The "5Essentials Survey" is an educational assessment tool designed to gather feedback from teachers, students, and parents/guardians about the school environment and its impact on learning. The survey is used to assess the strengths and areas for improvement within schools, with the goal of promoting better educational outcomes.

The survey is based on research conducted at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, which identified five essential components that are linked to school success and student learning. You can find more about our district's involvement on the Central 301 website.  These five essentials are:

1. Effective Leaders: Effective school leadership includes principals and other administrators who set a clear vision for the school, provide support to teachers and staff, and create a positive school culture.

2. Collaborative Teachers: Collaborative teachers work together to improve instruction and support student learning. They engage in professional development, share best practices, and collaborate on curriculum and teaching strategies.

3. Involved Families: Involved families participate in their children's education by attending school events, communicating with teachers, and supporting their children's learning at home. Strong family-school partnerships are associated with improved student outcomes.

4. Supportive Environment: A supportive school environment is one where students feel safe, respected, and engaged in learning. This includes effective classroom management, positive relationships between students and teachers, and a sense of belonging.

5. Ambitious Instruction: Ambitious instruction refers to high-quality, challenging teaching practices that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep understanding of subject matter. It encourages students to think, explore, and excel academically.