PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHER QUESTIONNAIRE

SCHOOLS AND STAFFING SURVEY

2003-04 SCHOOL YEAR

FORM SASS-4B

Conducted by:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

(7-21-03)

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS Economics and Statistics Administration

OMB No. 1850-0598: Approval Expires 08/31/2004

NOTICE

This survey is authorized by Title I, Part E, Sections

151(b) and 153(a) of Public Law 107-279, the Education

Sciences Reform Act of 2002.

THIS SURVEY HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY:

Please note all name and address changes on page 3

420109

American Montessori Society 

Association of Boarding Schools

Association of Christian Schools International 

Association of Christian Teachers and Schools 

Association of Waldorf Schools of North America 

Christian Schools International 

Council for American Private Education 

Council of Islamic Schools in North America 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 

Islamic School League of America 

Jesuit Secondary Education Association 

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 

National Association of Episcopal Schools

National Association of Independent Schools 

National Association of Private Special Education Centers 

National Catholic Educational Association 

National Christian School Association 

National Coalition of Girls' Schools 

National Council for Private School Accreditation 

National Independent Private Schools Association 

North American Division of Seventh-Day Adventists 

Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship 

Solomon Schechter Day School Association 

Toussaint Institute Fund

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
DEAR TEACHER:

The Schools and Staffing Survey is the largest sample survey of America’s elementary and secondary

schools. Your participation is important. Below are answers to some general questions.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS SURVEY?

The purpose of this survey is to obtain information about teachers, such as professional background,

teaching field, and workload.

WHO IS CONDUCTING THIS SURVEY?

The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this survey for the National Center for Education Statistics

(NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education. 

WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY?

Policymakers and educational leaders rely on data from this survey to inform their decisions concerning

K-12 schools. Because it is a sample survey, your responses represent the responses of many. Higher

response rates give us confidence that the findings are accurate.

WILL YOUR RESPONSES BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL? 

Your responses are protected from disclosure by federal statute (P.L. 107-279, Title I, Part E, Sec. 183). 

All responses that relate to or describe identifiable characteristics of individuals may be used only for

statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose, unless

otherwise compelled by law. 

HOW WILL YOUR INFORMATION BE REPORTED?

The information you provide will be combined with the information provided by others in statistical

reports. No individual data that links your name, address, or telephone number with your responses will

be included in the statistical reports.

WHERE SHOULD YOU RETURN YOUR COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE?

Please place the questionnaire in the enclosed envelope and follow the return instructions provided by

your Census Bureau field representative.

WE HOPE YOU WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS VOLUNTARY SURVEY.

SINCERELY,

JEFFREY A. OWINGS

ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS

ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY AND LIBRARY STUDIES DIVISION

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information

unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection

is 1850-0598. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 50 minutes per response,

including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review

the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for

improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have comments

or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, e-mail: dsd.sass@census.gov, or write directly

to: Schools and Staffing Survey, National Center for Education Statistics, 1990 K St., NW, #9018, Washington, DC 20006.

FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

2 420208
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

3

INSTRUCTIONS

The data you enter on this form will be captured through the use of imaging technology. 

Please print all information clearly in ordinary characters, using a black ball point pen.

c. If you are unsure about how to answer a question, please give the best answer you can

rather than leave it blank.

d. If you have any questions, call the Census Bureau at 1-800-221-1204. Someone will 

be available to take your call Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(Eastern Time). The Census Bureau is also available to answer your questions via

e-mail at: dsd.sass@census.gov.

: Time started

At the end of the survey, you will be asked how long it took to complete this questionnaire. 

Please record the time you begin.

e.

Please correct any errors in name, address, and ZIP code.

Teacher name

0010

School name

0011

Address

0012

City

0013

State Zip code

0014 0015

b. Please do not write any comments near the answer boxes.

a. If you are the teacher named on the cover page label, please complete this questionnaire.

Incorrect marking example -

english

1

2

Yes X No

1

2

Yes

No

or

E N G L I S H

Correct marking example - 

(Use care to keep characters 

in their designated spaces.)

1

2

Yes

X No

420307
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

4

How do you classify your position at THIS school, that is, the activity at which you 

spend most of your time during this school year?

1.

I GENERAL INFORMATION

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 Regular full-time teacher

2

3

Regular part-time teacher

Itinerant teacher (i.e., your assignment requires you to provide instruction at more than

one school)

4 Long-term substitute (i.e., your assignment requires that you fill the role of a regular 

teacher on a long-term basis, but you are still considered a substitute)

5 Short-term substitute

6

7

8

9

10

11

Student teacher

Teacher aide

Administrator (e.g., principal, assistant principal, director, school head)

Library media specialist or librarian

Other professional staff (e.g., counselor, curriculum coordinator, social worker)

Support staff (e.g., secretary)

0026

 If you work as a library media specialist or librarian at this school, do not include classes 

 in which you teach students how to use the library (e.g., library skills or library research).

Which box did you mark in item 1 above?

3

4

Box 5, 6, or 7

Box 8, 9, 10, or 11

Do you TEACH any regularly scheduled class(es) at this school?

1 Box 1

2 Box 2, 3, or 4

2.

3.

0027

 ̈

 ̈

 ̈

GO TO item 5 on page 5.

GO TO item 4 below.

Please STOP now and return this questionnaire to your

field representative. Thank you for your time.

1

1  ̈

2 No  ̈

How much time do you work as a TEACHER at THIS school?

 Mark (X) only one box.

2

3

4

5

Full time

3⁄4 time or more, but less than full time

1⁄2 time or more, but less than 3⁄4 time

1⁄4 time or more, but less than 1⁄2 time

Less than 1⁄4 time

4.

0028 Yes GO TO item 4 below.

0029

Please STOP now and return this questionnaire to your

field representative. Thank you for your time.

420406
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

5

5. What was your MAIN activity LAST school year (2002-03)?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 Teaching in this school

3 Teaching in another private elementary or secondary school IN THIS STATE

0030

Teaching in a private elementary or secondary school IN ANOTHER STATE

Teaching in a PUBLIC elementary or secondary school

Student at a college or university

Teaching in a preschool

Teaching at a college or university

Working in a position in the field of education, but not as a teacher

Working in an occupation outside the field of education

Caring for family members

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Military service

Unemployed and seeking work

Retired from another job

15 Other – Please specify.

5030

»

6a. Did you mark box 10 (Working in an occupation outside the field of education) in item 5?

Yes

No  ̈

1

2 GO TO item 7 on page 6.

0031

Yes

No  ̈

1

2 GO TO item 7 on page 6.

In addition to these usual activities, were you also teaching in one or more of grades

K-12 last school year?

d.

