Results of the 27th annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher were released today. Here’s a sample of some of the findings from surveys with teachers, students, parents and Fortune 1000 executives. You can check out the whole report here.
- Overall, 54 percent of teachers said that “graduating each and every student from high school ready for college and a career is something that must be done as one of the highest priorities in education.” And another 31 percent said it should be done. But it was a higher priority for urban and rural school teachers, with 57 percent of them saying it had to happen, compared to 48 percent of suburban teachers. Similarly, teachers teaching mostly low-income or minority students were more likely to view this as a “must do” rather than a “should do.”
- In middle school, boys and girls aspire to go to college in equal numbers. But in high school, 83 percent of girls plan on getting a college degree, compared to 72 percent of boys.
- The percentage of middle and high school students who intend to go to college is increasing. In 1988, just 57 percent said it was “very likely they will go to college.” Today, that number is up to 75 percent.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking are seen as the most important skills for college and career readiness, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively and the ability to work independently following closely behind. Things that weren’t seen as overwhelmingly important? Higher-level math and science skills and knowledge of other nations and cultures and international issues. Yet, the study also found that “schools with stronger college-going cultures are more likely to emphasize global awareness.”
