Survey Basics
Who takes the NYC School Survey?
Students, families, teachers, and school support staff.
When does the 2026 NYC School Survey administration begin?
February 9, 2026.
What tool allows principals and survey coordinators to track response rates in real time?
The Panorama Dashboard.
Should survey responses be completed confidentially?
Yes, surveys must be completed confidentially without influence.
What is the main purpose of the NYC School Survey?
To collect feedback to improve schools and inform school- and citywide decision-making.
What is the deadline for completing the 2026 NYC School Survey?
April 1, 2026.
How do families enter their survey code online?
By entering a lowercase “f” followed by the child’s 9-digit OSIS number.
Name one effective strategy to increase family participation in the survey.
Hosting events, providing technical support, or following up with families.
Is it appropriate for school staff to encourage “positive” responses on the survey?
No, this raises ethical concerns.
On what platform are NYC School Survey results shared with schools and the public?
Panorama Education.
What is the population cutoff date used to determine survey eligibility?
November 1, 2025.
How many surveys should a family complete if they have more than one child?
One survey for each child.
Who can schools recruit to help promote survey participation?
PTA members, bilingual staff, school aides, and students.
Can schools offer small incentives to families for completing the survey?
Yes, as long as the incentive does not influence responses.
How are survey results displayed in reports?
As percent favorable by question and by topic/measure, with demographic breakdowns.
When will 2026 NYC School Survey results be released to schools?
Early summer 2026.
What writing tools are acceptable for completing paper surveys?
Black ink, blue ink, or pencil.
What is the most effective strategy for increasing survey completion rates?
Consistent follow-up using survey completion lists.
Should administrators or school leaders be present while teachers complete the survey?
No, to avoid the appearance of breaching confidentiality.
How are NYC School Survey results used beyond school-level reflection?
They are used in School Quality Reports, inform School Quality Snapshots, and support citywide accountability and improvement efforts.
Why is November 1, 2025 an important date for the 2026 NYC School Survey administration?
It is the population cutoff date used to determine survey eligibility for students, families, and staff.
A family wants to complete the NYC School Survey online but cannot find their child’s OSIS number. What are two places they can locate it?
On the student’s report card, student ID card, or by requesting it from the school.
What combination of strategies is most effective for increasing family survey response rates?
Building trust with families, providing technical and language support, hosting events, and following up using completion lists.
Why is it considered an ethical violation for school staff to collect completed surveys or suggest how respondents should answer?
Because it compromises confidentiality and may influence responses, which can result in survey results being invalidated.