Tri-Township School Corporation Survey Executive Summary

1. Tri-Township School CorporationSurvey Executive Summary Bradley V. Balch, Ph.D. December 22, 2016

2. Terminology • Bracketing – if a researcher adds a word or phrase to a quote for clarity, it is bracketed so the reader knows it is added. For example: [The] economic and social context has influenced education. • i.e., - that is • e.g., - for example • a form of agreement (i.e., Strongly Agree or Agree) - percentages of both categories were combined (Strengths) • a form of disagreement (i.e., Strongly Disagree or Disagree) - percentages of both categories were combined (Challenges)

3. Online Survey • Survey open from November 14th through November 28th. • 235 Surveys Recorded • Students – 116 (Elementary students did not participate in the survey.) • Respondents • Faculty/Staff – 50 • Administrator – 5 • Parent – 70 • Community Member – 17

4. Range of Survey Scale 1-6 – 2.3 1 2 3 4 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Disagree Response Range Concern Strength Challenge

5. Survey Supported Strengths • Overwhelmingly, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that they: • are proud of the school (community members too). • believe the school is kept clean (community members too). • consider the school safe (community members too). • do not consider racism a problem. • do not consider violence or fighting as a major problem.

6. Survey Supported Strengths • Overwhelmingly, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that: • teachers care about all students. • teachers expect students to learn. • students understand learning expectations in each class. • teaches support getting along among diverse groups and work with diverse groups well.

7. Survey Supported Strengths • Overwhelmingly, students in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that teachers: • encourage student learning • are interested in students’ futures related to learning. • expect students to learn. • Overwhelmingly, students, teachers, staff, administration in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that they believe the academic programs offered provide students with the opportunity to succeed after high school.

8. Survey Supported Strengths • Overwhelmingly, students, teachers, staff, parents in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that they believe school administrators speak to me when I have questions and concerns. • Overwhelmingly, administration, teachers, staff, parents in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that they believe school administrators recognize teachers and staff for a job well done. • Overwhelmingly, students, teachers, staff, parents, administration in a form of agreement (i.e., strongly agree or agree) responded that they believe school administrators recognize students for a job well-done.

9. Survey Supported Future Opportunities • Students, teachers, staff, administrators, community and parents shared some concern that: • communication both internal and external to the district via 1-way and 2-way means could be strengthened. • Real time information via technology • input into decision-making both at the district and school levels. • the district must focus on being a competitive district in a era of choice.

10. Open-Ended Improvement CommentsStrengths • Students expressed a sense of pride in their school. • “I like my school very much.” • “I love this school!” • There is a recognition that much change has occurred and challenges exist, but overall, the district is moving forward in a hopeful way. • “I think we have made some positive changes.” • “It will take time to implement and create cohesiveness with the staff [to] make a greater impact on our community.” • “Communication is getting better and that is a plus.”

11. Open-Ended Improvement CommentsChallenges • There is a desire to improvement one-way and two-way communication among different stakeholders (e.g., parents, teachers, students). • “Talk to parents and students.” • Communication! Parents need to be informed of issues in a timely fashion.” • “More communication between teachers and parents is needed.” • “Daily announcements on the website would be helpful.” • “Update the daily events calendar.” • “Listen to students.” • “We need better communication throughout the district.”

12. Open-Ended Improvement CommentsChallenges • Many ideas for increasing extra-curricular opportunities were expressed. • “We should probably look at adding football.” • “Add a wrestling team.” • “Add or create more interest around art [and music] programs.” • “Give kids the chance to play a sport they love.”

13. Open-Ended Improvement CommentsChallenges • Interest in expanding academic options and increased overall academic focus were also expressed. • “[Increase] current events.” • “Recognize [students] for their academic excellence.” • “Focus more on high-ability students.” • “[Enhance] curriculum for English/lit classes.” • “Core subjects in high school such as English and Math need more options for our students.” • “There needs to be lower level classes available to those students who need them, not just taking the classes on line.”

14. Questions?