Culture and Climate

In continuation of our efforts to support the academic and personal well-being of each WGSD student, district surveys will be administered to students in grades 3-12, families, and staff. Surveys will solicit participants' perspectives about learning strategies, culture and climate, and experiences in the classroom and/or school.

The surveys will allow for students, families and staff to offer feedback specifically about school safety, their sense of belonging, teacher-student relationships, cultural awareness and diversity and inclusion.

What information does DESE require for surveys?
We are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  to administer surveys of our choosing aimed towards school improvement. The first cycle of Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6) occured in the 2022-2023 school year. The continuous improvement domain contains a climate and culture component that includes surveying students, staff and parents to obtain feedback to be analyzed in planning and developing the school district’s Continuous Improvement Plan. The climate and culture survey must address the following three essential indicators: student voices are heard and respected, school culture and climate data and reports are provided to stakeholders, and educator teams address positive classroom learning environments.

Who does the district partner with to develop the surveys?
WGSD partners with Panorama Education to collect and analyze data about social-emotional learning, school climate, family engagement and more. With research-backed surveys and a leading technology platform, Panorama helps educators act on data and improve student outcomes. Panorama supports more than 10 million students in 17,000 schools and 1,500 districts across 49 states. To learn more about Panorama Education, visit www.panoramaed.com.

How was the survey developed?
WGSD leadership and staff developed the questions partnering with Panorama Education. The research team followed a rigorous survey development process that involved multiple rounds of piloting and refinement, following cognitive interviews with students, an extensive review of survey literature, and feedback from experts around the country.

What does the survey measure?
The culture and climate survey is designed to capture student voice and allow students to express their perspectives about teaching and learning, culture and climate, and their classroom experiences. The Student Supports and Environments portion of the survey allows for students to offer feedback specifically about school safety, their sense of belonging, teacher-student relationships, cultural awareness, and diversity and inclusion.

Why does this survey ask students questions on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion?
Student data on diversity, equity and inclusion is helpful to better understand and analyze trends in our schools and district. The culture and climate survey provides students with an opportunity to share authentic feedback about their experiences in the WGSD. The data provided from these surveys will be used to help inform our professional development and school improvement plans, as well as enhance the district’s overall ability to meet the needs of all students. 

How will the survey results benefit WGSD?
The primary purpose of the survey is to understand students, families, and staff perspectives. District leadership, school administrators, and staff review the overview data to understand areas of strength and growth opportunities to better serve students and staff and to provide targeted student support. By utilizing culture and climate surveys, WGSD is able to better monitor the progress towards improvement across the district, specifically as it relates to social-emotional development and school climate. 

Are there questions included in the survey that ask about the mental health of my student?
No. Culture and climate surveys administered by WGSD and Panorama are not designed for nor should be used to identify students who require mental health or trauma treatment. The purpose of the survey is to help educators understand students’ general social-emotional needs and strengths.

Will this impact my student’s grades if they don’t take the survey?
No. There is no credit or grade which is given to students for participating or not participating. The survey is totally voluntary.

Are there questions included in the survey that ask about the political or religious beliefs of my student?
No. Culture and climate surveys administered by WGSD and Panorama do not ask about political or religious affiliation or belief.

Click here for more Frequently Asked questions.
Click here for survey logistics, including information on how to exclude your child from taking the survey.