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2021-22 School Climate Survey Results

Results are in from the Bethlehem Central School District’s 2021-22 School Climate Survey. More than 2,700 people participated in the survey, including 1,849 students in grades 5-12 from the district’s seven schools. The 72-question survey included responses about school safety, facilities, peer relations, social and emotional support, alcohol and drug use, and school discipline. The student survey results provide the first comprehensive look at how students’ perceptions and experiences are being shaped by the COVID pandemic. The 2021-22 survey was administered at the height of the Omicron surge in mid-January.

“When we saw the alarming increase in COVID cases due to Omicron, we had considered delaying the School Climate Survey but decided to proceed,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “We went ahead knowing that the survey results could be negatively impacted by another COVID wave. We were prepared to see results from students that reflected some of our own anxiety of living and working in uncertain times. Yet, what we discovered in looking at the data is a student population that still feels safe, supported and engaged at school.”

Despite nearly two full years of learning against the backdrop of the pandemic, Bethlehem students still report feeling a strong sense of belonging to the school community. In 2021-22, students continue to be actively involved in extracurricular activities and are supported by faculty and staff with whom they have a positive rapport. Data reflecting the positive relationships between staff and students were largely unchanged or slightly improved since the last full-scale School Climate Survey was administered in December 2019, before the pandemic began.

In the 2019-20 School Climate Survey, the student results showed some concerning data in the areas of peer relationships and substance abuse. The most recent survey data show small increases in positive responses regarding student-to-student relationships and some significant increases in positive data involving substance abuse. 

“We continue to look closely at those areas where students are registering concern as well as where our staff needs more support and how we can improve the connections between school and home,” said Superintendent Monroe. “With a survey of this size, the data can tell many stories. 

“The most important things we are seeing is that our students are resilient in the face of great challenges and that our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to make sure students have the tools they need to succeed academically and socially,” said Monroe. “We continue to examine all aspects of the data and the results have been shared with building leaders and department heads so it can be used to help guide decision making at the district, school and department levels.”

Participation in the School Climate Survey was voluntary. It was offered to students during the school day the week of Jan. 10, 2022. In addition to the student survey, parents and staff — both instructional and support staff — answered similar surveys during a two-week period in January.

Overall:

Student Survey Results by School (Grades 5-12):

If you can not access these PDFs, please contact the BCSD Communications Office at 518-439-3650.

“We were surprised and pleased with the positive results this year — especially from our students — given the challenges of the pandemic,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “In the short-term, as we begin the budget process, this information helps us better align priorities, staffing and resources with the areas of greatest need. In the long-term, it helps us identify trends and set goals.”

    Superintendent Monroe said several data points within the School Climate Survey are used as metrics as part of the district’s five-year Strategic Plan. Demographic data included as part of the survey is also providing the district with a way to measure progress in goals set forth as part of the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Monroe said this year’s demographic data is supporting DEI work that has been ongoing since 2016.

    “We have a lot of work to do to make sure every individual in our district feels affirmed and valued,” said Superintendent Monroe. “However, this year’s student data is showing that we are moving in the right direction as we endeavor to become a more culturally proficient school district. This is challenging work but there are small rewards in the responses we are seeing from students. This is good news for everyone in school community and it reflects the concerted efforts of faculty and staff to build a better BC. They are committed to this cause and they are making change happen for the students of today, and for the students of tomorrow.”

    Highlights of the survey responses from each stakeholder group can be found below. For comparison, data from the 2019-20 School Climate Survey (administered in Dec. 2019) is shown after each entry.

    Student Survey Highlights

    Percentage of individuals responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”

    • 86% of students say they feel safe at school (90% – 2019)
    • 81% of students say they are happy to be at school (80% – 2019)
    • 82% of students say they feel socially accepted (84% – 2019)
    • 90% say teachers are available when they need to talk to them (87% – 2019)
    • 74% say they are involved in sports, clubs, and other school activities (75% – 2019)
    • 90% say they have lots of chances to be part of class discussions or activities (91% – 2019)
    • 48% say they believe the school is comfortable all year round (44% – 2019)
    • 24% say they know students who use/try alcohol or drugs while at school or school-sponsored events (33% – 2019)
    • 39% say they know students at this school who think it is okay to smoke cigarettes or vape (52% – 2019)
    • 31% say they know students at this school who think it is okay to get drunk (43% – 2019)
    • 33% say they know students at this school who think it is okay to try drugs (46% – 2019)
    • 32% say they know students who often spread mean rumors or lies about others at this school on the internet (35% – 2019)
    • 59% say students talk about the importance of understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others (52% – 2019)
    • 93% of students say people of different cultural backgrounds, races, or ethnicities get along well at school (92% – 2019)