0032

b. What kind of work did you do, that is, what was your occupation?

 Please record your job title; for example, plumber, typist, or farmer.

5031

c. What were your usual activities or duties at this job?

 For example, typing, keeping account books, filing, selling cars, operating printing 

 press, laying brick

9001

420505
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

6

6. Continued -

How would you classify that teaching position?

 Mark (X) only one box.

e.

 ̈

Regular full-time teacher

Regular part-time teacher

Substitute teacher

Itinerant teacher

Other – Please specify.

2

3

4

5

0033 1

5033

7. In what year did you begin teaching in THIS school?

 If you have had a break in service of one year or more, please report the year that you

 returned to this school.

 Do not include time spent as a student teacher.

Year

0034

In what year did you begin teaching, either full-time or part-time, at the elementary 

or secondary level?

8.

 Do not include time spent as a student teacher.

How many years have you worked as a FULL-TIME elementary or secondary teacher in

PRIVATE schools?

9a.

 Include the current school year if you are a full-time teacher this year.

 Record whole years, not fractions or months. 

 If none, please mark (X) the box.

Year

0035

How many years have you worked as a PART-TIME elementary or secondary teacher in

PRIVATE schools?

b.

 Include the current school year if you are a part-time teacher this year.

 Record whole years, not fractions or months. 

 If none, please mark (X) the box.

0036 0 None or Year(s)

0037 0 None or Year(s)

420604
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

7

10a. Have you ever worked as an elementary or secondary teacher in a PUBLIC, CHARTER,

b. How many years did you teach FULL-TIME in public, charter, and/or Indian schools?

 Count part of a school year as 1 year.

Record whole years, not fractions or months.

Yes

No GO TO item 11 on page 8.

1

2  ̈

0038

YOUR COMMENTS

c. How many years did you teach PART-TIME in public, charter, and/or Indian schools?

 Count part of a school year as 1 year.

Record whole years, not fractions or months.

0039 0 None or Year(s)

0040 0 None or Year(s)

If none, please mark (X) the box.

If none, please mark (X) the box.

and/or INDIAN SCHOOLS?

420703
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

8

11. In which grades are the STUDENTS you currently teach at THIS school?

 Mark (X) all that apply.

II CLASS ORGANIZATION

1 Prekindergarten

Kindergarten

1st

2nd

0051

0052

0053

0054

0056

0057

0058

4th

5th

6th

0055 3rd

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1 7th

8th

9th

10th

11th

12th

0065 Ungraded

0059

0060

0061

0062

0063

0064

1

1

1

1

1

1

 Mark (X) only one box.

You are an elementary school teacher who teaches only one subject (such as art, music,

physical education or computer skills). (Elementary Enrichment Class)

You instruct the same group of students all or most of the day in multiple subjects. 

(Self-Contained Class)

You are one of two or more teachers, in the same class, at the same time, and are jointly

responsible for teaching a single group of students. (Team Teaching)

You instruct selected students released from their regular classes in specific skills or to

address specific needs (such as gifted and talented, special education, reading, English

as a Second Language). (“Pull-Out” Class)

At THIS school, what is the total number of students enrolled in the class you taught

during your most recent FULL WEEK of teaching?

 ̈

14.

0068

 ̈

Which statement best describes the way YOUR classes at this school are organized?

1 You instruct several classes of different students most or all of the day in one or more 

subjects (such as algebra, history, biology). (Departmentalized Instruction)

2

3

4

5

Which box did you mark in item 12 above?

1 Box 1 or 2

2 Box 3, 4, or 5

 If you are a “Pull-Out” teacher, that is, you marked box 5 in item 12 above, please enter the

 number of students you see on average at any one time.

 

 If you are a “Self-Contained” teacher who also teaches another group of students for part of

 the day or week, please enter the number of students in the class you spend the most time

 with.

Students

12.

13.

0066

0067 GO TO item 17 on page 11.

GO TO item 14 below.

420802
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

9

15.

16.

This school year, what is your MAIN teaching assignment field at this school?

(Your main assignment is the field in which you teach the most classes.)

 in Table 1 on page 10.

 Record one of the assignment field codes listed below or one of the codes listed

Elementary Education

101 Early childhood/Pre-K, general

102 Elementary grades, general

Special Education

110 Special education, any

For other codes see Table 1 on page 10.

Code Main assignment

During your most recent FULL WEEK of teaching, approximately how many hours 

did you spend teaching each of the following subjects at THIS school?

 If you taught two or more subjects at the same time, apportion the time to each subject 

 the best you can. 

 Report hours to the nearest whole hour; do not record fractions of an hour or minutes. 

 If you did not teach a particular subject during the week, mark (X) the “None” box.

0069 5069

a. English/Reading/Language arts

(1) Of these hours, how many were designated

 for reading instruction?

Hours per week » 0070 0 None or

0071 0 None or Hours per week

GO TO item 20a on page 13.

Social studies/History

Science

b. Arithmetic/Mathematics

d.

c.

0073 0 None or Hours per week

0074 0 None or Hours per week

0072 0 None or Hours per week

420901
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

10

Subject Matter Specific

General Education

Elementary Education

101 Early childhood/Pre-K, general

102 Elementary grades, general

Special Education

110 Special education, any

Arts & Music

141 Art/Arts or crafts

143 Dance

144 Drama/Theater

145 Music

English and Language Arts

English as a Second Language

160 ESL/Bilingual education: General

161 ESL/Bilingual education: Spanish

162 ESL/Bilingual education: Other languages

Foreign Languages

171 French

172 German

173 Latin

174 Spanish

175 Other foreign language

Health Education

Mathematics and Computer Science

191 Algebra, elementary

192 Algebra, intermediate

193 Algebra, advanced

194 Basic and general mathematics

195 Business and applied math

196 Calculus and pre-calculus

197 Computer science

198 Geometry

199 Pre-algebra

200 Statistics and probability

201 Trigonometry

Natural Sciences

Table 1. Teaching Assignment and Subject Matter Codes 

For questions 15, 17, and 19

Social Sciences

220 Social studies, general

221 Anthropology

225 Economics

226 Geography

227 Government/Civics

228 History

231 Native American studies

233 Psychology

234 Sociology

Vocational/Technical Education

Miscellaneous

262 Driver education

264 Library/Information science

265 Military science/ROTC

266 Philosophy

267 Religious studies/Theology/Divinity

Other

268 Other

Codes for grade levels of students

151 Communications

152 Composition

153 English

154 Journalism

155 Language arts

158 Reading 

159 Speech

181 Health education

182 Physical education

PK Prekindergarten

K Kindergarten

01 1st grade

02 2nd grade

03 3rd grade

04 4th grade

05 5th grade

06 6th grade

07 7th grade

08 8th grade

09 9th grade

10 10th grade

11 11th grade

12 12th grade

UG Ungraded

210 Science, general

211 Biology/Life sciences

212 Chemistry

213 Earth sciences

215 Integrated science

216 Physical science

217 Physics

241 Agriculture and natural resources

242 Business/Office

243 Keyboarding

244 Marketing and distribution

245 Health occupations

246 Construction trades

247 Mechanics and repair

248 Drafting/Graphics/Printing

249 Metals/Woods/Plastics, and other precision production

 (electronics, leatherwork, meatcutting, etc.)

