2015

5Essentials Full
Report
Report for Minooka Jr High School

Table of Contents
The 5Essentials .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Effective Leaders........................................................................................................................................ 2
Measures of Effective Leaders .............................................................................................................. 3
Collaborative Teachers ............................................................................................................................ 15
Measures of Collaborative Teachers ................................................................................................... 16
Involved Families ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Measures of Involved Families ............................................................................................................ 31
Supportive Environment.......................................................................................................................... 39
Measures of Supportive Environment.................................................................................................. 40
Ambitious Instruction .............................................................................................................................. 50
Measures of Ambitious Instruction....................................................................................................... 51

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

5Essentials Overview
5Essentials Predicts School Improvement
School improvement is challenging work. Without
strength in multiple areas, schools often struggle to
improve. Researchers at the University of Chicago
Consortium on Chicago School Research used 20
years of evidence to define five essential
components of organization and climate related to
improving schools. What they found is compelling.
These researchers showed that schools strong on
these Essentials are more likely to:
improve student learning and attendance year
after year;
graduate students from high school;
improve student ACT scores;
get students into college; and
keep their teachers.
In fact, schools strong on at least 3 out of 5
Essentials are 10 times more likely to improve
student learning.

5Essentials at Minooka Jr High School

Minooka Jr High School completed the 2015 Illinois
5Essentials in 2015. The results of these surveys
at indicate that Minooka Jr High School is
partially organized for improvement.
Each of the Essentials provides a different lens into
the organizational and learning conditions at
Minooka Jr High School and provides guidance on
how a school can organize its work:

State of Illinois
Minooka Jr High School
2015 5Essentials Performance

Very Strong
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Very Weak
Low Response or N/A

Survey Response Rates

Respondent Response Rate (State of Illinois)
Students
85.4
(70%)
Teachers
90.9%
(76%)
Survey results are available to schools if they have at least 8
valid student or teacher responses and if at least 50% of
their students or teachers responded.

Ambitious Instruction: Classes are challenging and engaging. Neutral

Effective Leaders: Principals and teachers implement a shared vision for success. Neutral
Collaborative Teachers: Teachers collaborate to promote professional growth. Neutral
Involved Families: The entire staff builds strong external relationships. Neutral
Supportive Environment: The school is safe, demanding, and supportive. Weak

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

Effective Leaders
Minooka Jr High School
Performance on Effective Leaders

Performance: Neutral
In schools with Effective Leaders, principals and
teachers work together to implement a shared vision.
In such schools, people, programs, and resources are
focused on a vision for sustained improvement.
Leaders:
practice shared leadership,
set high goals for quality instruction,
maintain mutually trusting and respectful
relationships,
support professional advancement for faculty and
staff, and
manage resources for sustained program
improvement (not measured).

Measures for Effective Leaders

Program Coherence
Teacher-Principal Trust
Teacher Influence
Instructional Leadership

Performance on Effective Leaders Over Time

Minooka Jr High School received a score of 58 on

Effective Leaders, representing its aggregate
performance across four key indicators of this
essential:

Program Coherence (56 - Neutral)

Teacher-Principal Trust (74 - Strong)
Teacher Influence (54 - Neutral)
Instructional Leadership (48 - Neutral)

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

Measures of Effective Leaders

Program Coherence
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Program Coherence

Program Coherence
School programs are coordinated and consistent with
its goals for student learning.
Program Coherence Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

What are these results based on?

This schools performance on this measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance is based on how responses in this school compare to the benchmark
Teachers report that:

Many special programs come and go at this

school.

Once we start a new program, we follow up

to make sure that its working.

Curriculum, instruction, and learning

materials are well coordinated across the
different grade levels at this school.

We have so many different programs in this

school that I cant keep track of them all.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

There is consistency in curriculum,

instruction, and learning materials among
teachers in the same grade level at this
school.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

Teacher-Principal Trust
Performance: Strong

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Teacher-Principal Trust

Teacher-Principal Trust
Teachers and principals share a high level of mutual
trust and respect.
Teacher-Principal Trust Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

What are these results based on?

This schools performance on this measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance is based on how responses in this school compare to the benchmark
Teachers report that:

Its OK in this school to discuss feelings,

worries, and frustrations with the principal.

The principal looks out for the personal

welfare of the faculty members.

I trust the principal at his or her word.

