EdChoice

GEN POP NATIONAL POLLING PRESENTATION

November 2020 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Americans’ confidence in the direction of education has experienced a notable decrease this month. This is especially true for education at a national level which has dropped by 10 points since October. Parents have grown in concern over their children attending school. Most believe that schools won’t be safe for in-person learning until February 2021 or later.

Many school parents prefer their children return to smaller group sizes of 15 students or less following the pandemic. However, most parents want their children to return to traditional schooling as it relates to curriculum, instruction, and environment.

4 Parents that are interested in or are participating in learning pods are willing to nearly $140 per month to take part. Most are utilizing or looking to utilize pods as a supplement to Key Points their child's regular schooling, not as a replacement. Interest in joining or forming a pod has remained steady over the last few months.

5 Parents of children enrolled in private or charter schools rate their children’s learning development much higher this year than those with children enrolled in public district schools. Parents are more likely to prefer public district schools over private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling, but continue to have diverse schooling preferences.

6 Americans generally believe teachers unions are more helpful than they are hurtful, especially school parents. Though a majority feel that teachers unions prioritize teachers rather than students, parents, and the local community.

Methodology (also see slides 58-59) This poll was conducted from November 12-18, 2020, among a national sample of 2,200 adults and an oversample of 700 school parents. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults and school parents S L I D E / 2 based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education

Contents Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Perceptions of Teachers Unions

5 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 3 Most Americans still grade institutional responses to the coronavirus

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER pandemic as average or better. The Federal Government continues to get the POLLING PRESENTATION lowest ratings.

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard so far, how would you rate the following institutions on their response to the coronavirus (COVID- 19) outbreak? All Adults Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor Don't Know/ No Opinion

State government 11% 22% 30% 15% 17% 6%

Local, small businesses 11% 28% 39% 9% 5% 8%

National news media COVID-19 organizations (television, radio, 11% 17% 33% 12% 19% 7% Response print, online) Rating Schools 10% 24% 36% 13% 10% 8%

Local news media/organizations (television, radio, print, online) 10% 21% 37% 10% 14% 7%

School districts 9% 24% 36% 14% 9% 8%

Local government (town, city, county) 9% 23% 36% 14% 11% 6%

Federal government 7% 15% 26% 18% 29% 6%

National, multi-national S L I D E / 4 corporations 7% 16% 39% 14% 11% 14% The level of severe disruption caused by the outbreak has maintained its levels

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER since July. POLLING PRESENTATION

How disruptive has the coronavirus (also called COVID-19) been on each of the following? All Adults % Very Disruptive

Your Community Your Family/Household Routine Your Personal Routine 60% 56%

50% 48% 48% 45% COVID-19 44% 38% 38% Disruption 40% 42% 35% 36% 37% 36% 34% 34% 32% 32% 28% 29% 30% 32% 32% 30% 29% 30% 30% 28% 27% 29%

20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 5 March April May June July August September October November Three out of four school parents say they are concerned about their children EDCHOICE NOVEMBER getting exposed to the coronavirus at school or missing instruction time. POLLING PRESENTATION

Thinking about the coronavirus (COVID-19), how concerned are you about each of the following? School Parents

Concerned (Very Concerned + Somewhat Concerned) Not Concerned (Not That Concerned + Not At All Concerned)

76% 75%

+0 -7 vs. vs. 64% October October COVID-19 +0 vs. 54% 53% October 49% -3 Concerns 45% vs. 43% October -9 39% vs. October -12 vs. 32% October

21% 21%

My child missing My child getting exposed Cancellation of after Missing work if my Making up for free or Explaining coronavirus instruction time to coronavirus at school school activities or other child's school is closed reduced meals at home to my child S L I D E / 6 programs run through the school Note: The school parent subsample is weighted based on ACS benchmarks, starting in September 2020 A majority of parents are now uncomfortable with their children returning to EDCHOICE NOVEMBER school. That reflects a 12-point increase since October. POLLING PRESENTATION

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak so far, how comfortable are you with your child/children returning to school right now? School Parents Very Comfortable Somewhat Comfortable Not That Confortable Not At All Comfortable Don't Know/ No Opinion

4% Comfort with 19% Children Returning to School 36% -11 42% vs. October Total Comfortable (very + somewhat) 23%

S L I D E / 7 19% The majority of parents think the outbreak will not be controlled enough to

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER send students to school in-person in the next few months. POLLING PRESENTATION

When do you expect the coronavirus outbreak to be controlled enough that it will be safe to send children to school for in-person classes in your community? School Parents

Comfort with Children 65% Returning to Believe it won’t be safe to send children back to school School for in-person classes until February or later.

