Transitioning to Middle School (Elementary Teachers)

Survey of 4/5 teachers about social studies instruction, resources, pacing, time. The results will be used by the Social Studies Curriculum Development Team to determine where we need additional research, professional development, vertical alignment and/or resources.
Name (optional): 


A red asterisk (*) indicates required questions.

  1. Select the Elementary School where you teach.*
    Battlefield Park
    Beaverdam
    Cold Harbor
    Cool Spring
    Elmont
    Gandy
    Kersey Creek
    Laurel Meadow
    Mechanicsville
    Pearson's Corner
    Pole Green
    Rural Point
    South Anna
    Washington-Henry


  1. Select the grade you teach. If you loop, you can select both grade levels.*
    4
    5
    SpEd


  1. How much do you use the textbook as your MAIN teaching tool?*
    daily
    3 times per week
    sporadically
    as a resource only
    no adopted text
    never


  1. If you selected sporadically or never, which of the following reasons best explains your decision?
    The reading level is too difficult for my students.
    It does not correlate to the SOLs as well as I would like.
    It is poorly written, confusing, or contains too much extra material.
    Using teacher created materials or notes is a better use of instructional time.


  1. Do you spend class time teaching the students to navigate through their social studies textbook using the index, table of contents, glossary, chapter and subtopic headings?*
    Yes, I model this throughout the school year
    Yes, but usually only the first few weeks of school
    Not very much
    No


  1. Do you model reading/writing strategies during all of social studies lessons?*
    Yes
    No


  1. Which of the following would you describe as the greatest challenge in structuring your social studies instruction?*
    The volume of factual information the students are expected to learn.
    Not enough time to teach the curriculum.
    Planning lessons that promote understanding of the material as a whole.
    Lack of student literacy skills when they come to your class.
    Other (Please specify in the comment box below)


  1. Please specify the greatest challenge in structuring your social studies instruction per question 5.


  1. Which of the following describes the number of instructional minutes devoted to social studies?*
    Daily 45 minutes or more
    Daily 30-45 minute block
    Every other day 45 minute block
    Alternate units with science in 2-3 week intervals.
    Primarily after SOL testing is finished
    No significant time spent in this area
    Other (please describe in the comment box below)


  1. Please describe the number of instructional minutes devoted to social studies if you selected other in the above question.


  1. How much class/homework time do you devote to memorization strategies for SOL facts (mnemonics, flash cards, just-the-fact quizzes and warm ups, etc.)?*
    A lot
    Some
    Little or none


  1. When you teach reading, about what percent of your instructional time is spent on non-fiction text as opposed to fiction and literature?*
    25% or less
    About 50%
    75%
    More than 75%


  1. Do you provide opportunities for the students to answer open-ended questions in complete sentences on your social studies assessments?*
    Yes, on every assessment
    Yes, but only on a few assessments during the year
    I rarely use this format on assessments
    No, all of my assessments are multiple choice, matching, and/or completion


  1. How do you use the data from the End-of-Unit modules provided by the District and/or the cumulative 5th grade geography assessment?*
    I review the data individually and with my grade level team.
    I review the data individually and with my grade level team and develop a course of action to address weaknesses.
    I review the data individually, with my grade level team, and my students to develop a course of action to address weaknesses.
    I look at the data but do not do much else with it in my instruction.
    I do not give the assessment(s) provided.


  1. Please let us know if there is other information you think would be helpful in helping students transition from elementary to middle school.





Nora Wheeler
Lead Teacher Specialist
Ashland, VA