250 Communications and other technologies (not including

 computer science)

251 Culinary arts/Hospitality

252 Child care and education

253 Personal and other services (including cosmetology,

 custodial services, clothing and textiles, and interior

 design) 

254 Family and consumer sciences education

255 Industrial arts/Technology education

256 Other vocational/technical education

421008
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

11

17.

Code Main assignment

Number of classes (or sections)

18. How many separate classes (or sections) do you currently teach at this school?

 Do not include homeroom periods or study halls.

(Example: If you teach 2 classes [or sections] of chemistry I, a class [or section] of 

physics I, and a class [or section] of physics II, you would report 4 classes [or sections].)

19. For each class (or section) that you currently teach at THIS school, complete a row/line

of information.

0075 5075

0076

A. Subject Name B. Subject 

Matter Code

C. Grade 

Level Code

D. Number

 of Students

Example:

1 5 3 1 1 3 3

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(7)

5080 0080 0081 0082

5077 0077 0078 0079

5083 0083 0084 0085

5086 0086 0087 0088

5089 0089 0090 0091

5092 0092 0093 0094

5095 0095 0096 0097

5098 0098 0099 0100

5101 0101 0102 0103

5104 0104 0105 0106

English

 The number of lines filled should equal the number of classes (or sections) reported in item 18.

 Record one of the assignment field codes listed in Table 1 on page 10.

 For classes with mixed grades, list the grade with the most number of students.

 Record the subject name, subject matter code, and the grade level code from Table 1 

 on page 10.

This school year, what is your MAIN teaching assignment field at this school?

(Your main assignment is the field in which you teach the most classes.)

Items 17-19 are for teachers who marked box 1 or 2 for item 12. If you marked box 

3, 4, or 5 for item 12 (and completed items 14-16), go to item 20a on page 13.

Note:

421107
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

12

Subject Matter Specific

General Education

Elementary Education

101 Early childhood/Pre-K, general

102 Elementary grades, general

Secondary Education

103 Middle grades, general

104 Secondary grades, general

Special Education 

110 Special education, any

Other Education

131 Administration

132 Counseling and guidance

133 Educational psychology

134 Policy studies

135 School psychology

136 Other non-subject matter specific education

Arts & Music 

141 Art/Arts or crafts

142 Art history

143 Dance

144 Drama/Theater

145 Music

English and Language Arts 

151 Communications

152 Composition

153 English

154 Journalism

155 Language arts

156 Linguistics

157 Literature/Literary criticism

158 Reading

159 Speech

English as a Second Language

160 ESL/Bilingual education: General

161 ESL/Bilingual education: Spanish

162 ESL/Bilingual education: Other languages

Foreign Languages

171 French

172 German

173 Latin

174 Spanish

175 Other foreign language

Health Education

181 Health education

182 Physical education

Table 2. Major Field of Study Codes 

For questions 20d, 20f, 22d, and 23b

Mathematics and Computer Science

190 Mathematics

197 Computer science

Natural Sciences

211 Biology/Life sciences

212 Chemistry

213 Earth sciences

214 Engineering

217 Physics

218 Other natural sciences

Social Sciences

221 Anthropology

222 Area/Ethnic studies (excluding Native American studies)

223 Criminal justice

224 Cultural studies

225 Economics

226 Geography

227 Government/Civics

228 History

229 International studies

230 Law

231 Native American studies

232 Political science

233 Psychology

234 Sociology

235 Other social sciences

Vocational/Technical Education

241 Agriculture and natural resources

242 Business/Office

243 Keyboarding

244 Marketing and distribution

245 Health occupations

246 Construction trades

247 Mechanics and repair

248 Drafting/Graphics/Printing

249 Metals/Woods/Plastics, and other precision production

 (electronics, leatherwork, meatcutting, etc.)

250 Communications and other technologies (not including

 computer science)

251 Culinary arts/Hospitality

252 Child care and education

253 Personal and other services (including cosmetology,

 custodial services, clothing and textiles, and interior

 design) 

254 Family and consumer sciences education

255 Industrial arts/Technology education

256 Other vocational/technical education

Miscellaneous

261 Architecture

263 Humanities/Liberal studies

264 Library/Information science

265 Military science/ROTC

266 Philosophy

267 Religious studies/Theology/Divinity

Other

268 Other

421206
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

13

Year

20a. Do you have a bachelor’s degree?

 If you have more than one bachelor’s degree, information about additional degrees 

 will be asked in item 23a.

GO TO item 23a on page 15.

1 Yes

2 No

b. In what year did you receive your bachelor’s degree?

0116

 ̈

0117

III EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

1 Yes

2 No

c. Was this degree awarded by a university’s Department or College of Education, or a

college’s Department or School of Education?

d. What was your major field of study?

 Record the field of study code and the field name from Table 2 on page 12.

Code Major

0118

0119 5119

1 Yes

2 No

Did you have a second major field of study?

 ̈ GO TO item 21 below.

0120

e.

What was your second major field of study?

Code Major

21. What is the name of the college or university where you earned this degree?

a. Name of college or university

0121 5121

9002

f.

b.

Located outside the United States

In what city and state is it located?

City State

9003

0122

9004

1

421305
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

14

22a. Do you have a master’s degree?

 If you have more than one master’s degree, information about additional degrees 

 will be asked in item 23a.

GO TO item 23a on page 15.

1 Yes

2 No

0123

 ̈

b. In what year did you receive your master’s degree?

Year

0124

Was this degree awarded by a university’s Department or College of Education, or a 

college’s Department or School of Education?

c.

1 Yes

2 No

0125

d. What was your major field of study?

 Record the field of study code and the field name from Table 2 on page 12.

Code Major

0126 5126

YOUR COMMENTS

421404
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

15

23a. Have you earned any of the degrees listed below?

GO TO item 24 on page 16.

a. Degree

c. Was this degree awarded by 

 a university's Department or 

 College of Education, or a 

 college's Department or 

 School of Education?

d. In what year?