S L I D E / 8 School parents’ more positive views of homeschooling have decreased to EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION levels last seen in the early summer months.

How have your opinions on homeschooling changed as a result of the coronavirus? School Parents Much More Somewhat More Somewhat Less Much Less Don't Know/ Favorable Favorable Favorable Favorable No Opinion

16%

COVID-19 27%

Impact on % Much More Favorable

43% Homeschooling 9% 50% 40% 36% 36% 40% 26% 28% 26% 27% 30% 25% 20% 10% 0%

13%

35% S L I D E / 9

Note: The school parent subsample is weighted based on ACS benchmarks, starting in September 2020 Roughly 70% of parents say they are likely to homeschool their children

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER either full-time or part-time in the future. Interpretation caution: Parents might POLLING PRESENTATION be conflating remote learning (via school) with conventional homeschooling. 'Homeschooling' is the education of a child mainly at home other than a school. It is usually conducted by a parent, tutor, or online teacher. Parents or guardians' control and direct the curriculum, content, and subject matter. There is no association with a public or private school. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, how likely are you to homeschool your child/children in place of full-time enrollment in a public school or private school in the future, either part-time or full-time? School Parents Very Likely Somewhat Likely

Full Time 27% 13% 40% Likelihood of Homeschooling

Part Time 20% 11% 31%

Not At All Likely 29%

S L I D E / 10 Most school parents continue to feel at least somewhat prepared to facilitate EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION online instruction.

How prepared do you feel to facilitate online instruction (also known as virtual learning or remote learning)?

Very prepared Somewhat prepared Not too prepared Not at all prepared Don't know/No opinion

Total School Parents 30% 42% 16% 9% 4% Remote Learning Preparedness K-4 Parents 34% 38% 15% 9% 4%

5-8 Parents 28% 42% 16% 10% 4%

9-12 Parents 26% 44% 19% 7% 4%

S L I D E / 11 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER Seven out of ten parents prefer that schools provide multiple learning options. POLLING PRESENTATION

And, do you think schools should offer one approach to educating K-12 students this school year or provide multiple learning options? School Parents Offer One Approach Provide Multiple Learning Options Don't Know / No Opinion

10% One or 19% Multiple Learning Options Preference

71% S L I D E / 12 Most parents did have a choice whether to send their children to school in

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER person or virtually. Of those with a choice, most continue chose virtual learning. POLLING PRESENTATION

Has your child’s school or school district offer virtual/remote learning as an option this school year?

School Parents

Yes, it has been an option and we chose to do it 51%

Remote 81% Learning had a choice Yes, it has been an option and we didn't choose 30% Choice to do it

No, it hasn't been an option, my child is required to do virtual/remote learning as of now 12%

19% had no choice

No, it hasn't been an option, my child is required to go to school in person as of now 7%

S L I D E / 13 Parents of children enrolled in private and charter schools continue to rate

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER their child’s learning and development progress this year higher than those POLLING PRESENTATION with children enrolled in public district school.

How do you feel your child/children is/are progressing on the following this school year? % Very Well

47% 45% 45%

COVID-19 Impact on 34% 34% 29% Learning and 27% 27% 25% 25% 25% 25% Development 22% 22%

18%

Academic Learning Emotional Development Social Development

Total Charter Home Private District Total Charter Home Private District Total Charter Home Private District School School School School School School School School School School School School School School School S L I D E / 14 Parents Parents Parents After the pandemic, most parents believe the best learning environment for their

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER child’s education would be in a school setting. More than half of parents prefer a POLLING PRESENTATION smaller group size. After the pandemic, if given the option, what After the pandemic, if given the option, what size physical learning environment would you learning environment would you prefer to provide the select to obtain the best education for your child? best education for your child? School Parents

Physical Learning Environment Size of Learning Environment

Learning

Environment Less than 15 students 55% School 66%

40% 15-25 students Home 32%

S L I D E / 15 Other place/building 2% 25+ students 5% Most parents believe schools, districts, or schoolteachers should control the

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER curriculum and that schoolteachers are best equipped to provide the POLLING PRESENTATION instruction for their child’s education after the pandemic. After the pandemic, if given the option, who would you After the pandemic, if given the option, who prefer to control the curriculum to provide the best would you prefer to provide the instruction to education for your child? provide the best education for your child? School Parents

