MTA on TELLS Mass: Encouraging a High Response Rate

Achieving a response rate of at least 50 percent is required for a school to receive any data from the survey. The higher the response rate, the more credibility the survey data will have, increasing the chances that the data will be used productively.

• Superintendents in RTTT districts are responsible for the proper implementation of the TELL Mass survey. The commissioner will communicate with superintendents about this requirement.
• Principals will be asked to distribute unique codes that are needed for teachers and administrators in the school to respond to the survey.

MTA is encouraging all eligible educators to respond to the survey. A high response rate will help to ensure the voices of educators are heard at the local and state levels.

Local leaders and building representatives can help to produce a high response rate in schools. This help can include:

• Ensuring that the principal distributes the access code letters in a timely fashion in accordance with DESE instructions and that respondents’ complete anonymity is preserved. Any instances of principals not following the instructions or creating barriers to participating in the survey should be communicated to the MTA email or phone help contacts.
• Working with the principal to schedule time for school staff to complete the survey, if appropriate.
• Sending our reminders to encourage staff members to complete the survey.
• Responding to questions about the survey.
• Monitoring the school response rate on the TELL Mass website and reporting the information to school staff.
• Assisting school staff in contacting the TELL Mass help desk – 1-888-601-5826. The Help Desk can provide replacement survey access codes or address any problems that occur in taking the survey.