Illinois education officials expect more than a million students, parents and teachers to give opinions about what they like and dislike at school in a first-of-its-kind survey.

The online survey began Friday and runs through March 31. A 2011 state law requires that children in grades 6-12 and teachers in all elementary and secondary schools be given the survey. They and parents can choose not to participate.

Eric Camburn is an education researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He says surveys are good for gauging opinions but officials must remember they're not the answer themselves.

Williamsville School Superintendent David Root wonders whether a survey is a good idea when schools are overburdened and underfunded. He says schools might not have the resources to respond to negative input.