Control Curriculum Provide Instruction

Curriculum and School or School 37% District Traditional 52% Instruction Schoolteacher Preference

Traditional 34% Schoolteacher School or School 24% District

Parent or Group of 16% Parent or Group of Parents 14% Parents Education Services Education Services S L I D E / 16 13% 10% Organization/Firm Organization/Firm K-4 parents are most likely to have switched their child’s school type for this EDCHOICE NOVEMBER school year than those with older children. POLLING PRESENTATION

Please tell us the grade level for each of your children; what kind of school each child will attend this new school year; and what kind of school each child was being educated in at the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year, before any school closures. % Of Students Switching School Type, Reported by Parents

Total School Parents K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents School Type Shift 20% 23% 15% 18%

S L I D E / 17 Since last school year, there has been an uptick in homeschooled children.

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER Growth in homeschooling is mostly from children that were previously enrolled POLLING PRESENTATION in public school.

Please tell us the grade level for each of your children; what kind of school each child will attend this new school year; and what kind of school each child was being educated in at the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year, before any school closures. School Parents % Of Students, Reported by Parents School Type Attended School Type Attending last school year This New Year Public Charter School Public Charter School 5% 6%

Home School 11% Home School 20% School Type Private School 11% Private School Shift 10%

Public District School 73% Public District School 65%

S L I D E / 18 The majority of school sector switchers – from last year to this year – are EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION students who moved from public district schools into homeschooling.

Please tell us the grade level for each of your children; what kind of school each child will attend this new school year; and what kind of school each child was being educated in at the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year, before any school closures. School Parents School Type Attended School Type Attending Last School Year This New Year FROM % of total switching TO % Of Students, Reported by Parents Home School 2% Private School

Home School 3% Public Charter School

Home School 12% Public District School

School Type Private School 6% Home School Shift Private School 2% Public Charter School among those 20% that switched… Private School 7% Public District School of children switched school types Public Charter School 1% Home School Public Charter School 0% Private School

Public Charter School 3% Public District School

Public District School 52% Home School

Public District School 5% Private School

Public District School 6% Public Charter School

S L I D E / 19 While overall pod participation has decreased since last month, parents with EDCHOICE NOVEMBER younger children (grades K-4), Higher incomes ($75k+), and those with children POLLING PRESENTATION enrolled in charter or private schools are more likely to be participating in a pod.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, are you currently participating in a 'pod' with other families? School Parents % Currently Participating In A Pod % Total School Parents % By Demographic

Yes, we’re currently K-4 Parents participating in a ‘pod’ 15% 40% High Income 5-8 Parents $75K+ -16 vs. October Learning

Pods No, but we're looking Middle Income 19% $35K to < $75K 9-12 Parents to form or join a 'pod'

0%

Low Income Charter School < $35K No, we're not planning to participate in a 'pod' 66%

+15 vs. October District School Home School

S L I D E / 20 Private School School parents that are interested or are participating in a ‘pod’ believe that they

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER are good for socialization and will keep their children up to speed with POLLING PRESENTATION curriculum. School parents that oppose pods believe they are unsafe, and unnecessary for their children. Why are you participating in a ‘pod’? Why are you looking to form or join a ‘pod’? Why aren’t you planning to participate in a ‘pod’? WHY PARTICIPATING WHY LOOKING TO FORM WHY NOT PLANNING TO IN A ‘POD’ OR JOIN A ‘POD’ PARTICIPATE IN A ‘POD’

“I feel my child will have “My child is still going to “It allows my kids to mix better opportunities for “ “ “ traditional school in-person with other children during learning and development full time, so it’s not this pandemic.” in a smaller, more focused necessary.” Learning setting.” Pods “Because my kid isn’t getting a good enough “ “To get the best learning “ “ “I don’t feel it’s safe for education and I believe experience for my children.” something like that yet.” joining a learning pod could help.”

“ “It adds more social “ “My son is not doing well “ “My child is doing fine with activities and new learning with virtual learning and I his studies and doesn’t styles for my child.” think it will help him.” need this option.”

S L I D E / 21 ‘Pods’ continue to be primarily used in addition to regular schooling and are EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION less likely to be utilized as a substitute for regular school.

