CalSCHLS Definitions
This repository of CalSCHLS terms will be a useful tool as you navigate our CalSCHLS processes. This document will be updated periodically to include more terms to support you in your CalSCHLS survey administration, report ordering, and data use journey.
Biennial Survey: Two-year collection of CHKS data using a random statewide sample to create a state representative report.
Box Link: Cloud platform used to share files, usually reports, with our coordinators. Access does not require the user to have an account with Box.
Box Sign: Program used to request signatures for documents such as MOUs and Data Requests.
California School Climate, Health, and Learning Surveys (CalSCHLS): CalSCHLS is a survey system offered by the California Department of Education (CDE) to provide quality local data to districts, schools, and communities on school climate and safety; learning supports and barriers; and youth development, health, and wellness.
Core Module/Core Survey: The main module of the CHKS/CSSS/CSPS surveys that must be used as part of each survey.
Custom Module: A set of questions designed by a county/district/other organization that is not a standard CalSCHLS supplemental module.
Data Application: Application used by an LEA or research organization to request an electronic data set for one or more Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) with approval from the California Department of Education (CDE) and WestEd. (See Raw Data.)
District Coordinator: The designated person responsible for coordinating the surveys in their district. Examples include Director of Student Services, Teacher Specialist, School Psychologist, Director of Interventions, School Counselor, Teacher on Special Assignment.
Invoice: A document sent by WestEd Accounting requesting payment.
Local Educational Agencies (“LEAs”): Local Educational Agencies, such as districts and directly-funded charter schools, are a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public elementary or secondary schools.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): The Memorandum of Understanding specifies the responsibilities of the district and those of the CalSCHLS Regional Center and is signed by LEA and WestEd representatives.
Non-Traditional (NT): A school setting that is considered non-traditional, which typically includes Continuation, Community Day, Special Education, Independent Studies, and Juvenile Hall/Court sites.
Password-Protected Data Dashboard: Subscription-based data access that includes visualizations of a district's most recent CHKS results for elementary and secondary schools. Also allows examination of trends over time and disparities across student subgroups. Users may be given access to only some of or all of an LEA’s school results.
Portal/Coordinator Portal/CalSCHLS Portal: Web-based application used by district coordinators to register for CalSCHLS surveys, manage enrollments, report orders, and password-protected data dashboard users.
Public Dashboard: Public data access that includes visualizations of district CHKS/CSSS results. Also allows examination of trends over time and disparities across student subgroups.
Purchase Order (“PO”): Document from an LEA authorizing WestEd to bill for CalSCHLS fees. Not all LEAs require the use of a PO, but if one is used, the CalSCHLS technical advisor should be informed ahead of time.
Raw Data: An electronic data set of CalSCHLS (CHKS, CSSS, or CSPS) results. Available to LEAs and research-based non-LEA organizations.
Reports: PDF documents containing survey results. Main reports include all modules selected and administered by LEAs.
Registration Consultation: A one-on-one meeting with a CalSCHLS technical advisor to go over survey options and the steps to register for CalSCHLS.
Required Modules: Modules you are required to add to your survey administration because of a grant, like TUPE or DFC, for example.
Response Count Dashboard: Dashboard used to monitor survey responses for CalSCHLS surveys (CHKS, CSSS, and CSPS). Requires username and password.
Sales Quote/Cost Estimate: An estimated prediction based on requested services (should not be used to make payment).
Supplemental Module: Questions added in addition to the Core survey for data on a specific topic or for grant needs. Examples include Social Emotional Health and Behavioral Health.
Technical Advisor (TA): CalSCHLS team member serving as primary customer service for LEAs. TAs are assigned based on geographic location.
Toolbox/CalSCHLS Toolbox: CalSCHLS online guide for coordinators to navigate the CalSCHLS processes related to portal registration, survey registration, survey administration, report ordering, and billing.
Tobacco-Use Protection Education (TUPE): The purpose of the Tobacco-Use Protection Education program is to reduce youth tobacco use by helping young people make healthful tobacco-related decisions through tobacco-specific, research-validated educational instruction and activities that build knowledge as well as social skills and youth development assets.