WestEd’s Health & Justice Program is a leading center for survey research on adolescent risk behavior, resilience, and well-being.
Our staff are specialists in designing and conducting large-scale survey research in schools and communities. This encompasses sampling, obtaining parent consent and student participation, administering surveys, processing and analyzing data, and generating reports.
Through our work, we identify the scope and nature of youth behaviors and the factors that influence them. We seek to build on the strengths of youth and meet their needs so that they are successful in school and life.
California Student Survey
Crime and Violence Prevention Center, California Attorney General’s Office, 1989-Ongoing)
Since 1989, WestEd has conducted the state-mandated, biennial California Student Survey of substance use, violence, and other risky behaviors among a representative statewide sample of students in grades 7, 9, and 11. In addition, we have conducted three companion state surveys among continuation school students, and two others among school dropouts.
California Student Tobacco Survey
(California Department of Public Health, Tobacco Control Section, 2001-present)
Since 2001, as part of the state-mandated evaluation of its tobacco use prevention program, WestEd has conducted the biennial California Student Tobacco Survey (CSTS) among California students, grades 6-12. The CSTS is one component of the In-School Survey and Evaluation of Tobacco Use Prevention Education Programs in California schools. This voluntary, anonymous, and confidential student survey assesses issues such as beliefs about the health consequences of using tobacco; tobacco-use behaviors; exposure to tobacco education in the schools; developmental supports and school climate connectedness; and exposure to tobacco advertising.
California Healthy Kids Survey
(California Department of Education, 1997-present)
Developed by WestEd for the California Department of Education in 1997, the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is the most comprehensive effort in the nation to provide local schools and communities with data to identify the needs of youth and to guide efforts to meet those needs. CHKS is a modular assessment of youth well-being and resilience, developmental supports, and school climate and connectedness for youth age 10 (grade 5) and above. Its modular structure enables the survey to be configured and customized to meet local needs and interests. Since 2003, California has required every school district in the state to conduct the survey in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Title IV.
California School Staff Survey
(California Department of Education, 2003-present)
HJP developed the customizable California School Climate Survey (CSCS) for school staff as a companion to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) for students. The survey assesses areas related to academic achievement and school improvement, such as school connectedness, equity, and barriers. It supports learning and teaching in both general and special education. The CSCS is also being used as part of the national evaluation of the federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students projects.
After-School Program Survey
(California Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, 2005-present)
The After-School Program Survey (ASPS) measures supports for positive behavior and achievement in after-school programs, as well as the characteristics of participants and their experiences in and attitudes toward after-school programs. Data from the ASPS are aligned with the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) so that results can be compared between students who do and do not participate in after-school programs.