    Student Survey Highlights by Demographic Subgroup

    Percentage of individuals responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” from the following demographic subgroups: Asian American, Hispanic, Black/African American, White

    • Q. This school provides instructional materials that reflect my cultural background, race and ethnicity.
      • Asian American (70.2% – 2022; 63.4% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (69.4% – 2022; 68.6% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (70.9% – 2022; 56.7% – 2019)
      • White (85.8% – 2022; 84.8% – 2019)
    • Q. Adults at this school treat all students respectfully.
      • Asian American (80.4% – 2022; 78.6% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (75.0% – 2022; 66.7% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (78.8% – 2022; 63.3% – 2019)
      • White (76.6% – 2022; 72.9% – 2019)
    • Q. People of different cultural backgrounds, races, or ethnicities get along well at this school.
      • Asian American (89.9% – 2022; 89.7% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (88.8% – 2022; 84.9% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (88.5% – 2022; 80.6% – 2019)
      • White (92.9% – 2022; 93.1% – 2019)
    • Q. I feel like I am part of this school.
      • Asian American (83.7% – 2022; 80.3% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (71.0% – 2022; 72.9% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (75.6% – 2022; 70.5% – 2019)
      • White (81.6% – 2022; 82.6% – 2019)
    • Q. School rules are applied equally to all students.
      • Asian American (77.8% – 2022; 68.4% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (75.2% – 2022; 62.1% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (69.8% – 2022; 60.8% – 2019)
      • White (72.2% – 2022; 64.9% – 2019)
    • Q. Discipline is fair.
      • Asian American (77.8% – 2022; 68.4% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (75.2% – 2022; 62.1% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (69.8% – 2022; 60.8% – 2019)
      • White (72.2% – 2022; 64.9% – 2019)
    • Q. Students are teased or picked on about their race or ethnicity.
      • Asian American (21.7% – 2022; 26.4% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (21.3% – 2022; 22.9% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (28.7% – 2022; 31.2% – 2019)
      • White (17.9% – 2022; 15.7% – 2019)
    • Q. Students are teased or picked on about their cultural background or religion.
      • Asian American (16.9% – 2022; 23.0% – 2019)
      • Hispanic (22.2% – 2022; 23.4% – 2019)
      • Black/African American (27.9% – 2022; 23.7% – 2019)
      • White (17.0% – 2022; 13.3% – 2019)

    Staff Survey Highlights – Instructional

    Percentage of individuals responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”

    • 96% of teachers say they feel safe at school (97% – 2019)
    • 96% say students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (98% – 2019)
    • 90% of teachers say people at this school care about me as a person (92% – 2019)
    • 90% of teachers say they feel like they belong (93% – 2019)
    • 86% say the school inspires them to do the very best at their jobs (90% – 2019)
    • 91% of teachers say they feel responsible to help each other do their best (89% – 2019)
    • 86% of teachers say there are adequate programs and resources to support students with special needs or disabilities (88% – 2019)
    • 59% of teachers say they think that cyberbullying is a frequent problem among students (47% – 2019)

    Staff Survey Highlights – Support Staff

    Percentage of individuals responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”

    • 95% of support staff say students get along with staff (98% – 2019)
    • 89% of support staff say they the school is an inviting work environment (90% – 2019)
    • 80% of support staff say they feel like they belong (81% – 2019)
    • 95% of support staff say they feel safe at school (100% – 2019)
    • 86% of support staff say staff at their building get along (84% – 2019)
    • 89% of support staff say their school is an inviting work environment (90% – 2019)
    • 82% of support staff say there is a feeling of trust among the staff (77% – 2019)
    • 85% of support staff say school rules are applied equally to all students (85% – 2019)

    Parent Survey Highlights

    Percentage of individuals responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”

    • 94% say the school notifies parents or guardians effectively in the case of a schoolwide emergency (90% – 2019)
    • 91% say the school takes effective measures to ensure the safety of students (92% – 2019)
    • 92% of parents say they feel their child is safe at school (93% – 2019)
    • 80% say the school encourages them to be an active partner in educating their child (80% – 2019)
    • 74% say the school has quality programs for their child’s talents, gifts, or special needs (79% – 2019)
    • 80% of parents say staff at the school care about what families think (81% – 2019)
    • 47% say they hear from the school when their child does something good at school (43% – 2019)