Cornerstone Values Questionnaire
Survey Purpose
The key objective of this survey is to gather quantitative information from the parents/caregivers of the students of a school, concerning the following:
- the type of person they would like their child/ren to be
- the importance placed on the teaching of values by the school
- the values to be emphasised in a values education programme
- the inclination to send children to this school because of its values education programme
Sampling Method
The questionnaire, a covering letter and postfree envelope, are sealed in an envelope addressed to parents or caregivers of the eldest or only student, of each family enrolled at the school.
The envelopes may be given to the students to take home or preferably, posted.
A closing date for the return of the questionnaires is set.
Response Rate
For this type of postal survey a response of 30% is considered reasonable.
Response rates can be increased by oral reminders to students and written reminder notices to parents/caregivers.
Independent Professional Analysis
An independent analysis of the Cornerstone Values Questionnaire is available from the Southern Institute of Technology at a reasonable cost.
For details contact Pam Hulls, Manager, Southern Institute of Technology, Business & Training Services, PO Box 90114, Invercargill. Phone: (03) 218 2599 Extension 857, Fax: (03) 218 1609, Mobile: 021 707 152, Email: pam.hulls@sit.ac.nz
Cornerstone Values Questionnaire
A: What kind of a person would you like your child to be?
Please circle on a scale of 1 (essential) to 5 (not important)
| Fit and healthy | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Self confident | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| A Leader | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Responsible, dependable | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Assertive, not being pushed around | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Curious, eager to learn | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Liked by others | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Independent | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Quick minded, being intelligent | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Able to work well with other children | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Sensitive to others | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Kind and considerate | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Honest and truthful | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| A hard worker | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Getting good grades | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Amiable, good tempered | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Competitive | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Willing to contribute to the community | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Willing to accept responsibility for own | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Respectful | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B: How important do you think it is for a school to teach moral values and develop good character?
Please circle on a scale of 1 (essential) to 5 (not important)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Why do you think so?
C:(i) Choose five (5) values from the following list that you think our school should most emphasise in a values education programme?
Please circle five (5)
| Compassion | Concern for others |
| Courage | Courtesy |
| Diligence | Duty |
| Honesty and truthfulness | Integrity |
| Justice | Kindness |
| Obedience | Respect |
| Responsibility | Other (name) |
(ii) List the five (5) values that you have selected in order of your preference.
Where 1 is your preferred, 5 your least preferred
D: Demographics
(i) How many of your children are at this school?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | >5 |
(ii) How many pre-entry children do you have who will go to this school?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | >5 |
(iii) Not every school has a values education curriculum. Would you be more inclined or less inclined to send your children to this school because of the school's values education curriculum?
| More inclined | Less inclined |
E: What ethnic group do you belong to?
| Maori | NZ European | Pacific Island |
| Asian | Other |
Thank you for taking your time in responding to this survey. Please place it in the self addressed envelope and post before ...
Suggested covering letter to Parents/Caregivers
Smithfield School
"Doing the community's most important work"
10 June 1999
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As you will know the school's trustees, principal and staff are exploring the introduction of a Cornerstone Values curriculum to Smithfield School.
Not all schools have such a values education programme.
As part of our planning we see it as very important to get the views of parents and caregivers. To do this we have decided to ask you to complete a simple questionnaire. This takes only a few minutes. In most cases all you have to do is draw a circle around your chosen response.
When you have completed the questionnaire please place it in the enclosed stamped addressed envelope and post before ….
To ensure the confidentiality of the survey please do not write you name on it.
The results of our survey will be available to parents and caregivers.
Meanwhile, if you have any concerns or queries please phone or make an appointment to see me.
Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Hildathorp
Board Chairperson