The teaching, learning and cultural environment in the Wright City R-II School District earns high marks from its teachers, administrators and other education professionals as reported in the school's 2009 Climate Survey. The survey, conducted in November, shows a highly motivated staff that looks forward to coming into the classroom each day and believes they have the support, tools and resources they need to properly educate their students. The study - which is intended to help guide planning to ensure the school has the right mix of resources, collaboration and learning environment to help students achieve - asked staff about their agreement or disagreement on a series of statements about the school's climate. Results were broken out by elementary, middle school and high school staff, with an aggregate summary of all responses. The summary found that the overwhelming majority of staff look forward to coming to school to do their job, and that nearly all would choose the same profession if they had it to do over again. Teachers and other staff report a high level of satisfaction that they are given - and take advantage of - good opportunities for professional development. The strong majority of respondents say they have participated in seven or more special training activities during the past two years. Half as many reported participating in three to six professional development programs in the same period. Virtually every staff member agreed that professional development is an "integral part of my job." "This is a very positive picture that reflects the significant efforts our district is making to have an environment that supports strong academic and student development," said Assistant Superintendent Dave Buck. The majority of teachers report using computers and related technology in their classroom daily, proof that technology plays an increasing role in today's education experience. Nearly all staff agreed that their respective school (elementary, middle school or high school) is a supportive and inviting place for students to learn and sets high standards for academic excellence with challenging curriculum. At the same time, teachers, administrators and other professionals agree the school strikes an appropriate balance between classroom teaching and discipline so that classrooms can function well with minimal disruption and distraction. When asked about the district's communications arts and math programs, most were in agreement that both programs are strong, but a significant number disagreed. While staff generally gave the school good marks in providing healthy food choices, scores indicate there is room for improvement, in line with healthy-choice dilemmas faced by many schools throughout the nation in an age of on-the-go eating and snacking. Security also is on the minds of staff. While the majority agreed that their respective school devotes sufficient resources to create a safe campus, almost half as many disagreed. The clear majority of staff agree that the district does a good job in having cultures and subgroups blend and interrelate and feel like valid members of the community. "These results are strong, but we know we have room for improvement and are actively working to shore up our performance in some of the key areas addressed in the survey," Buck said.