School satisfaction survey

In order to ensure that we can constantly improve the quality of our service based on the needs of IB World Schools, we conduct an annual school satisfaction survey.

The first survey was undertaken in April 2006 and will be repeated in 2007. The 2006 survey was conducted by ORC Macro, specialists in opinion research on behalf of the IB. All responses are confidential and the IB has only been provided with anonymized data.

50% of IB World Schools (heads/principals and coordinators) were randomly selected to participate in the web based survey. 83% of schools and 66% of individuals responded. The survey was conducted in English, French and Spanish and 1,156 responses were analyzed giving a high level of statistical reliability.

The survey attempted to gain an overview of satisfaction with IB services in the following areas:

• Curriculum
• Assessment
• Professional Development
• School evaluation
• School support
• Communications

Major findings

Overall, satisfaction levels were very high. 90% agreed with the statement "considering everything, I am very satisfied with the service that the IB provides my school". 5% disagreed and 5% had no opinion.

A statistical analysis using "Key driver analysis" reveals that the strongest driver of overall satisfaction is the support provided to Heads and Coordinators, an indication that when respondents are less satisfied with other IB services, this feeling is mitigated if they are able to resolve their questions with help from IB staff. 88% report that they are either very satisfied or satisfied with this type of support from the IB.

Curriculum

The highest levels of satisfaction were with the curriculum. 96% of respondents strongly agree or agree they are very satisfied with the curriculum.

Assessment

84% of respondents strongly agree or agree they were very satisfied with assessment. Lower levels of satisfaction were recorded by some Primary Years Programme respondents indicating a possible need for greater support in this respect.

Professional development

80% of respondents strongly agree or agree they were very satisfied with professional development.

School evaluation

77% of respondents strongly agree or agree they were very satisfied with the school evaluation process.

General analysis

In addition to analyzing absolute levels of satisfaction in each service area, we also looked at how these levels vary by geography, language and programme. For example, we found:

• Diploma Programme respondents had the highest levels of satisfaction towards all IB services (with the exception of Programme Evaluation where Primary Years Programme respondents were most positive).

• Respondents from North America had higher levels of satisfaction towards all IB services (specifically, Curriculum, Assessment, and Support), with the exception of Programme Evaluation where satisfaction was lower.

• Heads had higher levels of satisfaction with IB services (specifically, Curriculum, Assessment, and Programme Evaluation).

• Coordinators tended to have higher levels of satisfaction with Support.

• Older IB World Schools (10+ years) had higher levels of satisfaction towards all IB services (specifically, IB Assessment, IB Programme Evaluation, and IB Support).

• Newer IB World Schools (≤5 years) had higher levels of satisfaction with the Curriculum and Professional Development.

Further analysis

Beyond these 'headline' findings, the survey has produced a wealth of detailed data to help the organization to improve services in the areas of most concern to schools.

The Council of Foundation, International Heads Representative Committee and the Directors Leadership Team have reviewed a more detailed analysis of the results [360 kb, PDF] to inform their decision making.