You said you're currently participating in a 'pod', is that…? You said you're looking to form a 'pod', would that be…? School Parents

In addition and supplementing A substitute for attending regular regular schooling school or virtual/remote learning

15% among those that are 75% 25% Yes, we’re currently participating tin a ‘pod’ Learning participating in a ‘pod’ Pods

In addition and supplementing A substitute for attending regular regular schooling school or virtual/remote learning

19% among those that No, but we're looking looking to join a ‘pod’ 62% 38% to form or join a 'pod'

S L I D E / 22 Parents willing to pay nearly $140 each month per child to participate in a EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION learning pod.

What would you be able and willing to spend, on a monthly basis, to participate in a single learning pod per child? School Parents among those interested in or participating in a ‘pod’ $138.98 Learning on average Pods Per child / per month $1.00 $285.00 minimum maximum per child / per month per child / per month

S L I D E / 23 Parents are moderately likely to seek out tutoring for their children outside of

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER regular school hours. The same demo groups that are more likely to be POLLING PRESENTATION interested in learning ‘pods’ are also more likely to seek out tutoring.

This school year, to what extent are you more or less likely to seek out tutoring for your child/children – outside of regular school hours? School Parents % Very Likely % Total School Parents % By Demographic

Very Likely 16% K-4 Parents 40% High Income $75K+ 5-8 Parents

Tutoring Somewhat Likely 32% Middle Income $35K to < $75K 9-12 Parents

0%

Not That Likely 22%

Low Income Charter School < $35K

Not At All Likely 21%

District School Home School

Don't know / S L I D E / 24 9% No opinion Private School EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education

Contents Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Perceptions of Teachers Unions

5 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 25 School parents, especially when thinking about their local school district, are EDCHOICE NOVEMBER more optimistic than non-parents about the direction K-12 Education is POLLING PRESENTATION currently going.

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track? % Right Direction

In your local school district In your state Nationwide

Total School Total School Total School Parents 48% Parents 40% Parents 32% Direction of Education K-4 Parents 49% K-4 Parents 41% K-4 Parents 36%

5-8 Parents 46% 5-8 Parents 39% 5-8 Parents 28%

9-12 Parents 46% 9-12 Parents 38% 9-12 Parents 28%

Non-Parents 27% Non-Parents 28% Non-Parents 21%

S L I D E / 26 Americans are feeling much less optimistic about the direction of education EDCHOICE NOVEMBER across all levels in November, compared to previous months. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track? All Adults % Right Direction

Local School District State Nationwide

50% 46% 45% 41% 44% 42% 39% 40% 40% 38% 38% 37% 39% 38% Direction of 35% 38% 38% 36% 35% 37% 35% 35% 33% Education 33% 36% 30% 31% 33% 33% 31% 32% 31% 29% 30% 25% 28% 28%

20% 22% 23%

15%

10%

5%

0% S L I D E / 27 January February March April May June July August September October November Americans continue to believe its most important that K-8 students learn core

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER academics and high school students learn skills for future employment. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade/High School? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults % Extremely Important

Grades K-8 Grades 9-12 Average % selected Extremely Important 43% Average % selected Extremely Important 50%

Purpose of Core academic subjects (58%) Skills for future employment (63%)

Education Socialization (49%) Core academic subjects (58%)

Become independent thinkers (45%) Become independent thinkers (57%)

How to be good citizens (45%) How to be good citizens (51%)

Skills for future employment (40%) Socialization (47%)

Values, moral character, religious virtues (40%) Values, moral character, religious virtues (44%)

To fix social problems (25%) To fix social problems (32%)

S L I D E / 28 Americans continue to set higher expectations for high school students

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER compared to K-8 students. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade/High School? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults Average % Selected Extremely Important Grades K-8 Grades 9-12 60% 55% 53% 53% 53% 51% 51% 49% 50% 49% 50% 50% 47%

47% 46% 45% Purpose of 40% 44% 43% 44% 43% 43% Education 42% 42% 41% 30%

20%

10%

0% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 29 Adults continue to believe it’s most important for grades K-8 to focus on core

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER academics. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults Extremely Very Important Somewhat Not That Not At All Don't Know/ No Important Important Important Important Opinion

Core academic subjects (e.g. reading, math, science) 58% 26% 10% 3%

How to interact with others 49% 30% 16% 3% Purpose of (socialization) Education: K-8 How to be good citizens 45% 31% 17% 3% 4%