(1) Vocational

certificate

(2) Associate's

degree

(3) SECOND

Bachelor's

degree

(4) SECOND

Master's

degree

(5) Educational

specialist or

professional 

diploma (at least 

one year beyond

a master's level)

(6) Certificate 

of Advanced

Graduate

Studies

Year

1 Yes

2 No  ̈

0127

0133

0136

0143

0131

0134

0137

0139

0141

0144

0129

(7) Doctorate or

first professional

degree (Ph. D,

Ed.D, M.D., 

L.L.B., J.D.,

D.D.S.)

b. What was your major field of study

 for each degree?

 Record the field of study code and

 the field name from Table 2 on page 12.

Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Major field of study title

Code

0128

5128

Major field of study title

Code

0130

5130

Major field of study title

Code

0132

5132

Major field of study title

Code

0135

5135

Major field of study title

Code

0138

5138

Major field of study title

Code

0140

5140

Major field of study title

Code

0142

5142

1

2 No

Yes

1

2 No

Yes

1

2 No

Yes

421503
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

16

 Mark (X) only one box.

24. Have you taken any of the following tests?

0145

0146

0147

0148

0149

0150

(The Praxis was formerly called the National Teachers Exam [NTE].)

a. The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in Reading

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

(The Praxis was formerly called the National Teachers Exam [NTE].)

b. The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in Mathematics

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

(The Praxis was formerly called the National Teachers Exam [NTE].)

c. The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in Writing

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

(The Praxis was formerly called the National Teachers Exam [NTE].)

d. The Praxis II: Subject Assessment in a specific content area

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

e. An exam for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

f. Another test of basic skills or subject knowledge, other than those listed above, 

required by your school

1

2

3

Taken and passed

Taken and have not yet passed

Not taken

421602
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

17

25.

26. How long did your practice teaching last?

Coursework in learning theory or psychology appropriate to the age of 

students you teach?

12 weeks or more

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 I had no practice teaching

4 weeks or less

5-7 weeks

8-11 weeks

0155

Did your preparation for teaching include --

b.

0151 1

2 No

Yes

a. Coursework in how to select and adapt instructional material?

Your observation of other classroom teaching?

Formal feedback on your teaching?

0154 1

2 No

Yes

d.

0153 1

2 No

Yes

c.

0152 1

2 No

Yes

2

3

4

5

YOUR COMMENTS

421701
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

18

27. Have you ever taken any graduate or undergraduate courses that focused on teaching

methods or teaching strategies?

 Include courses you have taken to earn a degree and courses taken outside a degree program.

 Do not include student teaching.

No

1 Yes

10 or more courses

 ̈

2  ̈ GO TO item 30a on page 20.

0157 0156 1 or 2 courses

3 or 4 courses

5 to 9 courses

1

2

3

4

If "Yes," How many courses?

 Mark (X) only one box, then 

 GO TO item 28 below.

28. How many of these courses did you complete BEFORE you started teaching at the

elementary or secondary level?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 All

2

3

Some

None

0158

29. Which of the following describes how you obtained the teaching methods or 

teaching strategies coursework?

Other - Please specify.

1 Through an “alternative” program designed to expedite the transition of non-teachers

to a teaching career (e.g., a state, district or university alternative program)

2 Through a bachelor’s degree granting program (B.A. or B.S.)

Through a fifth year program (not leading to a master’s degree)

Through a master’s degree granting program (M.A., M.S., M.Ed., M.A.T.)

Through individual courses (not part of a program leading to a degree)

3

4

5

6

»

0159

5159

 Mark (X) only one box.

YOUR COMMENTS

421800
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

19

Subject Matter Specific

General Education

Elementary Education

101 Early childhood/Pre-K, general

102 Elementary grades, general

Secondary Education

103 Middle grades, general

104 Secondary grades, general

Special Education

111 Special education, general

112 Autism

113 Deaf and hard-of-hearing

114 Developmentally delayed

115 Early childhood special education

116 Emotionally disturbed or behavior disorders

117 Learning disabilities

118 Mentally retarded

119 Mildly/Moderately disabled

120 Orthopedically impaired

121 Severely/Profoundly disabled

122 Speech/Language impaired

123 Traumatically brain-injured

124 Visually impaired

125 Other special education

Arts & Music 

141 Art/Arts or crafts

143 Dance

144 Drama/Theater

145 Music

English and Language Arts

151 Communications

152 Composition

153 English

154 Journalism

155 Language arts

158 Reading

159 Speech

English as a Second Language

160 ESL/Bilingual education: General

161 ESL/Bilingual education: Spanish

162 ESL/Bilingual education: Other languages

Foreign Languages

171 French

172 German

173 Latin

174 Spanish

175 Other foreign language

Health Education

181 Health education

182 Physical education

Mathematics and Computer Science

190 Mathematics

197 Computer science

Table 3. Certification Content Area Codes 

For questions 30, 31, and 32 on pages 20-25

Natural Sciences 

210 Science, general

211 Biology/Life sciences

212 Chemistry

213 Earth sciences

216 Physical science

217 Physics

218 Other natural sciences

Social Sciences

220 Social studies, general

221 Anthropology

225 Economics

226 Geography

227 Government/Civics

228 History

231 Native American studies

233 Psychology

234 Sociology 

235 Other social sciences

Vocational/Technical Education

241 Agriculture and natural resources

242 Business/Office

243 Keyboarding

244 Marketing and distribution

245 Health occupations

246 Construction trades

247 Mechanics and repair

248 Drafting/Graphics/Printing

249 Metals/Woods/Plastics, and other precision production

 (electronics, leatherwork, meat cutting, etc.)

250 Communications and other technologies (not including

 computer science)

251 Culinary arts/Hospitality

252 Child care and education

253 Personal and other services (including cosmetology,

 custodial services, clothing and textiles, and interior

 design) 

254 Family and consumer sciences education

255 Industrial arts/Technology education

256 Other vocational/technical education

Miscellaneous

262 Driver education

263 Humanities/Liberal studies

264 Library/Information science

265 Military science/ROTC

266 Philosophy

267 Religious studies/Theology/Divinity

Other

268 Other

421909
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

20

30a. Do you currently hold regular or full certification by an accrediting or certifying body

OTHER THAN THE STATE?

 Information about state-granted certification will be asked in item 31.

 ̈

IV CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING

GO TO item 31a on page 22.

1

2

Yes

No

0421

b. Some certificates may allow you to teach in multiple content areas. In what content 

area(s) does this teaching certificate allow you to teach at this school?

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc).

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0422

0423

5422

 Mark (X) all that apply.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

Ungraded

0427

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above allows 

you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 31a on page 22.

