LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Parents, students and teachers across Edgar County are being encouraged to take part in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, a statewide initiative designed to gather feedback on school climate and learning conditions and help guide improvements in local schools.
“The survey comes out on Feb. 2 and we ask everyone who can to participate in it,” Danette Young, CUSD #4 superintendent, said on Wednesday, Jan. 14, as she announced the school’s preparation for the survey.
All public Edgar County schools participate in the survey, including Crestwood, District 95 schools, Shiloh, Chrisman, Kansas and Oakland. Links to the survey can be found on each corresponding school’s website.
The 5Essentials Survey measures five research-based indicators proven to positively impact student success: effective leadership, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environments and ambitious instruction. Research from the University of Chicago shows that schools who are strong in at least three of these areas are 10 times more likely to improve student outcomes, including attendance and academic growth.
The 2025–26 survey window opens at the start of February and runs through March 10, 2026, for all Illinois public schools, with Chicago Public Schools opening one week later. During this time, parents, students in grades four –12 and school staff will have the opportunity to anonymously share their perspectives.
School leaders say parent participation is especially important.
“This is something we participate in every year and it is really helpful for us as a district to see where we are, what our teachers, parents and students are thinking and needing,” Superintendent Morgan Wilhoit noted during a recent CUSD #1 board meeting. “Access to everything will be available on our website and we want everyone who can to participate.”
The survey is administered online by UChicago Impact on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Responses are anonymous and are compiled into reports that districts can use to guide decision-making, strengthen school culture and better support students.
Survey results are also made available to the public through the Illinois 5Essentials website, allowing parents and community members to learn more about the learning environment in their local schools. Some schools participate in approved alternate surveys and may not appear in the public portal.
Parents are encouraged to watch for survey information from their child’s school and take a few minutes to participate.
For more information about the survey, parents may contact the ISBE Department of Wellness at (217) 782-5270 or email 5Essentials@isbe.net, or contact your local Edgar County School.