兰德-Results-from-the-Teach-For-America-2017-National-Principal-Survey_-School-Leader-Perspectives-on-Induction,-Support,-and-School-Partnerships_117页_790kb

Teach For America 2017 National Principal Survey Summary

Core Content Overview

This report summarizes the findings from the 2017 National Principal Survey conducted by Teach For America (TFA) in collaboration with the RAND Corporation. The survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of TFA's program and gather insights to improve teacher induction, support, and school partnerships. It collected responses from over 1,100 principals across the United States who employed TFA corps members, resulting in a 43% response rate.

Main Findings

Principal Satisfaction with Corps Members

• Overall Satisfaction: 86% of principals reported satisfaction with TFA corps members at their schools.
• Positive Contributions: Principals noted that corps members positively impacted student growth, contributed to a collaborative professional culture, built strong relationships, and demonstrated leadership.
• Comparison with Previous Surveys: This represents an increase in satisfaction compared to the 2015 survey and the reversal of a declining trend observed in prior years.

Hiring Intentions

• Future Hiring: 82% of principals indicated they would be willing to hire another TFA corps member if there was a teaching vacancy.
• Recommendations: 88% of participants would recommend hiring corps members to other principals.

Concerns About Hiring

• Classroom Management Skills: A significant concern for principals.
• Two-Year Commitment: The limited duration of TFA corps members' commitment was also a concern.
• Retention Rate: Over 25% of principals cited these issues as reasons not to hire TFA corps members in the future.

Training and Support

• Familiarity with TFA Programs: 92% of principals were familiar with at least one component of TFA's training and support, including summer institutes, coaching, and group professional development.
• Satisfaction with Support: 88% of principals who were familiar with the support were satisfied with it.

Key Groups of Principals

TFA Alumni Principals

• Lower Satisfaction: TFA alumni principals were significantly less likely to report satisfaction with corps members' classroom environments and teaching abilities.
• Hiring Influence: Alumni status was associated with different hiring decisions and perceptions of corps member preparation.

Charter School Principals

• Lower Satisfaction: Charter school principals also reported lower satisfaction with corps members compared to non-charter school leaders.
• Hiring Decisions: Charter school status influenced hiring decisions and perceptions of corps member preparation.

Recommendations

1. Investigate Principal Dissatisfaction

   • Conduct interviews or focus groups with dissatisfied principals, especially TFA alumni and charter school leaders, to understand the root causes of dissatisfaction.

2. Address Concerns About Classroom Management and Retention

   • Communicate with principals about corps member retention rates and classroom management skills.
   • Provide follow-up interviews or focus groups to better understand specific concerns and improve support systems.

3. Improve Principal Understanding of TFA Training and Support

   • Educate principals on all aspects of TFA's training and support programs to help them leverage these resources effectively.
   • Highlight the value of summer institutes, coaching, and professional development opportunities.

Conclusion

The survey results indicate that principals are generally satisfied with TFA corps members and the support they receive. However, there are notable differences in satisfaction levels among TFA alumni and charter school principals. TFA should focus on addressing concerns related to classroom management and retention while enhancing principal awareness of the full range of training and support provided.

Key Information

• TFA Overview: TFA recruits recent graduates and professionals to teach in high-needs schools, aiming to close racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps.
• Program Size: As of 2016-2017, TFA had 7,000 corps members and over 50,000 alumni, serving more than 10 million students.
• Training Components: Includes summer institutes, coaching, and professional development, with variation by region and school district.
• Funding Sources: TFA is funded through a mix of federal, foundation, and corporate sources, with a significant portion from private donations.