To become independent thinkers 45% 31% 16% 3%3%

Skills for future employment 40% 26% 20% 8% 3%3%

Values, moral character, or religious virtues 40% 28% 18% 6% 3% 5%

S L I D E / 30 To fix social problems 25% 22% 26% 13% 8% 5% Americans still think that grades 9-12 should focus on skills for future

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER employment. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during High School (9th through 12th grade)? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults Extremely Very Important Somewhat Not That Not At All Don't Know/ No Important Important Important Important Opinion

Skills for future employment 63% 23% 9% 3%

Core academic subjects (e.g. 58% 25% 11% 3% Purpose of reading, math, science) Education: High School To become independent thinkers 57% 27% 10% 3%

How to be good citizens 51% 28% 14% 3% 4%

How to interact with others (socialization) 47% 30% 15% 3% 3%

Values, moral character, or religious virtues 44% 26% 16% 6% 4% 5%

S L I D E / 31 To fix social problems 32% 25% 23% 9% 7% 4% Americans continue to be more likely to trust personal sources like teachers EDCHOICE NOVEMBER and parents to make good decisions about education. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education?

All Adults A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

Teachers 46% 39% 11% 4%

Trust in Parents 40% 43% 13% 4%

Education School Principals 26% 52% 16% 5% Decision Makers State Department of Education 23% 48% 22% 8%

School District Superintendents 21% 51% 21% 7%

U.S. Department of Education 21% 44% 24% 10%

School Boards 20% 49% 24% 8%

State Legislature and/or S L I D E / 32 Governor 17% 43% 27% 13% School parents also continue to be most likely to trust personal sources like EDCHOICE NOVEMBER teachers and parents to make good decisions about education. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education?

School Parents A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

Teachers 51% 38% 8% 3%

Trust in Parents 50% 42% 8%1%

Education School Principals 35% 50% 11% 4% Decision Makers State Department of Education 29% 48% 16% 7%

U.S. Department of Education 28% 44% 19% 9%

School District Superintendents 27% 52% 16% 6%

School Boards 27% 48% 19% 6%

State Legislature and/or S L I D E / 33 Governor 21% 44% 25% 10% Overall, parents are satisfied with their experiences across school types. Those EDCHOICE NOVEMBER with children attending private schools are most likely to be very satisfied. POLLING PRESENTATION

To what extent are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your child's/children's experiences with the following types of schooling? School Parents

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Don't Know / No Opinion Total Satisfaction

Private School – Non-religious, 69% 27% 3% Satisfaction Secular 96%

Private School – Religious, with 63% 28% 4%3% 91% Schooling Parochial Home School 53% 33% 9% 4% 86%

Public Charter School (often 86% called 'Charter School') 47% 39% 11% 3%

Public District School – Inside 82% your school district 37% 45% 13% 4%

Public District School – Outside 77% of your school district 38% 39% 12% 6% 5%

S L I D E / 34 Americans, especially school parents of younger children, continue to believe EDCHOICE NOVEMBER that government spending per student is much lower than actual expenditures. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much do you think is spent per year on each student in your state’s public schools? Your estimate of the state average–to the nearest thousand dollars–will represent the combined expenditures of local, state, and federal governments.

Median estimate FY17 State Actuals Maximum $23,091 Mean $12,521 Minimum $7,179

$5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 School Spending Estimate $3,500 $3,000 $3,000

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Conservative Liberal Moderate S L I D E / 35 Parents FY17 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics = $1,000 When given actual spending information, Americans, school parents, and non-

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER parents are all less likely to believe school spending per student is ‘too low’. POLLING PRESENTATION

On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public school Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is: each year. Do you believe public school funding is:

Too Low About Right Too High

Without Information With Information

Adults 51% 37% 12% Adults 32% 42% 25% School Funding

Total School Total School Parents 54% 35% 11% Parents 35% 45% 21%

Non-Parents 53% 34% 12% Non-Parents 33% 44% 23%

S L I D E / 36

State Per Pupil Spending Source: National Center for Education Statistics The proportion of Americans that indicate spending is too low has increased

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER once again after seeing a slight downtick in October. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is: On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public school each year. Do you believe public school funding is: All Adults % Too Low Without Information With Information 80%

70% 64% School 60% 61% 60% 57% 54% 54% Funding 52% 51% 51% 50% 49% 50%

47% 40% 40% 40% 36% 30% 35% 31% 31% 32% 32% 28% 28% 20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 37 January February March April May June July August September October November Americans continue to believe that their state’s teachers make less than even EDCHOICE NOVEMBER the lowest state average. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much do you think is the average teacher salary in your state’s public schools?

