to it for 2020.

It was packaged as “ASQNC.” Remember this?

Funny that Mark Johnson asked us how to make North Carolina’s schools better right after primaries for state offices. We actually answered a few days before by making sure that he would not have an office next term in Raleigh that directly impacts public education.

It is hard to take a survey very seriously from DPI when the questions never get beyond a teacher’s actual school and district. There was never any way to convey in this survey from the state what teachers think about the state’s role in education or how standardized testing is affecting working conditions or how funding affects schools’ abilities to reach students.

That 2018 and 2020 version should ask teachers’ views not only of their school, but MORE of their perceptions of  state leadership.

But now we need another one.

One that truly measures what teachers think should happen in order for them to feel safe about reopening schools. And the questions need to be honest and forthcoming.

Questions should ask how comfortable teachers feel about the different plans and facets of those plans being tossed around for reopening schools. Questions need to ask about perceived risks and how comfortable teachers feel about going back into classrooms where many students (and parents) may not follow protocols of safety.

Questions should be asked of what expectations might be tagged to teachers above and beyond what they already do on school days without a pandemic.

Questions should be asked about what extra funds and resources need to be provided by the state or local LEA.

And it should be anonymous as well as have places where teachers can ask more questions and provide more concrete insights.

Then publish the results (and watch how many politicians running for office will react – especially incumbents).