This dataset contains student responses to each item on the Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey since 2018. These responses are aggregated at the state level by grade and student group to protect student privacy.

The VOCAL survey is designed to provide information on student perceptions of school climate. There are two reports with different types of data: responses to individual items and aggregate index scaled scores that combine item responses. For more information about the VOCAL survey, please visit the VOCAL home page.

This dataset is one of two containing the same data that is also published in the VOCAL state dashboard:
VOCAL Index Scaled Scores and Favorability
VOCAL Item Response Scores

Engagement - Cultural Competence

• ENGCLC1: Adults working at this school treat all students respectfully, regardless of a student's race, culture, family income, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
• ENGCLC2: Teachers at this school accept me for who I am.
• ENGCLC3: My textbooks or class materials include people and examples that reflect my race, cultural background and/or identity.
• ENGCLC4: Within school, I am encouraged to take upper level courses (honors, AP).
• ENGCLC5: Students from different backgrounds respect each other in our school, regardless of their race, culture, family income, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
• ENGCLC6: Students like to have friends who are different from themselves (for example, boys and girls, rich and poor, or classmates of different color).
• ENGCLC7: Students are open to having friends who come from different backgrounds (for example, friends from different races, cultures, family incomes, or religions, or friends of a different sex, or sexual orientation).
• ENGCLC8: I read books in class that include people who are similar to me (for example, we look the same, speak the same, or live in similar neighborhoods).
• ENGCLC9: Adults working at this school treat all students with respect.
• ENGCLC10: In my academic classes, I work with groups of students who are from different backgrounds (for example, students from different races, cultures, family incomes, or religions, or students of a different sex or sexual orientation).

Engagement - Participation

• ENGPAR1: I get the chance to take part in school events (for example, science fairs, art or music shows).
• ENGPAR2: My parents feel respected when they participate at our school (e.g., at parent-teacher conferences, open houses).
• ENGPAR3: I feel welcome to participate in extra-curricular activities offered through my school, such as, school clubs or organizations, musical groups, sports teams, student council, or any other extra-curricular activities.
• ENGPAR4: My teachers use my ideas to help my classmates learn.
• ENGPAR5: I have a choice in how I show my learning (e.g., write a paper, prepare a presentation, make a video).
• ENGPAR6: My teachers will explain things in different ways until I understand.
• ENGPAR7: When I need help, my teachers use my interests to help me learn.
• ENGPAR8: My teachers ask me to share what I have learned in a lesson.
• ENGPAR9: When I am stuck, my teachers want me to try again before they help me

The Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey is designed to provide schools with information on student perceptions of three dimensions of school climate (engagement, safety, and environment). The resource page summarizes all topics measured within each dimension and includes other helpful links.