Median estimate FY17 State Actuals Maximum $83,585 Mean $57,282 Minimum $43,107 Teacher $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 Salary $37,500 $35,545 $36,794 Estimate $35,000

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Conservative Liberal Moderate Parents S L I D E / 38 FY17 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics = $10,000 Americans continue to be less likely (-17 points) to say teacher salaries should 9a EDCHOICE NOVEMBER increase when given a publicly reported statistic. POLLING PRESENTATION On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual Do you think that public school teacher salaries average salary of $____ per student attending public school each year. in your state should: Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should:

Increase Stay About the Same Decrease

Without Information With Information

Adults 64% 29% 7% Adults 47% 42% 11% Teacher Salaries

Total School Total School Parents 66% 29% 5% Parents 51% 40% 9%

Non-Parents 68% 26% 6% Non-Parents 43% 45% 12%

S L I D E / 39

State Teacher Salary Source: National Center for Education Statistics The gap between those that received and did not receive information about EC19a EDCHOICE NOVEMBER teacher salaries continues to hold steady. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should: On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual average salary of $____ per student attending public school each year. Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should: All Adults % Increase Without Information With Information 90%

80% 74% 70% 70% 68% Teacher 66% 70% 64% 64% 64% 65% 64% 67% Salaries 60%

50% 55% 50% 51% 50% 47% 48% 48% 47% 40% 45%

30%

20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 40 February March April May June July August September October November Without cost and transportation being factors, school parents, especially those of a EDCHOICE NOVEMBER older students, would be more likely to select a private school for their child. POLLING PRESENTATION If given the option, and neither financial costs nor transportation were If given the option, what type of school would you select in order to factors, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best obtain the best education for your child? education for your child? Charter School Private School Regular Public School Home School Don’t Know/No (Religious, Parochial + (Inside + Outside School (or Public Charter Opinion Non-Religious) District) School) Preference without cost & Preference transportation factors

Adults 30% 37% 9%8% 16% Adults 34% 34% 10%6% 16% Preferred Schooling Total School Parents 36% 45% 8%7%4% Total School Parents 39% 36% 10%8%8% Type K-4 Parents 38% 44% 9%6% K-4 Parents 36% 40% 10%8%6%

5-8 Parents 36% 43% 8%7% 5-8 Parents 45% 26% 8%9%12%

9-12 Parents 31% 49% 9%6%5% 9-12 Parents 42% 33% 12%9%

Non-Parents 21% Non-Parents 28% 31% 11% 7% 23% 31% 34% 11%4% S L I D E / 41 In November, there was a slight increase in parent’s feelings towards time spent

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER on standardized tests being ‘too high’. There was also a slight decrease in their POLLING PRESENTATION feelings on time spent being ‘about right’.

All public schools and most private schools give their students standardized tests during the school year. When thinking about students preparing for and taking these tests, in general, do you believe the amount of time spent on standardized testing in American schools is: School Parents Too Low About Right Too High 60%

50% 44% 43% 42% 42% Standardized 40% 40% 39% 39% Testing 40% 37% 39% 38% 37% 37% 34% 35% 35% 35% 30% 32% 31% 29% 29% 28%

20% 21% 20% 19% 20% 17% 17% 18% 14% 15% 15% 15% 10%

0% S L I D E / 42 January February March April May June July August September October November EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education

Contents Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Perceptions of Teachers Unions

5 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 43 All demographics continue to experience a lift in support for charter schools

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER once given a description. POLLING PRESENTATION

Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'charter schools' in K–12 education? Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

74% 74% 74% 71% 69% Charter 66% 63% 62% 62% 61% 60% 60% 58% School 55% 49% Favorability 47% 48% 43%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 44 Parents Americans’ overall support of charter schools continues to hold steady.