The principal at this school is an effective

manager who makes the school run
smoothly.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

The principal places the needs of children

ahead of personal and political interests.

The principal has confidence in the

expertise of the teachers.

The principal takes a personal interest in the

professional development of teachers.

Teachers feel respected by the principal

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

Teacher Influence
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Teacher Influence

In schools with strong Teacher Influence, teachers

have influence in a broad range of decisions regarding
school policies and practices.
Based on a comparison to the benchmark, an
mScore of 54 means that Minooka Jr High School
is neutral on this measure.

Teacher Influence Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

10

What are these results based on?

This schools performance on this measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance is based on how responses in this school compare to the benchmark
Teachers report having influence on:

Planning how discretionary school funds

should be used.

Determining the content of in-service

programs.

Determining books and other instructional

materials used in classrooms.

Establishing the curriculum and

instructional program.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

11

Setting standards for student behavior.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

12

Instructional Leadership
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Instructional Leadership

In schools with strong Instructional Leadership, the

leadership team is an active and skilled group that
sets high standards for teaching and student learning.
On average, % of teachers at Minooka Jr High
School responded favorably to questions related
to Instructional Leadership.
Based on a comparison to the benchmark, an
mScore of 48 means that Minooka Jr High School
is neutral on this measure.

Instructional Leadership Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

13

What are these results based on?

This schools performance on this measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance is based on how responses in this school compare to the benchmark
Teachers report that the school leadership team:

Knows whats going on in my classroom.

Provides me with useful feedback to

improve my teaching.

Has provided me with the support I need to

improve my teaching.

Presses teachers to implement what they

have learned in professional development.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

14

Communicates a clear vision for our school.

Makes clear to the staff the leaderships

expectations for meeting instructional goals.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

15

Collaborative Teachers
Minooka Jr High School
Performance on Collaborative Teachers

Performance: Neutral
In schools with strong Collaborative Teachers, all
teachers collaborate to promote professional growth.
In such schools, teachers are:
active partners in school improvement,
committed to the school, and
focused on professional development.
Minooka Jr High School received a score of 46 on
Collaborative Teachers, representing its aggregate
performance across four key indicators of this
essential:

Collaborative Practices (49 - Neutral)

Collective Responsibility (51 - Neutral)
Quality Professional Development (40 - Neutral)
School Commitment (42 - Neutral)
Teacher-Teacher Trust (49 - Neutral)

Measures for Collaborative Teachers

Collaborative Practices
Collective Responsibility
Quality Professional
Development
School Commitment
Teacher-Teacher Trust

Performance on Collaborative Teachers Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

16

Measures of Collaborative Teachers

Collaborative Practices
Performance: Neutral
Collaborative Practices
Teachers observe each others' practice and work
together to review assessment data and develop
instructional strategies.

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Collaborative Practices

Collaborative Practices Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

17

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report the frequency of these actions in school year:

Observed another teacher's classroom to

offer feedback.

Observed another teacher's classroom to

get ideas for your own instruction.

Gone over student assessment data with

other teachers to make instructional
decisions.

Worked with other teachers to develop

materials or activities for particular
classes.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

18

Worked on instructional strategies with

other teachers.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

19

Collective Responsibility
Performance: Neutral
Collective Responsibility
Teachers share a strong sense of responsibility for
student development, school improvement, and
professional growth.

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Collective Responsibility

Collective Responsibility Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

20

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report that other teachers in the school:

Feel responsible when

students in this school fail.

Feel responsible to help each

other do their best.

Help maintain discipline in the

entire school, not just their
classroom.

Take responsibility for

improving the school.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

21

Feel responsible for helping

students develop self-control.

Feel responsible that all

students learn.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

22

Quality Professional Development

Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Quality Professional Development

Quality Professional Development

Professional development is rigorous and focused on
student learning.
Quality Professional Development Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

23

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report that professional development this year has:

Included opportunities to work

productively with teachers from other
schools.

Included enough time to think carefully

about, try, and evaluate new ideas.

Been sustained and coherently focused,

rather than short-term and unrelated.

Included opportunities to work

productively with colleagues in my
school.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

24

Been closely connected to my schools

improvement plan.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

25

School Commitment
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on School Commitment

School Commitment
Teachers are deeply committed to the school.
School Commitment Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

26

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report that:

I wouldnt want to work in any other

school.

I would recommend this school to parents

seeking a place for their child.

I usually look forward to each working day

at this school.