1) Code Content Area

0426

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above 

allows you to teach, please list it in 30d on page 21. Otherwise, GO TO 

item 31a on page 22.

Ungraded

0424

0425

0428

0429

c.

YOUR COMMENTS

422006

5426
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

21

d. If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 30a allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 31a on page 22.

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc.)

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0430

0431

5430

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 30a allows 

you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 31a on page 22.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0434

0435

5434

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 30a allows 

you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 31a on page 22.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0438

0439

5438

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

0432

0433

0436

0437

0440

0441

e.

f.

422105

30. Continued -
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

22

b. Which of the following describes this current teaching certificate you hold from this state?

1 Regular or standard state certificate or advanced professional certificate

c.

Probationary certificate (issued after satisfying all requirements except the completion 

of a probationary period)

Provisional or other type of certificate given to persons who are still participating in what

the state calls an “alternative certification program”

Temporary certificate (requires some additional college coursework, student teaching,

and/or passage of a test before regular certification can be obtained)

Waiver or emergency certificate (issued to persons with insufficient teacher preparation

who must complete a regular certification program in order to continue teaching)

2

3

4

5

31a. Do you have a current teaching certificate from this state?

1

2

Yes

No  ̈ GO TO item 33 on page 26.

0442

0443

Some certificates may allow you to teach in multiple content areas. In what content

area(s) does the teaching certificate marked above allow you to teach in this state?

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc.)

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0444

0445

5444

 Mark (X) all that apply.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

Ungraded

0449

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above allows 

you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 32a on page 24.

1) Code Content Area

0448 5448

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above allows 

you to teach, please list it in 31e on page 23. Otherwise, GO TO item 32a on page 24.

Ungraded

0446

0447

0450

0451

d.

422204

If you currently hold more than one of the following, a second certificate may be listed in item 32.

Mark (X) only one box.
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

23

e.

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc.)

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0452

0453

5452

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 31b allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 32a on page 24.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0456

0457

5456

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 31b allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 32a on page 24.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0460

0461

5460

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

0454

0455

0458

0459

0462

0463

Content Area

Content Area

Content Area

g.

f.

422303

31. Continued -

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 31b

allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 32a on page 24.
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

24

b. Which of the following describes this other current teaching certificate you hold from

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 Regular or standard state certificate or advanced professional certificate

c.

Probationary certificate (issued after satisfying all requirements except the completion 

of a probationary period)

Provisional or other type of certificate given to persons who are still participating in what

the state calls an “alternative certification program”

Temporary certificate (requires some additional college coursework, student teaching,

and/or passage of a test before regular certification can be obtained)

Waiver or emergency certificate (issued to persons with insufficient teacher preparation

who must complete a regular certification program in order to continue teaching)

2

3

4

5

32a. Do you have another current teaching certificate from this state?

1

2

Yes

No  ̈ GO TO item 33 on page 26.

0187

0188

In what content area(s) does this other current teaching certificate, marked in 32b above,

allow you to teach in this state?

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc.)

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code Content Area

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0189

0190

5189

 Mark (X) all that apply.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

Ungraded

0194

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above allows 

you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 33 on page 26.

1) Code Content Area

0193 5193

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described above allows

you to teach, please list it in 32e on page 25. Otherwise, GO TO item 33 on page 26.

Ungraded

0191

0192

0195

0196

d.

422402

this state?
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

25

e.

(For some teachers the content area may be the grade level, e.g., elementary general,

secondary general, etc.)

 Please record the content area code from Table 3 on page 19.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0197

0198

5197

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 32b allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 33 on page 26.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0201

0202

5201

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 32b allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 33 on page 26.

2) Which of the following grade ranges does this certificate apply to?

1) Code

1 Elementary grades (including early childhood, preschool and kindergarten)

1

1

Secondary grades (including middle school)

0205

0206

5205

Ungraded

 Mark (X) all that apply.

0199

0200

0203

0204

0207

0208

Content Area

Content Area

Content Area

g.

f.

422501

32. Continued -

If there is an additional content area that the certificate described in item 32b

allows you to teach, please list it below. Otherwise, GO TO item 33 on page 26.
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

26

33. Was your FIRST year of teaching before the 1999-2000 school year?

1 Yes GO TO item 40 on page 28.

2 No

0209  ̈

34. In your FIRST year of teaching, how well prepared were you to --

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

Did you receive the following kinds of support during your FIRST year of teaching?

Reduced number of preparations

36.

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

Not at all

prepared

Somewhat

prepared

Well

prepared

Very well

prepared

Handle a range of classroom 

management or discipline situations?

Use a variety of instructional 

methods?

Teach your subject matter?

Use computers in classroom 

instruction?

Assess students?

Select and adapt curriculum and 

instructional materials?

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

4

4

4

0210

0211

0212

0213

0214

0215

Reduced teaching schedule

0217 1

2 No

Yes

a.

0218 1

2 No

Yes

b.

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

35. In your FIRST year of teaching, did you participate in a teacher induction program?

1

2

Yes

No

0216

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

Common planning time with teachers in your subject

0219 1

2 No

Yes

c.

0220 1

2 No

Yes

d. Seminars or classes for beginning teachers

422600
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

27

36. Continued -

Did you receive the following kinds of support during your FIRST year of teaching?

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

39. In your FIRST year of teaching, to what extent did your master or mentor teacher help you?

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

 Mark (X) only one box.

4 To a great extent

To a moderate extent

1

2

Not at all

To some extent 

3

0228

Were the following duties part of your FIRST-year teaching assignment?

Travel to more than one school to teach

37.

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year. 

Administrative duties (including lunchroom, hall, and recess duties)

38a. In your FIRST year of teaching, did you work closely with a master or mentor teacher?

1

2

Yes

No  ̈ GO TO item 40 on page 28.

 If you are in your first year of teaching, please answer for THIS school year.

b. Was this teacher’s subject area the same as yours?

1

2

Yes

No

0223

0224

0225

0226

a. Extracurricular assignments

1

2

Yes

No

b.

1

2

Yes

No

c.

1

2

Yes

No

0227

Regular supportive communication with your principal, other administrators, or department chair

Extra classroom assistance (e.g., teacher aides)

0221 1

2 No

Yes

e.

0222

1

2 No

Yes

f.

422709
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

28

41a. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any professional development

activities specific to and concentrating on the content of the subject(s) you teach?

1

2 No  ̈

Yes

GO TO item 42a on page 29.

b.

