A new Phi Delta Kappa survey finds no consensus among Americans on the basic role of the nation’s public schools, with fewer than half saying academic achievement should be emphasized over work skills or preparation for citizenship.

Delving into a wide range of key issues in public education, the poll is the 48th annual survey by PDK. Formerly the PDK/Gallup poll, the survey now is produced for the international association of professional educators by Langer Research Associates.

Among other results:

• When given a direct choice, 68 percent of Americans say it’s better for their local public schools to have more career-technical or skills-based classes than more honors or advanced academic classes.
• By an even bigger majority, the public says that when a public school is failing, the best approach is to replace its teachers and staff while keeping the school itself open.
• School ratings are linked closely with the extent to which parents feel their school communicates with them effectively and is open to their input – useful guidance for administrators seeking to improve their schools’ standing with the public.

PDK is presenting the survey today at an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and full results are available at the PDK Poll website.

The survey been covered by outlets such as The Washington Post, Education Week, Education World, U.S. News & World Report, Quartz, the Detroit Free Press and the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.