07 February 2006

Sebelius says research will help improve education throughout Kansas
Governor urges participation in survey to help teachers, students

Good teachers are vital to helping ensure students learn and are prepared to enter the workforce. Many factors go into quality teaching, including training and professional development, facilities and support services.

To help measure these factors in Kansas schools, the Teacher Working Conditions Survey project launched last week in every school district in Kansas. The project is being funded by the National Governors’ Association at no cost to taxpayers, and Governor Kathleen Sebelius says it will help improve schools in Kansas.

“We want to help schools focus on student achievement,” Sebelius said. “It’s critical we use information like this to maintain accountability and provide teachers and school leaders with the resources they need to effectively teach our children.”

More than 43,000 teachers, principals, and other education professionals are being invited to participate in a survey about the time, professional development, facilities and other factors needed to support improved student achievement.

Other states that have already participated in this project have learned several important lessons on about how best to target resources and improve schools.

This project was designed by the Kansas State Department of Education, several statewide education organizations and the Governor’s office in collaboration with The Center for Teaching Quality.

Background on the project can be found on the project web site at www.kansastwc.org. As results become available they will be posted online at the same site.