0243

V PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

40. In the past 12 months, did you participate in any of the following professional

development activities?

a. University course(s) related to teaching

1

2

Yes

No

 ̈

b. Observational visits to other schools

1

2

Yes

No

 ̈

c. Workshops, conferences or training sessions in which you were a presenter

1

2

Yes

No

 ̈

d. Other workshops, conferences or training sessions in which you were 

NOT a presenter

1

2

Yes

No

 ̈

0237

0239

0241

0235

0236

0238

0240

0242

If "Yes", How many?

If "Yes", How many?

If "Yes", How many?

If "Yes", How many?

In the past 12 months, how many hours did you spend on these activities?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

8 hours or less

9-16 hours

3

4

17-32 hours

33 hours or more

0244

c. Overall, how useful were these activities to you?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

Not useful

Somewhat useful

3

4

Useful

Very useful

0245

422808
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

29

42a. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any professional development

activities that focused on uses of computers for instruction?

1

2 No  ̈

Yes

GO TO item 43a below.

0246

b. In the past 12 months, how many hours did you spend on these activities?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

8 hours or less

9-16 hours

3

4

17-32 hours

33 hours or more

0247

c. Overall, how useful were these activities to you?

1

2

Not useful

Somewhat useful

3

4

Useful

Very useful

43a. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any professional development

activities that focused on reading instruction?

1

2 No  ̈

Yes

GO TO item 44a on page 30.

0248

0249

 Mark (X) only one box.

b. In the past 12 months, how many hours did you spend on these activities?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

8 hours or less

9-16 hours

3

4

17-32 hours

33 hours or more

0250

c. Overall, how useful were these activities to you?

1

2

Not useful

Somewhat useful

3

4

Useful

Very useful

0251

 Mark (X) only one box.

422907
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

30

b. In the past 12 months, how many hours did you spend on these activities?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

8 hours or less

9-16 hours

3

4

17-32 hours

33 hours or more

0253

44a. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any professional development

activities that focused on student discipline and management in the classroom?

1

2 No  ̈

Yes

GO TO item 45 below.

0252

YOUR COMMENTS

1 Yes Please specify.

2 No

0255  ̈ 5255

c. Overall, how useful were these activities to you?

1

2

Not useful

Somewhat useful

3

4

Useful

Very useful

In the past 12 months, have you participated in any professional development

activities that focused on other topics not included in items 41-44 above?

45.

0254

 Mark (X) only one box.

423004
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

31

For the professional development in which you participated in the past 12 months, did

you receive the following types of support?

a. Release time from teaching (i.e., your regular teaching responsibilities were

temporarily assigned to someone else)

Full or partial reimbursement of college tuition

Reimbursement for conference or workshop fees

Reimbursement for travel and/or daily expenses

1

2

Yes

No

b.

1

2

Yes

No

Scheduled time in the contract year for professional development

f.

1 Yes

2 No

Stipend for professional development activities that took place outside regular 

work hours

0256

0257

0258

0259

0260

46.

e.

1

2

Yes

No

d.

1

2

Yes

No

c.

1

2

Yes

No

0261

47. As a result of completing these professional development activities, did you receive

the following?

a. Credits toward re-certification or advanced certification in your main teaching

assignment or other teaching field(s)

b. Increase in salary or other pay increases as a result of participating in professional

development activities

c. Recognition or higher ratings on an annual teacher evaluation

0262

0263

0264

1 Yes

2 No

1 Yes

2 No

1 Yes

2 No

423103
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

32

 ̈

1 - Student discipline and management

2 - Teaching students with special needs (e.g., disabilities, special education)

3 - Teaching students with limited-English proficiency

4 - Use of technology in instruction

5 - The content of the subject(s) I primarily teach

6 - Content standards in the subject(s) I primarily teach

7 - Methods of teaching

8 - Student assessment

9 - Other Please specify below.

48. In the past 12 months, did you do any of the following?

 Exclude administrative meetings.

Engage in individual or collaborative research on a topic of interest to you 

professionally

a.

1

2 No

Yes

Participate in regularly scheduled collaboration with other teachers on issues of

instruction

b.

1

2 No

Yes

c. Observe, or be observed by, other teachers in your classroom (for at least 10 minutes)

1

2 No

Yes

Act as a coach or mentor to other teachers or staff in your school, or receive 

coaching or mentoring

d.

1

2 No

Yes

49. From the list of topics below, select the three that are your top priorities for YOUR OWN

additional professional development.

* Enter the appropriate code (1-9) for each priority.

First priority

Second priority

Third priority

0265

0266

0267

0268

9005

0269

0270

0271

423202
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

33

50. Of all the students you teach at this school, how many have an Individual Education

Plan (IEP) because they have disabilities or are special education students?

 If none, please mark (X) the box.

VI RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENTS OF STUDENTS

0279 0 None  ̈ GO TO item 52 below.

Students

53. Of all the students you teach at this school, how many are of limited-English proficiency?

(Students of limited-English proficiency are those whose native or dominant language 

is other than English, and who have sufficient difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or

understanding the English language as to deny them the opportunity to learn successfully 

in an English-speaking-only classroom.)

51. Do you or these students receive the following types of support in your classroom?

Consulting/Itinerant teacher

Accommodations such as more time on tests

1 Yes

52. In the last three years, have you had 8 hours or more of training or professional

development on how to teach special education students?

2 No

0283

0281

0282

0280

 If none, please mark (X) the box.

a. Special aide or personal assistant

1 Yes

2 No

b.

1 Yes

2 No

c.

1 Yes

2 No

0284 0 None  ̈ GO TO item 55 on page 34.

Students

1 Yes

54. In the last three years, have you had 8 hours or more of training or professional

development on how to teach limited-English proficient students?

2 No

0285

423301
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

34

0286

55. Do you have access to your students’ scores on standardized achievement tests?

1

2 No

Yes

GO TO item 57 below.

56. To what extent do you use the information from your students’ standardized

achievement test scores –

3 Not applicable; my students haven't

taken a standardized achievement test.

To a moderate

extent

To group students into 

different instructional groups 

by achievement or ability?

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

a.

1 2 3 4

0287

57. To what extent do you use state or local standards to guide your instructional practice?

To assess areas where you 

need to strengthen your content

knowledge or teaching practice?

To adjust your curriculum in areas 

where your students encountered

problems?

b.

c.

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

0288

0289

 Mark (X) only one box.

1 Not at all

To a small extent

To a great extent

To a moderate extent

2

3

4

0290

YOUR COMMENTS

}

To a great

extent

To a small

extent Not at all

423400
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

35

How many total hours do you spend on ALL teaching and other school-related activities

during a typical FULL WEEK at this school?

58.

VII WORKING CONDITIONS

Include hours spent working during the school day, before school, after school, and on

 weekends.

