Free CHKS Survey
50+ Expert Crafted CHKS Survey Questions
Measuring CHKS gives you the actionable insights you need to track student health, risk behaviors and school climate for meaningful improvement. The California Healthy Kids Survey is a research-backed tool that assesses well-being, resilience and protective factors across your student population. Load our free CHKS template preloaded with sample questions, or head over to our form builder to customize your own survey if you need a tailored solution.
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Top Secrets for an Impactful CHKS Survey Experience
The CHKS survey is more than just a questionnaire. It reveals insights into student connectedness, school safety, and mental health. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) Overview by Riverside Unified, this tool guides improvements in learning environments. Schools from elementary to high school leverage its modular design to fit different age groups. Schools using CHKS report deeper engagement when they align questions with clear goals.
To start strong, define your objectives upfront. Choose modules that align with priorities and review the modular structure outlined by Siskiyou County Office of Education. Keep questions simple and relevant to concerns like safety or engagement. Work with your counseling team to draft questions that resonate with students. Limit your survey to 30 minutes max to respect class time. This focus helps you act on data swiftly.
Imagine Ms. Lopez at Jefferson High launching a pilot test with tenth graders. She crafts sample items like "How supported do you feel by your teachers?" and "What changes would improve your sense of community?" Then she runs a quick poll in advisory groups to confirm clarity. She also adjusted the timing to avoid Mondays when students felt rushed. The real-world feedback shaped her final survey and boosted response rates by 30%. That early step also highlighted confusing wording she could fix.
Once you collect results, compare them against your benchmark. Use a School Climate Survey follow-up to track progress. Share clear summaries with staff and students, emphasizing strengths and growth areas. Use visuals and clear infographics when presenting data back to the community. In a few weeks, you'll see where to invest training, resources, and support for meaningful change. Remember, a well-executed CHKS survey kickstarts a cycle of continuous improvement.
Embrace transparency from day one. Inform families and staff about the anonymous nature of CHKS. Highlight how past surveys led to new counseling programs or updated safety drills. Celebrate improvements by sharing success stories in school newsletters. This context builds trust and encourages honest feedback. When people know their voice matters, response quality soars.
5 Must-Know Tips to Avoid CHKS Survey Mistakes
Even well-intentioned CHKS survey efforts can stumble. Vague wording leaves students guessing, and long forms fuel survey fatigue by the third page. Low participation skews data and weakens insights. That misalignment triggers missed opportunities to improve programs. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey - Berkeley Unified School District, laughter in hallways doesn't guarantee honest feedback unless you set clear expectations.
Tip 1: Clarify every question. Replace broad prompts with concrete examples so students know exactly what to answer. Ask "Which safety drills help you feel most prepared?" instead of "Do you feel safe at school?" Collaborate with teachers to refine language and ensure cultural sensitivity. Sample items like "What stops you from completing surveys from start to finish?" reveal potential sticking points early.
Tip 2: Pilot with a small, diverse focus group. Test timing to see if students rush through during PE or lunch. Adjust your schedule to avoid high-stress days like exam weeks. Document each version to track improvements. Early trials catch confusing items and prevent mass drop-offs in your main launch.
Tip 3: Keep sections brief and balanced. Don't overload on behavior questions at the expense of well-being or school climate. Use clear progress markers between modules so respondents don't feel lost. Tip 4: Emphasize anonymity and reassure participants. As the Moreno Valley Unified School District site notes, confidentiality builds trust and richer answers.
Tip 5: Act on results fast. Share back highlights in staff meetings and student councils. Last spring, Central Valley High turned weekly huddles into quick action plans after its CHKS rollout. Use a Safety Survey follow-up to close the feedback loop. Document your strategy so stakeholders see how data leads actions. When learners see changes based on their input, they're eager to engage next time.
School Safety Questions
Ensuring a secure environment is essential for student well-being and academic success. This set of questions helps assess safety protocols, supervision, and student perceptions to guide targeted improvements. For detailed protocols, consider our School Safety for Students Survey .
