Strategic Priority 2 - Goal 4
Objective
Improve school climate survey ratings
Measure
Maryland School Climate student survey
By 2029, the percent of schools perceived as having a favorable learning environment by students will increase from 52% to 88% of the 42 elementary schools, 15% to 40% of the 20 middle schools, and from 0% to 38% of the 13 high schools.
Equity commitment
HCPSS will disaggregate survey scores by student group to ensure equitable access to favorable learning environments for all students.
Annual Targets
Percentage of schools perceived as having a favorable learning environment by students as measured by the Maryland School Survey
| School Level | 2024 Actual | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | 2027 Target | 2028 Target | 2029 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 52% | 60% | 67% | 74% | 81% | 88% |
| Middle | 15% | 20% | 25% | 30% | 35% | 40% |
| High | 0% | 8% | 15% | 23% | 31% | 38% |
Why was this measure selected?
The Maryland State Department of Education requires the use of the Maryland School Climate survey as part of the schools accountability system. The survey measures different aspects of school climate to inform staff about the learning and working environment as perceived by its students and instructional staff because traditional measures of school quality like academic achievement and attendance alone do not provide a complete picture of school quality. (source: MSDE)
How were targets set?
Staff referenced pre-pandemic data and the Maryland State Department of Education Strategic Plan’s 2026 targets for the Maryland School Climate survey to guide target setting. Across the state, secondary schools tended to have low percentages of schools perceived as favorable by students.