(This would be base contract hours, or the equivalent.)

How many hours are you required to work to receive base pay during a typical FULL

WEEK at this school?

59.

 If you are a pull-out teacher, please include the number of hours you instruct individual

 students or small groups of students.

60. How many hours a week do you spend delivering instruction to a class of students?

Total weekly hours

Total weekly hours

Total weekly hours

During this school year, do you or will you --

Sponsor any student groups, clubs, or organizations?

61.

Serve as a department lead or chair?

Serve as a lead curriculum specialist?

Serve on a school-wide committee or task force?

0297

0298

0299

0300

0301

0302

0303

0304

a. Coach a sport?

1

2

Yes

No

b.

1

2

Yes

No

c.

1

2

Yes

No

d.

1

2

Yes

No

e.

1

2

Yes

No

423509
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

36

62. How much actual influence do you think teachers have over school policy AT THIS

SCHOOL in each of the following areas?

VIII DECISION MAKING

No

influence

Minor 

influence

Moderate

influence

A great deal

of influence

Setting performance standards 

for students at this school

Establishing curriculum

Determining the content of

in-service professional

development programs 

Evaluating teachers 

Hiring new full-time teachers 

Setting discipline policy 

Deciding how the school budget will be spent

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

63. How much actual control do you have IN YOUR CLASSROOM at this school over the

following areas of your planning and teaching?

No

control

Minor 

control

Moderate 

control

A great deal

of control

Selecting textbooks and other 

instructional materials

Selecting content, topics, and 

skills to be taught

Selecting teaching techniques 

Evaluating and grading students

Disciplining students 

Determining the amount of 

homework to be assigned

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

0311

0312

0313

0314

0315

0316

0317

0318

0319

0320

0321

0322

0323

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

423608
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

37

64. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

IX TEACHER ATTITUDES AND SCHOOL CLIMATE

Strongly

agree

Somewhat

agree

Somewhat

disagree

Strongly

disagree

The principal lets staff members know 

what is expected of them.

a. 1 2 3 4

The school administration’s behavior 

toward the staff is supportive and 

encouraging.

b.

1 2 3 4

0330

0331

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

c. I am satisfied with my teaching salary. 1 2 3 4

The level of student misbehavior in this 

school (such as noise, horseplay or 

fighting in the halls, cafeteria or student 

lounge) interferes with my teaching.

d.

1 2 3 4

0332

0333

Necessary materials such as textbooks, 

supplies, and copy machines are available

as needed by the staff.

f.

1 2 3 4

I receive a great deal of support from 

parents for the work I do.

e. 0334

0335

My principal enforces school rules for 

student conduct and backs me up when 

I need it.

h.

1 2 3 4

Routine duties and paperwork interfere 

with my job of teaching.

g. 1 2 3 4

0336

0337

Rules for student behavior are 

consistently enforced by teachers in this 

school, even for students who are not in

their classes.

i.

1 2 3 4

0338

Most of my colleagues share my beliefs 

and values about what the central mission 

of the school should be.

j. 1 2 3 4

0339

The principal knows what kind of school 

he/she wants and has communicated it 

to the staff.

k.

1 2 3 4

0340

I worry about the security of my job 

because of the performance of my 

students on state and/or local tests.

n.

1 2 3 4

In this school, staff members are 

recognized for a job well done.

m. 1 2 3 4

There is a great deal of cooperative 

effort among the staff members.

l.

1 2 3 4

0341

0342

0343

State or local content standards have

had a positive influence on my satisfaction 

with teaching.

o.

1 2 3 4

0344

p. I am satisfied with my class size. 1 2 3 4

I am given the support I need to teach 

students with special needs.

q. 1 2 3 4

0345

0346

1 2 3 4

423707
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

38

64. Continued -

To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

To the best of your knowledge how often do the following types of problems occur with

students at this school?

65.

Strongly 

agree

Somewhat 

agree

Somewhat

disagree

Strongly

disagree

I make a conscious effort to coordinate 

the content of my courses with that of 

other teachers.

r.

1 2 3 4

The amount of student tardiness and 

class cutting in this school interferes 

with my teaching.

s.

1 2 3 4

I sometimes feel it is a waste of time to 

try to do my best as a teacher.

t.

1 2 3 4

I am generally satisfied with being a

teacher at this school.

u. 1 2 3 4

0347

0348

0349

0350

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

Happens

daily

Happens at 

least once 

a week

Happens on

occasion

Never

happens

Physical conflicts among students

a. 3 4 5

b. Robbery or theft 3 4 5

c. Vandalism 3 4 5

d. Use of alcohol 3 4 5

e. Use of illegal drugs 3 4 5

f. Possession of weapons 3 4 5

g. Physical abuse of teachers 3 4 5

h. Student racial tensions 3 4 5

i. Student bullying 3 4 5

Student verbal abuse of teachers

j. 3 4 5

Widespread disorder in classrooms

k. 3 4 5

Student acts of disrespect for teachers

l. 3 4 5

m. Gang activities 3 4 5

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Happens at 

least once 

a month

0351

0352

0353

0354

0355

0356

0357

0358

0359

0360

0361

0362

0363

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

423806
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

39

66. To what extent is each of the following a problem in this school?

Serious

problem

Minor

problem

Not a

problem

a. Student tardiness 3 4

b. Student absenteeism 3 4

c. Student class cutting 3 4

d. Teacher absenteeism 3 4

e. Student pregnancy 3 4

f. Students dropping out 3 4

g. Student apathy 3 4

h. Lack of parental involvement 3 4

i. Poverty 3 4

Students come to school unprepared 

to learn

j. 3 4

k. Poor student health 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Moderate

problem

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

0364

0365

0366

0367

0368

0369

0370

0371

0372

0373

0374

67. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

Strongly 

agree Agree Disagree Stronglydisagree

The stress and disappointments involved in 

teaching at this school aren't really worth it.

a. 1 2 3 4

The teachers at this school like being here; 

I would describe us as a satisfied group.

b. 1 2 3 4

c. I like the way things are run at this school. 1 2 3 4

I think about staying home from school 

because I’m just too tired to go.

g. 1 2 3 4

I don’t seem to have as much enthusiasm 

now as I did when I began teaching.

f. 1 2 3 4

I think about transferring to another 

school.

e. 1 2 3 4

If I could get a higher paying job I’d leave 

teaching as soon as possible.

d. 1 2 3 4

0375

0376

0377

0378

0379

0380

0381

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

 Mark (X) ONE box on each line.

423905
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

40

In the past 12 months, how many times has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL threatened

to injure you?

c.

Times

0386

68a. If you could go back to your college days and start over again, would you become

a teacher or not?

