Jackson Free Press

Results from a poll conducted by the polling center at Jackson State University's Institute of Government suggest that public opinion regarding the quality of k-12 public schools locally and nation-wide is not too hot. Less than half of Mississippians, for example, said schools in the state are adequately funded, while almost 70 percent agreed better schools are generally those that are better funded.

Giving credence to the importance of successful public schools, 86 percent of Mississippians agreed that the better the education a state has, the better its economy will be.

A JSU press release stated:

The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government has issued its second local and national poll, this one focused on education.

A national survey of 908 adults, the poll on public education quality, programming, testing and funding was conducted Nov. 24 to Dec. 5, 2014.

Among its findings:

• Most Americans say public schools are significantly underfunded
• Majorities of Americans are willing to pay more taxes to better fund public schools
• A large percentage of Americans see public school buildings as “dangerously neglected”

In Mississippi, strong majorities surveyed (67.3%) believe that public schools are significantly (32.7%) or somewhat (34.5%) underfunded.

Moreover, in Mississippi:

• Less than half (45.9%) of Mississippians agreed that their own state adequately funds public schools;
• A majority is willing to pay somewhat more in taxes to better fund public schools – 63.7%;
• Only 27.4% agreed that public schools are funded equitably or evenly across jurisdictions;
• A strong majority (69.8%) agreed that good performing schools are generally better funded;
• A large majority (86.1%) agreed that the better public schools do, the better the economy does;
• A majority (63.3%) agreed that they seek out and support candidates who advocate for increased public school funding.

Mississippians surveyed provided only a passing grade for the quality of public education in the United States today. While 56.7% indicated the quality of public education was very good (6.7%) or good (49.8%), two-fifths, 39.7% suggested the quality was poor (33.7%) or very poor (6.0%).

Describing the quality of education in their own communities, Mississippians provided only a somewhat higher grade than they did for public schools nationally. More than one-half (58.9%) indicated the quality of education in their own community was very good (13.1%) or good (45.6%). Nearly one-third (37.6%) indicated poor (25.8%) or very poor (11.7%).

When schools are considered or declared “failing,” most Mississippians hold the local school districts and school administrators responsible – 66.2% and 55.2% respectively. Fewer hold the teachers and the state responsible – 48.0% and 34.5% respectively. Some hold the students and funding or funders responsible – 36.7% and 22.1% respectively.

Three-fifths of Mississippians polled (60.1%) indicated they would recommend graduation rates be used to measure school success. A similar percentage (69.8%) suggested student test scores be used as a metric. Fewer suggested teacher qualification and accomplishments or scholarships awarded – 41.6% and 20.6% respectively be used.

Educational infrastructure is in poor shape, the polls show. Both nationally and in Mississippi, Americans see that significant new funding is required to move infrastructure — or the physical condition of schools — to “good” status.

Nationally, a large majority (82.2%) agreed that we need increased, long-term investment in the national infrastructure in order for the national economy to grow and add new jobs. Also, parents don’t move to towns/cities with school buildings in disrepair according to 77.2% of those surveyed.

In Mississippi, nearly three-quarters (70.8%) noted the investment required will be significant (32.0%) or somewhat more (38.8%).

“The polling results confirm what we already know,” said Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at JSU. “And that is, collectively, we can do more for the state of Mississippi. We must make education our number 1 priority, especially early childhood education.”

“We know from the assessment the overall state of the infrastructure is very poor, and that investment in infrastructure is absolutely necessary to support healthy, vibrant communities. The polling results confirm this assessment. Infrastructure is also critical for long-term economic growth and stability, increasing GDP, employment, equality, and household income,” said Dr. Farshad Amini, professor and chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at JSU.

Polling by the Center is conducted on a regular basis and may also include spontaneous polling on occurring events.

In its previous fall poll, the Center looked at guns, police relations and voter ID.

Taken before the Ferguson grand jury released its results, but after the August police shooting, the poll reflected mistrust of police among some segments.