Designed by school leaders and students, this nationally representative survey explores the opinions of principals, assistant principals, and high school students on the challenges of leading and learning at school as well as their thoughts on mental health, school safety, and how to better meet the needs of all learners.
For many, the last year has been the start of a return to normalcy. But the overwhelming challenges facing school communities continue to shift and escalate, driven by pandemic fallout, a politically fraught landscape and years of burning the candle at both ends.
“Principals in every state are facing enormous challenges resulting in significant stress with no end in sight. The survey results make clear that while we love working with students and teachers, our conditions are unsustainable and if left unaddressed, could result in principal shortages that will be difficult to overcome.”
—Ryan Merriwether Principal of North Junior High School in Evansville, IN
“As students, we often feel like we don’t have a voice. I try my best to be involved in the school community, yet my voice only goes so far. We want more opportunities to share what students need and how we learn best.”
—Corinthian Querimit 11th-grade student at BASIS Oro Valley in Oro Valley, AZ
“We have basic mental health supports at the school level. But when students need more targeted assistance, they often must wait more than six months for an appointment with an outside provider. Our students deserve a system that cares for them beyond the school building.”
—Lora-lea Grando Principal of Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina, HI
"The last few school years have been incredibly difficult for students like me. These survey findings show how important it is for policymakers to prioritize the mental health, well-being, and safety of our kids and educators.”
—Khadija Ali 11th-grade student at Metro Early College High School in Columbus, OH