Education

Parents Give Standardized Testing A Failing Grade

Parents of school-age children object even more strongly to the increasing emphasis on standardized testing in schools, but they’re not so sure students should be able to opt out of the tests.

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The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on February 21-22, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Favor Free Community College If It’s Cost-Free to Them

Voters tend to like President Obama’s idea of free community college for millions of students - as long as it doesn’t cost them anything.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a new government program that would make community college tuition-free. Thirty-nine percent (39%) are opposed. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 9-10, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Don't Want to Pay More Taxes for Schools

Just one-in-three Americans rate the performance of the nation's schools positively, but most are not willing to pay more taxes in order to generate additional money for schools.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 30% of American Adults rate the performance of elementary and secondary schools in America today as good or excellent. Forty-three percent (43%) rate schools as being fair, while 24% rate them poorly.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 22-23, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Bullying - School Problem or One for Parents to Deal With?

Bullying remains a serious issue for Americans, but now more are saying it's a problem for the schools, not parents, to handle.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think bullying in schools is a bigger problem today than it was in the past, although that's down from 61% four years ago. Seventeen percent (17%) say bullying in schools is less of a problem, up from nine percent (9%) last October. For 26%, the problem is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 8-9, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Favor a Government College Rating System

President Obama plans to implement a government rating system that will tie a college's performance in several areas including the earning power of its graduates to federal student financial aid. While Americans like the idea of a government rating system for colleges, they don’t trust the government to do it fairly.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of American Adults favor a government college rating system. Twenty-eight percent (28%) oppose such a rating system, while 22% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 23-24, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

33% Say Government Should Forgive Student Loans After A Certain Period of Time

President Obama recently announced that he will use his executive power to expand debt relief programs for those with student loans, including loan forgiveness after 10 or 20 years in the workforce. Americans are only slightly more supportive of forgiving loans after a given period of time than they are of forgiving all student loans, and most say lowering tuition costs would do more for college students than making loans easier to access.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 21% of American Adults think the federal government should forgive all student loans. This finding is unchanged in surveys going to back to 2011. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of adults think the federal government should not forgive all students loans, also in line with findings from 2011. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 23-24, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% Say There’s Too Much Emphasis on Standardized Testing in Schools

Americans continue to believe standardized testing should not be the chief measure of how well a school is performing. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American Adults think schools place too much emphasis on standardized testing these days. That's up five points from 49% in November. Only 17% don’t think schools place enough emphasis on standardized testing, while just as many (15%) think the level of emphasis is about right. Another 14% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 21-22, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 27% Think SATs Should Be a Major Factor in College Admission

The College Board has announced that they are revamping the SATs for the second time in a decade. But most Americans don’t think the SATs are an accurate reflection of a student’s abilities, nor do they believe they should be a major factor in college admissions.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 21% of American Adults think that, generally speaking, the results of standardized tests like the SATs are an accurate reflection of a student’s knowledge and intelligence. Sixty-two percent (62%) disagree, while18% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on March 7-8, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Think Summer Off from School Is Good for Kids

Americans think children need to spend more time in school but not at the expense of summer vacation. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of American Adults still think American children need to spend more time in school. Thirty-three percent (33%) disagree, while 15% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on January 30-31, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

60% Are Unwilling to Pay More in Taxes to Fund Pre-K Schooling

President Obama in his State of Union address renewed his call for expanded early childhood education, an initiative several states have already devoted funding to. Most Americans agree with the president that mandatory early childhood education is likely to improve student performance but are unwilling to pay any extra money to fund it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Adults favor mandatory pre-kindergarten schooling for all children in America beginning at age four. Forty-three percent (43%) oppose such a requirement. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 30-31, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

39% Think Common Core Standards Likely to Improve Student Achievement

Forty-five states have adopted new national education standards known as Common Core, and nearly half of Americans think that's a good idea. But fewer adults are confident that the new standards will improve student achievement.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults favor requiring all schools nationwide to meet the same Common Core education standards. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are opposed, while nearly as many (23%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)  

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

56% Oppose Use of Standardized Tests as Chief Measure of School Performance

Standardized testing is increasingly becoming the norm in school districts to determine how well a school and its teachers are doing, but most Americans oppose that practice.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 28% of American Adults think student scores on standardized tests should be the major factor in determining how well a school is doing. Twice as many (56%) disagree with the use of these tests as the chief measurement. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

66% Think High School Graduates Lack Skills for College or Job

Voters continue to believe strongly that high school graduates lack the necessary skills to enter college or the workforce.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 66% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that most high school graduates are unprepared for college. Only 18% disagree, while 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Have Favorable Opinion of Teachers Unions

Americans are closely divided on whether it’s good or bad that most public school teachers belong to labor unions and share mixed opinions on those unions in general. But most continue to believe it’s too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

Forty percent (40%) of American Adults have a favorable opinion of teachers unions, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-five percent (45%) view teachers unions unfavorably. These findings include 13% with Very Favorable opinions of teachers unions and 24% with Very Unfavorable ones. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

18% Think Federal Government Should Regulate School Food

With school back in session for most children, first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign is back in the spotlight, but only 18% of Americans think the federal government should have a say in nutritional standards at schools.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Adults believe school nutritional standards should be set locally, with 36% who feel parent-teacher groups should do it and 16% who believe it should be up to local governments. This marks a seven-point shift in favor of local control from 45% in March who favored parent-teacher groups or local governments making the call. Fourteen percent (14%) think state governments should set the standards. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 30-31, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

57% Favor Sales Tax Holidays

Eighteen states currently offer a “sales tax holiday” – a brief suspension of sales taxes – at this time of year to encourage back-to-school shopping, and most Americans like the idea.

Fifty-seven percent of American Adults favor these so-called sales tax holidays, while 20% are opposed, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-three percent (23%) are undecided. These findings show little change from two years ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

41% Favor School Uniform Requirement

An increasing number of public schools are requiring their students to wear uniforms, and opposition to such a requirement has fallen. 

Forty-one percent (41%) of American Adults think students should be required to wear uniforms to school, generally unchanged in surveys since August 2008. Forty-seven percent (47%) oppose a school uniform requirement, but that's down from 50% last year and 53% in 2011. Twelve percent (12%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

53% Think School Shouldn’t Open Until After Labor Day

While many schools are already back in session, most adults still think the school year shouldn’t start until after Labor Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of American Adults believe the school year should begin in August, the way it has in recent years in many jurisdictions. But 53% disagree and say it shouldn’t start until after Labor Day. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

59% Favor Government Subsidies to Keep Student Loan Costs Down

As Congress continues to struggle over a plan for government-backed student loans, most Americans think the government should be providing subsidies to keep those costs lower for students. Adults also feel more strongly that student loans should cover the cost of any college a student chooses.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe government subsidies should be used to keep costs lower on student loan interest rates. Thirty percent (30%) think student loan interest rates should be the same as for regular loans. Another 11% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

53% Believe Availability of Student Loans Has Driven Up College Tuitions

Last week the U.S. Senate was unable to pass a bill that would have returned subsidized Stafford Loans for low- and middle-income college students to a lower interest rate that expired July 1. But most Americans think lower tuitions are better for college students than easier access to student loans, and they blame those loans for pushing up college costs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 81% of American Adults believe that lowering tuition costs would do more to help college students than giving them easier access to student loans. Just nine percent (9%) take the opposite view and think easing access to loans would be more helpful. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on July 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.