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Our Approach
Key Assumptions and Tools
The Tripod Project is grounded on the assumption that much of the knowledge necessary for improving student outcomes is already present in most schools. What's lacking, however, are routine mechanisms for documenting student perceptions and well-structured ways to support teachers as they share ideas and work together to improve learning. A second assumption is that teachers are willing and able to learn from each other.
The Tripod Project surveys students, teachers and parents to document attitudes, perceptions, experiences and practices. The surveys are sometimes referred to as questionnaires and comprise:
- Student surveys on classroom conditions, tailored for grade levels K-2, 3-5 and 6-12
- Teacher surveys focused on pedagogy, teacher-student relations, and working conditions
Surveys are available in hard copy or online and take the average class less than 30 minutes to complete. Ron Ferguson leads our research and analysis and the resulting data are organized in practical reports and returned to participating districts, schools and teachers. Reports are designed to inform and influence deliberations about ways of improving teaching and learning, raising achievement and narrowing gaps.