Who is invited to participate?
All Grade 5-12 students will have time in class to complete the survey if they choose. Families with children attending school in TVDSB and school staff are also invited to participate.
Does my child have to participate?
No, participation is optional. If you do not want your child to participate, please speak with your child and contact their principal.
Is this survey anonymous?
Yes. You and your child will not be asked to include your names or their student number. Answers will be combined and cannot be connected back to individuals.
How long will it take to answer all the questions?
About 30 minutes for students and 15 minutes for parents/caregivers. If you have a child or children who are learning virtually, the survey will take about 10 minutes for both you and your child/children to complete.
Do students and parents/caregivers have to answer all the questions?
No. The first three questions are required. These questions ask if you want to complete the survey, grade of student, and school. All other questions are optional.
Can students get help with answering the questions?
Yes. This is not a test. Students can ask for help if they need it. Teachers may read the questions to students, help define words, and/or provide extra time.
Is the survey available in different languages?
Yes. The survey is available in multiple languages.
- Arabic
- French (Canadian)
- German
- Hindi
- Korean
- Kurdish (Kurmanji)
- Mandarin
- Nepali
- Persian
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- Punjabi
- Spanish (Latin American)
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
If you need assistance completing the survey in a language not listed on the website, please speak with the principal of your child’s school, or email schoolclimatesurvey@tvdsb.ca.
How were the questions determined?
TVDSB uses questions from the Department of Education School Climate Surveys (EDSCLS). For more information visit
https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/edscls/index.asp What support is available for students who may feel upset?
Some questions may make students feel uncomfortable. If students feel upset, they are encouraged to speak with an adult they trust at school or at home. Information about supports is also included in the survey. You can preview the questions that are being asked by clicking on the pictures above and then selecting "Preview the Survey". You can view questions for students, parents/caregivers, and for school staff.
Who will have access to the information?
Only members of TVDSB’s Research and Assessment Services will have access to individual responses. Answers will be combined to create school and district reports.
How will the information be used?
School reports will be shared with principals and district staff to help create plans (e.g., Safe and Inclusive School Plans). Principals are asked to share key findings with their school communities. District reports will be shared with TVDSB staff and Trustees to help make decisions about policy, resources, and learning opportunities. Key findings may also be shared with the TVDSB community, Ministry of Education, and the public.
Where can I get more information?
If you have additional questions, please speak with the principal of your/your child’s school or email the School Climate Working Group at schoolclimatesurvey@tvdsb.ca.
