Description and Observations
This survey was designed to provide data on the efficacy of DoRight Enterprises as related to the following targeted areas for student growth:
- Engagement, knowledge and confidence with the political process
- Power to effect change--confidence and ability
- Personal values, responsibility and attitudes with regard to sustainability and service beyond self
- Knowledge of some basic energy/sustainability facts and principles
Results in Section 1 are specific to DoRight Enterprises, while Section 2 asks relates to students' experience from their overall school experience. Survey questions were multiple choice with 5 levels of response offered. This document is a summary and excerpt of the total data. All relevant questions are represented and only the most statistically significant responses are presented. In nearly all cases students showed statistically significant gains in the target areas, in some cases showing gains of 100% or more.
Sample Population Information
Numbers: 68 students
Respondent age: 12-14, (grades 7 and 8)
Pre test administered: January 24, 2007
Post test administered: June 4, 2007
Instructional days: 34
Location: Henry H. Wells Middle School, Brewster, New York
Curriculum: DoRight Enterprises
Teacher: Scott Beall
Results
Section 1: Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, Perceptions
Pre and post numbers are percentages of students giving the indicated response.
Survey Question |
Response |
Pre |
Post |
1. Do you believe that your individual actions can have any meaningful effect toward solving environmental and sustainability problems? |
My individual actions are significant and can be the most powerful way to effect change. |
26.9 |
44.2 |
2. Do you believe that major environmental and sustainability threats to the world will affect you in your lifetime? |
There will major problems in my lifetime |
20.6 |
42.2 |
3. How important is it to conserve consumption of oil and oil products (gasoline, jet fuel, plastics, etc.) |
It should be a priority for all nations of the world |
24.2 |
48.5 |
4. Do you spend time thinking about how to create a better future for society and the planet? |
Fair amount of time to always |
22.2 |
43.0 |
5. How often do you consider the source of what you consume (what you buy) and how it impacts the environment or future generations? |
Half the time to always |
26.8 |
45.3 |
6. Do you believe that the government genuinely cares about your present needs and your future well-being? |
Somewhat to always |
34.4 |
47.7 |
7. Do you believe the government can be trusted to create a secure future? |
Yes, absolutely |
7.0 |
18.0 |
8. Can young people have any affect on the actions of government? |
Some effect to major effects |
55.5 |
83.9 |
9. How important is it for you to contribute to solving large problems that face society? |
Very to extremely important, it is a purpose in life |
29.2 |
50.1 |
10. Do you believe that the adult world will listen to your ideas, opinions, knowledge and concerns and take them seriously? |
Sometimes to always |
46.3 |
68.8 |
11. Do you believe that today's modern conveniences and technology depend on the health of the ecosystem? |
Our modern way of life is completely dependent on ecosystem health, and none would be possible without it. |
15.2 |
40.0 |
12. Young teenagers can have very little to no effect in solving environmental problems and getting people to change their behaviors. |
This is absolutely true, young people have no power, maybe with some small exceptions |
29.2 |
12.6 |
13. How important is it that individuals make sacrifices and change the way they live (what they buy and consume) for the sake of the environment and future sustainability? |
It should be a TOP priority for everyone |
10.9 |
22.2 |
14. Do you think global warming is a serious problem? |
Yes, it is a serious problem that everyone needs to address as soon as possible |
50.0 |
74.6 |
15. What is a primary cause of global climate change? (global warming) |
Carbon dioxide |
59 |
78 |
16. What is the source of the MAJORITY of our electricity? |
Coal burning power plants
(correct answer) |
15.2 |
35.9 |
17. Do you know how you can influence government officials to pass laws that you care about? |
I would have no idea where to begin, with a few exceptions |
68.2 |
34.9 |
18. How important is it for individual citizens to actively participate in helping government officials govern? |
We must be very active, otherwise we lose democracy |
13.6 |
26.6 |
19. I enjoy school and look forward to coming every day |
False--I hate school, there is little I like and I rarely look forward to coming |
34.9 |
20.6 |
20. Global issues and problems: How urgent are they to address? |
Peace and security--global war |
Very important to extremely urgent |
54.5 |
65.6 |
The environment and sustainability |
Very important to extremely urgent |
44.7 |
62.5 |
Education |
Very important to extremely urgent |
55.6 |
66.1 |
Immigration |
Very important to extremely urgent |
27.6 |
37.9 |
Population growth |
Important to extremely urgent |
59.8 |
80.7 |
Recreational alcohol and drug use |
Important to extremely urgent |
71.9 |
82.9 |
Homosexual marriage |
Important to extremely urgent |
35.9 |
49.2 |
Global disease |
Very important to extremely urgent |
47.1 |
64.5 |
World hunger |
Important to extremely urgent
( note: in spite of the loss from pre and post, the mode in this category shifted from "very important" to "urgent, top priority" in the post sample.) |
89.4 |
87.3 |
Poverty |
Important to extremely urgent |
83.4 |
88.4 |
Racism |
Important to extremely urgent |
83.3 |
82.5 |
