Parents, students, and teachers in Illinois are being encouraged to participate in the 2026 Illinois 5Essentials Survey, which is open until March 10, 2026. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive view of each school’s strengths and areas for improvement by collecting feedback from key stakeholders.
LaToya Berry-Coleman, Director of Curriculum and Assessment for Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 (CUSD 10), informed families about the survey. “On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are: Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, Ambitious Instruction, Effective Leadership,” Berry-Coleman stated.
She also highlighted findings from prior research: “Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these ‘5 Essential’ indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.”
All teachers as well as students in grades four through twelve are invited to respond. Reports will be generated for schools if at least half of teachers or students complete the survey; these reports will be shared with schools and districts in May 2026 and included in the next Illinois State School Report Card.
Berry-Coleman added: “Our district chose to provide the optional parent survey supplement. If at least 20 percent of parents complete this survey, a parent supplement report will also be generated. The parent data will NOT be reported on the State Report Card but will be used as feedback for our schools and district.”
She assured families regarding confidentiality: “Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.”
Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 serves Madison and St. Clair counties with multiple schools including Caseyville Elementary School, Collinsville High School, Collinsville Middle School, Dorris Intermediate School, Jefferson Elementary School, John A. Renfro Elementary School, Kreitner Elementary School, Maryville Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, Twin Echo Elementary School, and Webster Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
According to recent state education data reviewed by CUSD 10 officials:
– The district employs over four hundred teachers who earn an average salary just above $60,000; most are women.
– Teacher attendance is high across all campuses.
– Student demographics show a diverse population—56 percent White students make up a majority while Hispanic students represent roughly one-quarter; Black students account for about fourteen percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
– In fiscal year 2020 CUSD 10 spent nearly $17 thousand per student with total expenditures exceeding $104 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
The parent supplement report generated from sufficient participation is intended only for internal use within CUSD 10.
For additional details or previous years’ results from the Illinois 5Essentials Survey visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois.
Questions may be directed to UChicago Impact Survey Support at impact-surveys@uchicago.edu or by calling their toll-free number.