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How safe do you feel when arriving at school in the morning?
This question measures students' general sense of security at entry points. Identifying concerns here can guide improvements in staffing or surveillance during arrival times.
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Are security personnel visible and approachable on campus?
This question assesses the visibility and approachability of security staff. Ensuring personnel are accessible can deter incidents and encourage reporting.
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How effective are lockdown and evacuation drills?
This question evaluates the effectiveness of emergency drills. Understanding drill performance helps schools refine procedures and boost student confidence.
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How well do staff enforce visitor sign-in procedures?
This question examines the enforcement of visitor protocols. Strong sign-in procedures prevent unauthorized access and maintain a secure campus.
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How sufficient is the lighting in hallways and outdoor areas?
This question gauges lighting adequacy in critical areas. Proper illumination reduces accident risks and discourages after-hours trespassing.
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Do you feel confident reporting bullying or harassment incidents?
This question measures comfort in reporting bullying or harassment. Trusting the reporting process is essential for timely intervention and student safety.
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How prepared is the school for natural disaster emergencies?
This question assesses readiness for natural disasters. Adequate planning and resources can minimize harm during emergencies.
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Are emergency communication systems (bells, alerts) reliable?
This question evaluates the reliability of alert systems. Consistent communication is vital for effective emergency response.
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How often are safety protocols reviewed with students?
This question tracks how frequently students are trained on safety protocols. Regular reviews reinforce best practices and preparedness.
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Do you believe the school addresses safety concerns promptly?
This question measures belief in the school's responsiveness to safety issues. Prompt action fosters confidence and continual improvement.
Student Health Questions
Gathering insights into student health behaviors and resources helps schools promote wellness and prevent illness. These questions explore access to services, mental health support, and health education efficacy. You can complement your evaluation with the Student Health Survey .
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How would you rate the availability of on-campus mental health resources?
This question gauges the availability of mental health support. Adequate resources are crucial for student well-being and academic performance.
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Are you satisfied with the quality of health education in classes?
This question evaluates the effectiveness of health education. Quality instruction empowers students with essential knowledge for lifelong wellness.
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How accessible is the school nurse or health aide?
This question assesses ease of access to medical staff. Prompt care can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious conditions.
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Do you have regular access to nutritious meals at school?
This question measures access to healthy food options. Regular nutritious meals support cognitive function and physical health.
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How often do you participate in physical activity during school hours?
This question tracks student engagement in physical activity. Understanding activity levels helps shape effective fitness programs.
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Are you confident about your knowledge of personal hygiene practices?
This question evaluates confidence in hygiene practices. Proper personal care is fundamental to preventing illness and promoting health.
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Have you received information on substance abuse prevention?
This question checks the reach of substance abuse prevention efforts. Early education can reduce risky behaviors and support student safety.
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How comfortable do you feel discussing health concerns with staff?
This question measures comfort in discussing health issues. Open dialogue with staff promotes timely intervention and support.
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Do you know how to access confidential counseling services?
This question gauges awareness of confidential counseling access. Ensuring students know their options encourages them to seek help.
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Are immunization and health screenings communicated clearly?
This question evaluates clarity of immunization and screening communication. Clear information ensures compliance with health regulations.
School Climate Questions
Understanding school climate fosters positive relationships and inclusive atmospheres. This question set probes factors like respect, support, and fairness to drive culture enhancements. Pair your efforts with insights from our School Climate Survey .
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Do you feel respected by your teachers and peers?
This question measures feelings of respect within the school community. Respectful interactions are key to a positive learning environment.
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How inclusive is the curriculum in representing diverse perspectives?
This question evaluates curriculum inclusivity. A diverse curriculum supports all students' cultural identities and promotes engagement.
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Do you feel comfortable expressing your opinions in class?
This question assesses students' comfort in sharing their views. Encouraging student voice enhances classroom participation and learning.
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How effectively does the school resolve conflicts?
This question examines conflict resolution effectiveness. Efficient processes help maintain harmony and reduce disruptions.
