This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Northwest Missouri State University

  • myNorthwest

Horizon - Principal Questionaire

          Name:
School Name:

1. Please provide your opinion about each of the following statements regarding science instruction.
Statement Strongly
Agree		 Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Students generally learn best in classes with students of similar abilities.
I am knowledgeable about current national standards in this content area.
I feel well-prepared to support teachers in the implementation of current national standards.
I am willing to accept the noise that comes with an active classroom.
Encouraging student questions is more important than eliciting correct answers.

2. Please provide your opinion about each of the following statements.
Statement Strongly
Agree		 Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Vocation/technology education should have a strong mathematics and science component
Students who are not interested in science careers should be able to opt out of mathematics and science courses after the 10th and 11th grades.
Schools need to provide students who are not interested in science careers course options in science for all of their high school years.
Specialized courses in science should be available for college-bound students.

3. How would you describe your school's progress in moving toward excellence in science education?
Far From Ideal Beginning to Improve   Well Along in Improving   Approaching Ideal

4. Compared to 5 years ago, which best describes the achievement of students in this school?
Much Worse Somewhat Worse About the Same Somewhat Improved Much Improved

5. Please rate each of the following in terms of its importance for effective science instruction.
 Statement Not
Important		 Somewhat Important Fairly
Important		 Very Important
Provide concrete experience before abstract concepts.
Develop students' conceptual understanding of the subject.
Take students' prior understanding of subject matter into account when planning curriculum and instruction.
Make connections to other disciplines.
Have students work in cooperative learning groups.
Have students participate in appropriate hands-on activities.
Engage students in inquiry-oriented activities.
Use calculators.
Use computers.
Engage students in applications of subject matter in a variety of contexts.
Use performance-based assessment.
Use portfolios.
Use informal questioning to assess student understanding.

6. Please rate the effect of each of the following on science instruction in your school.
 Statement No Effect Little Effect Some Effect Pronounced Effect Great Effect Don't Know
State and/or district curriculum frameworks.
State and/or district testing policies and practices.
District/school grading policies and practices.
District/school structures for recognizing and rewarding teachers.
Counseling department policies and practices.
College placement tests.
Quality of available instructional materials.
Access to calculators for science instruction.
Access to computers for science instruction.
Funds for purchasing equipment and supplies for science.
System of managing instructional resources at the district or school level.
Time available for teachers to plan and prepare lessons.
Time available for teachers to work with other teachers.
Importance that the school places on science.
Consistency of science reform efforts with other school/district reforms.
Public attitudes toward reform.