DESE's model student feedback instruments include discussion prompts for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, as well as surveys for students in grades 3-12. They are designed to support teachers, coaches, and evaluators to seek student perspectives and use them to inform educators' professional growth and development.
Use of the model student feedback instruments is optional. Districts may adopt, adapt, or choose alternatives to these instruments.
DESE plans to update the model student feedback instruments to align with the Standards of Effective Teaching Practice, which were recently revised to center evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining teaching practices.
Complete this brief survey to share your feedback about the current instruments and inform updates!
Standard Form
Short Form
Mini Form St. I
Mini Form St. II
Mini Form St. I & II
Administration Protocol
K-2 Discussion Prompts & Administration Protocol
Top 5 Reasons to Use DESE's Model Feedback Surveys Although educators aren't required to use DESE's Model Feedback Surveys, we think they have a lot of value. Here are the Top 5 Reasons to consider using one or more of the DESE Model Feedback Surveys:
DESE Model Survey items are designed to yield actionable information about practice. Built on the premise that educators deserve high quality feedback, the survey items reflect day-to-day practice and yield meaningful and actionable information for educators.
Surveys development was directly informed by Massachusetts educators and students. DESE is indebted to the more than 2,200 students, parents, teachers, and school and district administrators who provided input throughout the survey development process.
DESE Model Surveys are Massachusetts-specific and aligned with the Standards for Effective Teaching and Effective Administrative Leadership Practice.
The DESE Model Student Surveys for Grades 3–5 and Grades 6–12 are vertically aligned, meaning that although they include language that is developmentally appropriate for different age groups, the items on each survey are similar and cover the same constructs. This alignment underscores the importance of common practices associated with effective teaching across grade levels.
DESE Model Survey items were developed and validated through pilot administration with Massachusetts students and administrators—over 10,000 Massachusetts students and 1,500 Massachusetts educators piloted survey items in 2013-14. More information about the survey development process and validity analyses from the student surveys is available in a complete technical report: DESE Model Student Feedback Survey: Technical Report .
Are the DESE Model Feedback Surveys valid measures of teacher and administrator practice?
How were the DESE Model Feedback Surveys developed?
Who can use the DESE Model Feedback Surveys?
Who is already using the DESE Model Feedback Surveys?
Why should I use a DESE Model Feedback Survey to collect feedback on my practice?
What's the difference between the standard form and the short form?
Last Updated: February 13, 2025