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 50% 45% 45% 43% 41% 41% 41% 42% 42% 39% 39% 39% 40% Charter 37% 35% School 30% Favorability 24% 24% 24% 25% 23% 22% 22% 22% 22% 21% 19% 19% 20% 14% 14% 15% 13% 13% 13% 12% 11% 12% 11% 11% 12% 10%

5% 8% 8% 8% 6% 6% 7% 6% 6% 7% 7% 6% 0% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 45

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Among school parents, soft support for charter schools is up eight points

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER since last month. POLLING PRESENTATION

Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support

50% 47% 45% 44% 45% 43% 43% 41% 39% 40% 39% 39% 40% Charter 36% 35% School 30% 33% 32% 31% Favorability 29% 30% 30% 25% 28% 27% 27% 24% 25% 20%

15% 11% 11% 11% 12% 11% 12% 9% 10% 10% 10% 9% 10% 9% 5% 8% 8% 8% 6% 7% 7% 7% 5% 5% 4% 0% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 46

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Respondents continue to be more supportive of school vouchers when given a

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER description – especially among 9-12 parents and political independents. POLLING PRESENTATION Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'school vouchers' in K–12 education? A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

72% 70% 68% 68% School 66% 62% 60% Voucher 58% 59% 54% Favorability 49% 48% 49% 45% 40% 40% 37% 36%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 47 Parents Soft support for school vouchers grew by four points this month and is back to

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER the level it was at during the summer. POLLING PRESENTATION

A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45%

40% 35% 35% 34% 34% 34% 34% 34% 33% 35% 32% 32% School 31% Voucher 30% 29% 29% 29% 29% 28% 25% 27% 27% 27% Favorability 26% 24% 24% 20% 14% 14% 13% 13% 13% 13% 15% 12% 12% 12% 11% 11% 13% 10% 12% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10% 5%

0% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 48

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Among school parents, strong support for school vouchers has fallen after

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER increasing in the summer months. Other than May-June-July volatility soft POLLING PRESENTATION support continues to hold steady for one-third of parents.

A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45% 41% 39% 39% 40% 38% 36% 35% 34% 35% 38% 33% 33% 33% School 35% 35% 34% 33% 33% 33% 30% 32% 32% Voucher 30% 28% Favorability 25% 27% 20% 14% 14% 15% 12% 12% 12% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 9% 10% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 5% 7%

0% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 49

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. ESA support still rises dramatically across demographics once respondents are EDCHOICE NOVEMBER given information. POLLING PRESENTATION Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'education savings accounts' in K–12 education? An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

78% 77% Education 75% 72% 71% 72% 69% Savings 67% 65% Accounts 59% Favorability 53% 52% 46% 45% 45% 43% 41% 40%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 50 Parents In November, there was a slight uptick in soft support for education savings

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER accounts compared to October. POLLING PRESENTATION An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45% 40% 39% 39% 38% 38% 38% 40% 37% 37% 36% 34% 34% Education 35%

Savings 30% 32% 32% 31% 31% 31% 30% 30% Account 29% 29% 29% 29% 25% Favorability 20%

15%

8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 10% 7% 7% 7%

5% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 0% 3% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 51

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Among School Parents, strong support for education savings accounts has

EDCHOICE NOVEMBER increased slightly in November. POLLING PRESENTATION An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 43% 45% 42% 40% 38% 38% 39% 40% 37% 37% 37% 36% 35% Education 35% 37% 36% 36% 36% 36% 36% 36% 36% 34% Savings 30% 33% 33% Account 25% Favorability 20%

15%

8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 10% 7% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 8% 5% 7% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5% 4% 3% 3% 0% 2% January February March April May June July August September October November

S L I D E / 52

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education

Contents Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Perceptions of Teachers Unions

5 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 53 While Americans are somewhat split on their perception of teachers unions, a EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION slight majority agree “teachers unions represent teachers’ best interests.”

Which of the following do you agree with most even if neither completely matches your opinion?

“Teachers unions represent teachers’ “Teachers unions are interest groups and best interests” advocates, separate from the teaching profession”

All Adults 56% 44%

Total School Parents 60% 40% Perception of K-4 Parents Teachers 56% 44% Unions 5-8 Parents 64% 36%

9-12 Parents 58% 42%

Non-Parents 55% 45%

Republican 49% 51%

Democrat 65% 35%

Independent 53% 47% S L I D E / 54 Americans feel unions are generally more helpful than hurtful, this is EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION especially true among school parents.

To what extent do you feel that teachers unions are helpful or harmful toward… ? Net Helpful (total helpful-total harmful)

All Adults School Parents +56

Teachers +45 Unions +41 Perceived +38 Impact

+22 +22

S L I D E / 55 Teacher professional development School operations Student learning EDCHOICE NOVEMBER Teachers unions are more likely to be perceived prioritizing teachers, rather POLLING PRESENTATION than students, schools, families, or the local community.

Whose interests do you think teachers unions generally prioritize? Select up to 3.

