Examination of a Parent School Climate Survey Using Rasch Methodology

• In Event: 65.081 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 65.081-1 - Survey Research in Education SIG Poster Session

Abstract

A favorable school climate provides the structure within which key stakeholders function cooperatively and constructively. South Carolina (SC) collects school climate information from teachers, parents, and students in select grades from all public schools via an annual questionnaire. Information from these surveys is currently reported on school report cards. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the annual climate survey administered to parents. The goals of the project are to examine the Parent Climate instrument using Rasch methodology to examine item-construct coverage, item characteristics, and to evaluate the use of different response alternatives. Finally, climate “factor scores” will be created using Rasch methods and compared across organizational levels to compare parent climate ratings to information presented on report cards.

Authors

• Elizabeth Leighton, University of South Carolina

• Mihaela Ene, University of South Carolina

• Christine DiStefano, University of South Carolina

• Diane M. Monrad, University of South Carolina