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Do you believe the school promotes fairness in discipline?
This question gauges perceptions of disciplinary fairness. Fair treatment fosters trust and accountability among students.
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Are you satisfied with the level of support from guidance counselors?
This question evaluates the support provided by counselors. Strong guidance services contribute to student academic and personal growth.
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Do you feel your achievements are recognized by the school?
This question measures recognition of student achievements. Acknowledging successes motivates learners and builds self-esteem.
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How well do extracurricular activities foster a sense of belonging?
This question assesses belonging through extracurriculars. Inclusive activities strengthen peer connections and school pride.
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Do you trust staff to address your concerns seriously?
This question gauges trust in staff responsiveness. Trustful relationships encourage students to voice concerns and seek support.
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How transparent is communication between administration and students?
This question measures transparency of school communication. Clear messaging from leadership fosters an informed and engaged student body.
Safety Culture Questions
A strong safety culture relies on shared values and proactive reporting. These questions examine staff attitudes, communication channels, and incident response confidence. Enhance your strategy using the AHRQ Culture of Safety Survey .
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How would you rate leadership's commitment to safety?
This question gauges leadership's prioritization of safety. Visible commitment from leadership drives a strong safety culture.
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Are safety training sessions relevant and engaging?
This question assesses training relevance and engagement. Effective sessions ensure staff retain vital safety information.
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How comfortable are staff reporting near misses or hazards?
This question measures comfort in reporting near misses. Encouraging reporting uncovers hazards before they result in harm.
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Do team meetings regularly include safety discussions?
This question evaluates inclusion of safety topics in meetings. Regular discussions reinforce shared responsibility and vigilance.
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Are safety policies easy to understand and follow?
This question assesses clarity of safety policies. Simple, clear guidelines help staff consistently follow procedures.
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How well are lessons learned from incidents communicated?
This question examines communication of incident lessons. Sharing learnings prevents repeat errors and promotes continuous improvement.
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Are adequate resources allocated for safety improvements?
This question measures resource allocation for safety. Adequate funding and materials are essential for effective risk mitigation.
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Do you trust that safety feedback leads to real action?
This question gauges trust that feedback drives change. Belief in responsive action encourages ongoing safety reporting.
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How proactive is your department in identifying risks?
This question evaluates proactive risk identification. Early detection of hazards is crucial for preventing incidents.
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Are safety responsibilities clearly defined for all staff?
This question measures clarity of safety roles and responsibilities. Defined duties ensure accountability and coordinated efforts.
Health Clinic Questions
On-site health clinics play a key role in timely care and health education. This set explores clinic accessibility, service quality, and student satisfaction. You can expand your toolkit with our Health Clinic Survey .
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How convenient are the clinic's operating hours?
This question measures the convenience of clinic hours. Matching availability to student schedules can increase access to care.
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How would you rate the wait time for appointments?
This question evaluates wait time efficiency. Shorter waits improve patient satisfaction and clinic utilization.
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Are clinic staff professional and empathetic?
This question assesses staff professionalism and empathy. Compassionate care fosters trust and positive health outcomes.
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Do you feel your medical information is kept confidential?
This question gauges confidence in confidentiality. Ensuring privacy encourages students to seek necessary care without hesitation.
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How effective are referrals to external specialists?
This question evaluates referral effectiveness. Smooth transitions to specialists support comprehensive patient treatment.
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Are health promotion materials readily available in the clinic?
This question measures access to health education materials. Readily available information empowers students to make healthy choices.
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Is medical equipment and supplies up to date?
This question assesses the state of medical equipment. Well-maintained supplies are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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How clear are explanations of treatment plans?
This question evaluates clarity of treatment explanations. Clear communication ensures students understand and follow care plans.
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Are follow-up appointments scheduled in a timely manner?
This question measures timeliness of follow-up scheduling. Prompt follow-ups help monitor progress and adjust care as needed.
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How satisfied are you with the overall clinic experience?
This question gauges overall satisfaction with clinic services. Comprehensive feedback guides enhancements to clinic operations.