I feel loyal to this school.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

27

Teacher-Teacher Trust
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Teacher-Teacher Trust

Teacher-Teacher Trust
Teachers are supportive and respectful of one
another, personally and professionally.
Teacher-Teacher Trust Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

28

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report that:

Teachers in this school trust each other.

It's OK in this school to discuss feelings,

worries, and frustrations with other
teachers.

Teachers respect other teachers who take

the lead in school improvement efforts.

Teachers at this school respect those

colleagues who are experts at their craft.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

29

Teachers feel respected by other teachers

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

30

Involved Families
Minooka Jr High School
Performance on Involved Families

Performance: Neutral
In schools with Involved Families, the entire staff
builds strong external relationships. Such schools:
see parents as partners in helping students
learn,
value parents' input and participation in
advancing the school's mission, and
support efforts to strengthen its students'
community resources.
Minooka Jr High Schools eScore of 44 represents its
aggregate performance across four key indicators of
Involved Families:

Measures for Involved Families

Teacher-Parent Trust
Parent Involvement in School
Parent Influence on Decision
Making in Schools

Performance on Over Time

Teacher-Parent Trust (58 - Neutral)

Parent Involvement in School (33 - Weak)
Parent Influence on Decision Making in Schools
(40 - Neutral)

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

31

Measures of Involved Families

Teacher-Parent Trust
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Teacher-Parent Trust

Teacher-Parent Trust
Teachers and parents are partners in improving student learning.
Teacher-Parent Trust Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

32

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative performance
(above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school compare to the
benchmark.
Teachers report that:

Parents do their best to help their

children learn

Teachers feel good about parents'

support for their work

Parents support teachers

teaching efforts

Teachers and parents think of

each other as partners in
educating children.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

33

Staff at this school work hard to

build trusting relationships with
parents.

Teachers feel respected by the

parents of the students

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

34

Parent Involvement in School

Performance: Weak

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Parent Involvement in
School

Parent Involvement in School

Parents participate in school activities related to their child's
academic growth.
Parent Involvement in School Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

35

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative performance
(above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school compare to the
benchmark.
Teachers report that parents at the school:

Volunteered time to support the

school (e.g., volunteer in
classrooms, help with schoolwide events, etc.).

Contacted me about their child's

performance.

Respond to my suggestions for

helping their child.

Attended parent-teacher
conferences when you requested
them.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

36

Parent Influence on Decision Making in Schools

Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Parent Influence on
Decision Making in Schools

In schools with strong Parent Influence on Decision Making in

Schools, the school actively creates opportunities for parents to
participate in developing academic programs and influencing
school curricula.
On average, % of teachers at Minooka Jr High School
responded favorably to questions related to Parent Influence
on Decision Making in Schools.
Based on a comparison to the benchmark, an mScore of 40
means that Minooka Jr High School is neutral on this
measure.

Parent Influence on Decision Making in

Schools Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

37

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative performance
(above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school compare to the
benchmark.
Teachers report the school:

Involves parents in commenting on school

curricula.

Develops formal networks to link all families

with each other (for example: sharing parent
directories, providing a website for parents
to connect with one another, etc.).

Encourages more-involved parents to reach

out to less-involved parents.

Involves parents in the development of

programs aimed at improving students
academic outcomes.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

38

Includes parent leaders from all backgrounds

in school improvement efforts.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

39

Supportive Environment
Minooka Jr High School
Performance on Supportive Environment

Performance: Weak
In schools with a Supportive Environment, the school
is safe, demanding, and supportive. In such schools:
students feel safe in and around the school,
they find teachers trust-worthy and responsive to
their academic needs,
all students value hard work, and
teachers push all students toward high academic
performance.
Minooka Jr High Schools eScore of 37 represents its
aggregate performance across four key indicators of
Supportive Environment:

Measures for Supportive Environment

Peer Support for Academic
Work
Academic Personalism
Safety
Student-Teacher Trust

Performance on Supportive Environment Over Time

Peer Support for Academic Work (32 - Weak)

Academic Personalism (18 - Very Weak)
Safety (42 - Neutral)
Student-Teacher Trust (54 - Neutral)

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

40

Measures of Supportive Environment

Peer Support for Academic Work

Performance: Weak

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Peer Support for Academic Work

Peer Support for Academic Work

Students demonstrate behaviors that lead to academic
achievement.
Peer Support for Academic Work Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

41

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report that their classroom peers:

Think doing homework is

important.