 Mark (X) only one box.

69a. Has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL ever threatened to injure you?

 ̈

1 Yes

2 No GO TO item 70a below.

Has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL threatened to injure you IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

 ̈

1 Yes

2 No GO TO item 70a below.

b.

0384

0385

How long do you plan to remain in teaching?

 Mark (X) only one box.

b.

0382

0383

1

2

3

4

5

Certainly would become a teacher

Probably would become a teacher

Chances about even for and against

Probably would not become a teacher

Certainly would not become a teacher

1

2

3

4

5

As long as I am able

Until I am eligible for retirement

Will probably continue unless something better comes along

Definitely plan to leave teaching as soon as I can

Undecided at this time

70a. Has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL ever physically attacked you?

 ̈

1 Yes

2 No GO TO item 71 on page 41.

0387

Has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL physically attacked you IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

 ̈

1 Yes

2 No GO TO item 71 on page 41.

b.

0388

c.

Times

0389

In the past 12 months, how many times has a student FROM THIS SCHOOL physically

attacked you?

424002
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

41

The following questions refer to your before-tax earnings from teaching and other

employment.

DURING THE SUMMER OF 2003, did you have any earnings from –

 Please report in whole dollars.

71.

X GENERAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

72. DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, what is your academic year base teaching

salary?

$ ,

0399

DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, do you, or will you, earn any additional

compensation from this school for extracurricular or additional activities such as coaching, student activity sponsorship, or teaching evening classes?

73.

. 0 0

1

2

Yes How much?

No

0400  ̈

0393

Teaching summer school in this or any other school?

1

2

Yes How much?

No

 ̈

a.

$ , . 0 0 0401

$ 0394

. 0 0 ,

b. Working in a non-teaching job in this or any other school?

1

2

Yes How much?

No

0395  ̈ $ 0396

. 0 0 ,

c. Working in any NONSCHOOL job?

1

2

Yes How much?

No

0397  ̈ $ 0398

. 0 0 ,

DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, have you earned income from any OTHER 

school sources, such as a merit pay bonus, etc.? 

 Do not report any earnings already reported.

74.

1

2

Yes How much?

No

0402  ̈ $ , . 0 0 0403

424101

Please report in whole dollars.

Please report in whole dollars.

Please report in whole dollars.
DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, do you, or will you, earn additional

compensation from working in any job OUTSIDE this school?

75a.

0415

80b. Are you enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribe?

1 Yes

1

2

Yes

No

0409

What is your race? 

 Mark (X) one or more races to indicate what you consider yourself to be.

80a.

1

1

White

Black or African-American

1

1

1

Asian

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

American Indian or Alaska Native  ̈ GO TO item 80b below.

0410

0411

0412

0413

GO TO item 81 below.

79. Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin?

78. Are you male or female?

1

2

Male

Female

0408

77. Are you a member of a teachers' union or an employee association similar to a union?

1

2

Yes

No

0407

Which of these best describes this job OUTSIDE this school?

 Mark (X) only one box.

1

2

Teaching or tutoring

Non-teaching, but related to teaching field

3 Other

0406

1

2

Yes How much?

No

 ̈

 ̈ GO TO item 76 below.

$ , 0 0 .

0404

0405

b.

Do you work in this school on a contributed service basis, that is, for less than full

salary or for no salary, for example, as a member of a religious order?

2

1

76.

0416

1 9

81. What is your year of birth?

2 No

0414

FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

42

0464

424200

Yes

No

Please report in whole dollars.

}
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

43

82. The survey you have completed may involve a brief follow-up at a later time in order 

to gain information on teachers' movements in the labor force. The following information

would assist us in contacting you if you have moved or changed jobs.

Please PRINT your name, your spouse's name (if applicable), your home address, 

your telephone number, and the most convenient time to reach you.

XI CONTACT INFORMATION

a. Your name

b. Spouse's full name (if applicable)

c. Street address

d. City

e. State

-

f. ZIP code + 4

- -

Home telephone

Area Code Number

g.

In whose name is the telephone number listed?

 Mark (X) only one box.

h.

1

2

My name

Other - Specify name. »

424309
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

44

82. Continued -

Please PRINT the most convenient time to reach you.

Best day(s) to reach you

 Enter Mon, Tue, etc., as appropriate.

Days

i.

Best time of day to reach you

 Mark (X) only one box.

j.

1

2

a.m.

p.m.

YOUR COMMENTS

424408
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

45

83. What are the names and addresses of two other people who would know where to get 

in touch with you during the coming years? Please do not list more than one person who

now lives with you. Remember to record the relationship of these persons to you (for

example, parent, friend, sister, cousin, etc.) in section b.

(1) First Person

a. Name

b. Relationship to you

c. Street address

d. City

e. State

-

f. ZIP code + 4

- -

Home telephone

Area Code Number

g.

In whose name is the telephone number listed?

 Mark (X) only one box.

h.

1

2

Name entered in part a

Other - Specify name. »

424507
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

46

83. Continued -

What is the name and address of another person who would know where to get 

in touch with you during the coming years? Remember to record the relationship 

of this person to you (for example, parent, friend, sister, cousin, etc.) in section b.

(2) Second Person

a. Name

b. Relationship to you

c. Street address

d. City

e. State

-

f. ZIP code + 4

- -

Home telephone

Area Code Number

g.

In whose name is the telephone number listed?

 Mark (X) only one box.

h.

1

2

Name entered in part a

Other - Specify name. »

424606
FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

47

84. Please indicate how much time it took you to complete this form, not counting 

interruptions. 

 Please record the time in minutes, e.g., 50 minutes, 65 minutes, etc.

Minutes

85. Please enter the date you competed this questionnaire.

Month Day Year

0418 2 0 0 0419 0420

0417

YOUR COMMENTS

Report month as a number, i.e., 01 for January, 02 for February, etc.

424705
424804 FORM SASS-4B (7-21-03)

48

Please place the questionnaire in the enclosed envelope and follow the return

instructions provided by your Census Bureau field representative.

You may also call the Census Bureau at 1-800-221-1204 between 8:30 a.m.

and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday through Friday. The Census Bureau is

also available to answer your questions via e-mail at: dsd.sass@census.gov.

Thank you very much for your participation

in this survey.

To learn more about this survey and to access 

reports from earlier collections, see the

Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) 

web site at:

http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/sass

Additional education data collected by

the National Center for Education

Statistics on teachers, principals,

schools, school finance, and many other 

topics are available from NCES'

web site at:

http://nces.ed.gov

For additional data collected by various

Federal agencies, including the Department

of Education, visit the FedStats site at:

http://www.fedstats.gov