In a charged policy environment, talking about education can be challenging. As discussions about schooling become more prevalent in political campaigns and journalism, factual information can seem more elusive. It’s essential for decision-making about policy to be informed by both research and public opinion.
In early 2014, the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy conducted a public opinion poll—with support from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation—to gain information about views of public education and support for different learning approaches in New England. The poll was administered to a representative sample of residents in the six New England states, including 380 Massachusetts residents, and aligns with a poll conducted by the Rennie Center in 2012. The data in the infographic and below represents selected findings from Massachusetts.
Poll Highlights
Commitment to public education
Public education has long been at the forefront of debates on economic growth and long-term national and state prosperity. Strong public—albeit polarized—support continues to view public education as an essential way forward in Massachusetts.
- Poll results from 2012 and 2014 emphasize a strong commitment to public education in the Commonwealth. For example, in 2014, approximately 96% of Massachusetts residents “strongly agree” or “agree” that public education is necessary for state prosperity.
However, there is a growing divide over the how best to build an effective education system.
- Overall, 56% of Massachusetts residents believe public education in their state is “working well” or needs only “some changes.”
- Yet, compared with two years ago, a greater proportion of residents now think public education in their state needs “major changes” or “a complete overhaul” (45%).
Confidence in decision-makers
CMassachusetts residents still express the greatest confidence in teachers, parents, and local leaders to improve public education, but public opinion may be shifting.
- Remarkably, 90% of Massachusetts residents report “a great deal of confidence” or “some confidence” in teachers to drive improvements in public schools.
- Compared to 2012, confidence in parents (77%) and school and district leaders (76%) has decreased, while confidence in federal policymakers (46%) has grown. Confidence in state leaders (53%) has remained steady
Opinions about learning environments
In more recent years, there has been discussion about shifting definitions of schooling to include non-traditional education models and settings.
- Overall, there is increasing agreement for elements of structured, non-traditional learning environments. A majority of Massachusetts residents “strongly agree” with policies supporting non-traditional learning, including: credit for college courses in K-12 settings (78%); the ability for students to advance to more challenging content on an individual basis (77%); and credit for real world experience during school hours (71%).
Massachusetts residents support communication and critical thinking skills over other skills.
- In 2014, there is stronger support for students to learn collaboration skills (72% think this is “very important”) than 2 years ago, while there is weaker support for traditional subject matter (77% think it is “very important”) than in 2012.
- A large majority in Massachusetts believe students should work at their own pace (82%), rather than advance together (18%).
About the Rennie Center's poll of New England states
This poll was conducted with the generous support of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. The phone poll required 12 minutes, on average. Ninety percent of the respondents completed the survey via landline; ten percent of the respondents completed the survey via cell phone. Cooperation (participation) rates for landline respondents were 98%, and 49% for cell phone respondents. Cell phone respondents were screened so that only those that use a cell phone were included. Statistical comparison between 2012 and 2014 poll results is not available; change from 2012 represents practical change in overall results.