Feel it is important to pay

attention in class.

Feel it is important to come to

school every day.

Try hard to get good grades.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

42

Academic Personalism
Performance: Very Weak

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Academic Personalism

Academic Personalism
Teachers connect with students in the classroom and
support them in achieving academic goals.
Academic Personalism Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

43

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report that their teacher:

Helps me catch up if I am behind.

Notices if I have trouble learning

something.

Gives me specific suggestions about how

I can improve my work in this class.

Is willing to give extra help on schoolwork

if I need it.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

44

Explains things in a different way if I don't

understand something in class.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

45

Safety
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Safety

Safety
Students feel safe both in and around the school
building, and while they travel to and from home.
Safety Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

46

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report how safe they feel:

Outside around the school.

Traveling between home and school.

In the bathrooms of the school.

In the hallways of the school.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

47

In their classes

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

48

Student-Teacher Trust
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Student-Teacher Trust

Student-Teacher Trust
Students and teachers share a high level of mutual trust
and respect.
Student-Teacher Trust Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

49

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report that:

My teachers always keep their promises

I feel safe and comfortable with my

teachers at this school.

My teachers will always listen to students'

ideas.

My teachers treat me with respect.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

50

Ambitious Instruction
Minooka Jr High School
Performance on Ambitious Instruction

Performance: Neutral
In schools with strong Ambitious Instruction,
classes are challenging and engaging. The
instruction is clear, well-structured, and
encourages students to build and apply
knowledge. When combined with a supportive
environment, Ambitious Instruction has the most
direct effect on student learning. It is:
well-defined with clear expectations for
student success,
interactive and encourages students to build
and apply knowledge,
well-paced (not measured), and
aligned across grades (not measured).

Measures for Ambitious Instruction

English Instruction
Math Instruction
Academic Press
Quality of Student Discussion

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Ambitious Instruction Over Time

Minooka Jr High School received a score of 46

on Ambitious Instruction, representing its
aggregate performance across four key
indicators of this essential:

English Instruction (37 - Weak)

Math Instruction (48 - Neutral)
Academic Press (28 - Weak)
Quality of Student Discussion (70 - Strong)

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

51

Measures of Ambitious Instruction

English Instruction
Performance: Weak

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on English Instruction

English Instruction
Students interact with course material and one another to
build and apply critical reading and writing skills.
English Instruction Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

52

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report doing the following in English class:

Rewrite a paper or essay in

response to comments.

Improve a piece of writing as a

class or with partners.

Debate the meaning of a

reading.

Discuss how culture, time, or

place affects an author's
writing.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

53

Discuss connections between

a reading and real life people
or situations.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

54

Math Instruction
Performance: Neutral

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Math Instruction

Math Instruction
Students interact with course material and one another to
build and apply knowledge in their math classes.
Math Instruction Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

55

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report that they do the following in math class:

Write a math problem for other

students to solve.

Write a few sentences to

explain how you solved a math
problem.

Apply math to situations in life

outside of school.

Explain how you solved a

problem to the class.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

56

Discuss possible solutions to

problems with other students.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

57

Academic Press
Performance: Weak

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Academic Press

Academic Press
Teachers expect students to do their best and to meet
academic demands.
Academic Press Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

58

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Students report that:

The teacher asks difficult questions in

class

The teacher asks difficult questions on

tests

This class challenges me

This class really makes me think.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

59

I really learn a lot in this class

This class requries me to work hard to do

well

The teacher wants us to become better

thinkers, not just memorize things

The teacher expects me to do my best all

the time

The teacher expects everyone to work

hard

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

60

Quality of Student Discussion

Performance: Strong

Minooka Jr High School

Performance on Quality of Student Discussion

Quality of Student Discussion

Students participate in classroom discussions that build
their critical thinking skills.
Quality of Student Discussion Over Time

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

61

What are these results based on?

This school's performance on this Measure is based on the questions shown below. Relative
performance (above, at, near, below, far below benchmark) is based on how responses in this school
compare to the benchmark.
Teachers report that:

Students use data and text references to

support their ideas.

Students provide constructive feedback

to their peers and to me.

Students build on each others ideas

during discussion.

Most students participate in the

discussion at some point.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.

62

Students show each other respect.

2015 survey results for Minooka Jr High School. Produced by UChicago Impact.