All Adults School Parents

63% 60% Teachers 55% Unions 45% Perceived 43% Interests 35% 30% 28% 27%

19%

8% 9%

All Teachers Teachers union Students Schools Parents/Families Local community S L I D E / 56 members EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education

Contents Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Perceptions of Teachers Unions

5 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 57 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Survey Profile, 1

Dates November 12-18, 2020

Survey Data Collection & Quality Control Morning Consult

Survey Sponsor EdChoice

Population General Population (Adults, Age 18+) Methodology Sampling Frame National sample of adults (age 18+) living in the United States, including the District of Columbia, with an oversample of school parents

Sampling Method Non-Probability, Stratified (based on Age, Gender)

Mode Online Survey

Language English

S L I D E / 58 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Survey Profile, 2

Survey Time Gen Pop Median = 11.75 minutes, Oversample Median = 14 minutes

Sample Size Total, N = 2,200 Gen Pop Adults

Oversampling N=708 School Parents

Quotas Age, Gender Methodology Weighting Age, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Education, Census Region Measure of Precision (adjusted for weighting) ± 2.41 percentage points (Gen Pop), ± 3.74 percentage points (Oversample)

Participation Rate 31.64% (Gen Pop), 9.48% (Oversample)

Methods Page https://edchoice.morningconsultintelligence.com/methodology/

Project Contact Paul DiPerna, paul@edchoice.org

S L I D E / 59 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Unweighted Unweighted Demographics Demographics (N = ) (N = )

Hispanic 139 Total School Parents 1246 White 1841 K-4 Parents 720 Non-Hispanic White 1748 5-8 Parents 506 Black 201 9-12 Parents 436 Non-Parents 836 Other 156 Liberal 600 Generation Z 114 Moderate 687 Demographic Millennial 638 Conservative 775 Generation X 556 Base Sizes Democrat 802 Boomers 774 Independent 573 Male 988 Republican 722 Female 1210 Urban 552 < College 1429 Suburban 994 College + 769 Small Town 217 Northeast 416 Rural 435 Midwest 488 Low Income <$35K 926 South 914 Middle Income $35K to <$75K 717 West 380 High Income $75K+ 555 S L I D E / 60 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Demographics Unweighted Weighted Target (%) Hispanic 6% 16% 16% White 84% 78% 78% Non-Hispanic White 79% n/a n/a Black 9% 12% 12% Other 7% 9% 9% Age: 18-34 26% 30% 30% Demographic Age: 35-44 18% 16% 16% Base Sizes Age: 45-64 34% 34% 34% and Weights Age: 65+ 22% 20% 20% Male 45% 48% 48% Female 55% 52% 52% < College 65% 69% 69% College + 35% 31% 31% Northeast 19% 18% 18% Midwest 22% 21% 21% South 42% 37% 37% West 17% 24% 24% S L I D E / 61 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

Methodology Update

In addition to the monthly general population polling, Morning Consult has begun oversampling K-12 school parents, among a national sample of parents living in the United States (including the District of Columbia). The sample is collected via stratified sampling based on race and ethnicity quota targets Methodology derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 Current Population Survey. Update Approximately 700 additional K-12 school parents are interviewed in English each month comprising the oversample. The completed K-12 school parent interviews are weighted to population totals obtained from the 2016 Current Population Survey on the following demographic variables: age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. Morning Consult has also implemented a pre-administration quota to ensure at least 70 percent of K-12 parent respondents had at least one child attending a public district school.

S L I D E / 62 EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

Have at least one child enrolled in grades K-12 for the Total School Parents 2020-2021 school year

Have at least one child enrolled in a charter school for the Charter School Parents 2020-2021 school year School Have at least one child enrolled in a district/public school Parent District/Public School Parents Definitions for the 2020-2021 school year

Have at least one child enrolled in a private school for the Private School Parents 2020-2021 school year

Have at least one child enrolled in home school for the Home School Parents 2020-2021 school year

S L I D E / 63 Note: Parent groups are not necessarily exclusive, there are cases where a parent could have children enrolled in different school types. EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Based on enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year

67%

School Parents

20%

11% 7%

District School Parents Private School Parents Home School Parents Charter School Parents (N = 841) (N = 143) (N=250) (N = 81)

S L I D E / 64 Note: Parent groups are not necessarily exclusive, there are cases where a parent could have children enrolled in different school types. EDCHOICE NOVEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

% of children enrolled in an IEP % of households with a child enrolled in an IEP

IEP Enrollment 18% 29%

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