Key Findings: Colorado 2023 Public Education Survey — Results by Region

A statewide survey of 1,550 Colorado registered voters, conducted September 7–26, 2023, with a margin of error of ±2.5% statewide. Data weighted to Colorado voter-registration demographics and additionally to each of seven CASB survey regions. Conducted by Magellan Strategies.

Statewide, 39% of voters approve of their district’s job educating students; regional approval ranged from 33% in the Metro region to 51% in the Southwest.
Teachers are viewed favorably in every region, from 55% favorable in Metro to 61% in the Southwest (56% statewide).
50% statewide say their district lacks enough financial resources for a good education; that figure peaked at 59% in the Eastern Plains.
61% statewide say added funding would improve education, rising to 68% in the Southwest and 67% in El Paso County.
Only 32% statewide say their district spends taxpayer money wisely; the Southwest (49%) and Eastern Plains (45%) were the only regions where a plurality agreed.
47% statewide say their schools are on the wrong track, with the Western Slope and Eastern Plains most negative (55% each).
Familiarity with CTE was lowest in the Metro region and highest in the Southwest (47%) and Eastern Plains (44%); 38% were familiar statewide.
After learning what CTE offers, 86% statewide would view their district more favorably for providing it, peaking at 92% in the Mountain region.
On declining enrollment, 52% statewide would consider merging or closing schools; openness was highest in the Mountain region (61%) and Metro (56%).
Top priorities statewide were attracting and retaining quality teachers (49%) and raising teacher pay to keep up with inflation (48%); “preparing students for the workforce” peaked at 59% in the Eastern Plains.

Colorado 2023 Public Education Issues Opinion Survey by Region
View and Download the Metro Region Survey Results
View and Download the Weld-Larimer Region Survey Results
View and Download the El Paso Region Survey Results
View and Download the Mountain Region Survey Results
View and Download the Western Slope Region Survey Results
View and Download the Southwest Region Survey Results
View and Download the Eastern Plains Region Survey Results

Colorado 2023 Public Education Issues Opinion Survey by Region

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the findings of a survey of 1,550 Colorado registered voters by region. The interviews were conducted from September 7^th to 26^th, 2023. The statewide results for each question have a margin of error of +/- 2.5% at the 95 percent confidence interval. The survey data were weighted to be representative of the Colorado voter registration demographics. To generate relevant insights and opinion data at the local level, we oversampled (additional interviews) in seven regions. These seven regions (see our region map in this post) were created by combining some of the twelve regions. Again, please review the maps below to understand the CASB’s 12 regions and the 7 regions we created for this survey project.

This survey attempts to measure and understand Colorado parents’ and non-parents viewpoints and opinions regarding a wide range of public education issues. There were several reasons our team conducted this opinion research project. First and foremost is the interest in public education issues and policies among Colorado residents, voters, student parents, and non-parents.

The second reason is to provide high-quality opinion research to our dedicated school district clients, friends, school board members, superintendents, assistant superintendents, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, and teaching assistants. The third reason is to educate and inform the Colorado media, elected officials, Colorado K-12 education advocacy organizations, the Colorado State Board of Education, and the Colorado BOECES Association.

Any questions regarding the survey findings and methodology can be directed to David Flaherty at [email protected]