NISD Survey

Which statement best describes your ability to work independently for 3 to 4 hours at a time? I thrive working independently for long stretches and stay productive.
I am comfortable working alone for several hours.
I can do it, but I usually prefer a team environment or frequent check-ins.
I find it very difficult; I rely on collaboration and the presence of others to focus.

When you have multiple assignments or overlapping deadlines, how do you usually react? I organize my time, prioritize tasks, and stay on top of the work.
I feel stressed, but I manage to keep working and meet most expectations.
I start working but quickly feel overwhelmed and struggle to keep up.
I tend to shut down or avoid the work until the stress subsides.

When working on a large assignment (like an essay or project), how much support do you need to make progress? I consistently make progress on my own without needing outside help.
I usually work on my own, but I occasionally ask for clarification to keep going.
I try to work alone, but I often need help to maintain momentum.
I usually need someone to guide me or check in before I can make any progress.

At home, is there an adult available to support your learning? Yes, someone regularly checks my progress and helps me stay accountable.
Yes, someone is available if I specifically ask for help or reminders.
Sort of; they are supportive but not always available to help.
No; I rarely have an adult available to support my schoolwork.

How important is the "hallway experience" (seeing friends between classes, lunch, passing periods) to your daily happiness? Not important; I am happy socializing outside of school hours.
Somewhat important; I enjoy it, but I am willing to trade it for a flexible schedule.
Important; I would miss the daily social interaction significantly.
Very important; I would feel lonely and unmotivated without seeing people every day.

When coursework becomes challenging or you don't understand an assignment immediately, what is your typical response? I persist, look for resources, and try to problem-solve independently.
I try for a bit, then reach out to a teacher or peer for support.
I wait and hope it becomes clear later, or I get frustrated quickly.
I tend to avoid asking for help or disengage from the assignment.

How comfortable are you communicating with teachers via email or messaging apps? Very comfortable; I don't hesitate to reach out digitally.
Somewhat comfortable; I can do it, but I prefer speaking in person.
Not very comfortable; I worry about how to word my messages.
Uncomfortable; I avoid digital communication whenever possible.

Which setting allows you to learn new material most successfully? I prefer to work through examples independently first.
I review notes/videos on my own, then ask questions if needed.
I prefer frequent teacher explanations and live instruction.
I need step-by-step guidance and immediate feedback throughout the process.

How comfortable are you with both essential digital tasks (multitasking, file management, and communication via email/chat) and learning primarily from recorded lessons and online materials? Expert & Prefer Online: I am highly proficient with digital tools, can easily troubleshoot, and I prefer or am very comfortable learning at my own pace from recorded lessons.
Proficient & Comfortable Online: I am comfortable with digital tasks, and I can learn effectively from online materials.
Familiar & Struggle Online: I can manage digital tasks but prefer a slower pace, and I struggle to pay attention to or learn from recorded lessons.
Beginner & Dislike Online: I am still learning digital tools and would need significant training, and I strongly prefer live, in-person instruction over online materials.

Which of the following best describes your home internet situation? Extremely Reliable: Rare outages and I have a backup plan (e.g., hotspot) ready immediately.
Reliable: Stable connection, and I have a plan to go to a library/cafe if an outage occurs.
Mostly Reliable: Occasional outages, and I would need time to find an alternative workspace.
Unreliable: Frequent interruptions and no consistent backup plan.

If a program (Fine Arts, Athletics, club/organization, etc.) requires you to be physically present on campus, how will you get to and from campus? I have my own reliable transportation/car.
My parents/guardians can drive me consistently.
I would rely on public transit or rides that are occasionally unpredictable.
I do not currently have a reliable way to get to campus during the day.

Do you have a job or extracurricular activity that requires a flexible daily schedule? Yes, I often need to arrive late or leave early to accommodate my schedule.
Yes, I occasionally need to adjust my school day to accommodate my outside commitment.
Yes, but my activities are strictly outside of normal school hours.
No, I do not have outside commitments that affect my school day.