VOCAL is an annual survey sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It was administered to students in grade 4, grade 5, grade 8, and grade 10. In 2019, participating students are asked to share their views on three dimensions and nine topics of school climate:
This brief presents key findings from a research study related to bullying in Massachusetts. The key findings are divided into three sections: general student-level findings, district-level findings, and those related to the analyses of black and white student responses.
Bullying in Massachusetts Research Brief
This PowerPoint presents the results from a research study related to student engagement. It provides an overview of the VOCAL survey, descriptive results related to student engagement, and identifies factors that appear to promote or inhibit student engagement in Massachusetts. Notes pages are included.
Student Engagement Webinar
Massachusetts 2019 Executive Summary
2019 State Report
2019 Validity report addendum — coming soon
The sample report replicates the data and format provided to districts and schools, respectively. Schools and districts are also provided with the guidance materials and resources posted on this webpage.
School sample report
FAQ
Grade-level school profiles
Description of a relatively strong, typical, and relatively weak school climate in Massachusetts within:
User Guide
Interpretive Guide and Action Planning Resource for Schools
How to analyze and interpret VOCAL school climate data using the school sample report data as an exemplar (a completed and a blank template are provided)
Action Planning template for schools to set goals/priorities related to school climate (a completed and a blank template are provided)
VOCAL Item Crosswalk
The surveys administered in 2019 can be viewed below:
Last Updated: January 26, 2021
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
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Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.