FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS

1. FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS Valley Center USD 262 Final Report Prepared by Dr. Gene George 2/13/2007

2. Review of Research Plan • Conduct 2 focus group sessions to gather patron input • General perception of schools • Important skills and abilities for high school graduates • Priorities • Extent of support for school improvements USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

3. Value of focus groups • Gain in-depth understanding of views from a cross-section of patrons • Identify patterns of thought and opinion regarding schools – what people think matters • Use input to shape improvement strategies • Engage patrons in the process USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

4. Review of sessions • 2 sessions – Jan. 22 and Feb. 7, Valley Center city offices • 27 participants total • Gathering further input is critical • Opinions are dynamic – the discussion doesn’t end with the focus group • Feedback to patrons and further input to shape strategies critical • Some views may not be well represented in findings USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

5. Participant profile • Constraint of 2 sessions made it difficult to clarify context of responses and seek deeper perspectives • Participants tended to over-represent wealthier patrons USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

6. Key Themes • Community • Quality • Skills • Expectations USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

7. Key Themes • COMMUNITY • Small town environment – safe • Small schools a value • Growth zone • Close to city • Schools have good reputation USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

8. Key Themes • QUALITY • Good teachers – care about students • Small schools • Important that many VC graduates go to college • Administration takes holistic approach • Proactive • Promote communication USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

9. Key Themes • EXPECTATIONS • Small schools, small classes • Provide VC graduates high-end academic skills coupled with life skills • Planning is critical • Anticipate change – growth, staff turnover, need for additional staff • Maintain communication – be transparent • Formalize planning – define timetables, objectives • Manage growth but keep small town environment USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

10. Key Themes • EXTENT of SUPPORT • Support for continuous improvement of schools • Superintendent’s goal cited by many participants • Board appears to have strong foundation for planning – as long as it • Keeps process formal, transparent • Can build on current successes (communication, quality of learning) • Successfully anticipates change USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

11. Questions – and further input • What comes to mind when you hear the phrase Valley Center public schools? • What have you heard about the schools that make you glad they are a part of the community? • What have you heard about the schools that make you unhappy they are part of the community? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

12. Questions – and further input • What contributions to the community have they made? • What contributions don’t they make that they should? • What are the priorities over next 5 years? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

13. Questions – and further input • What skills and abilities should high school graduates have when they leave? • What needs are emerging in the future? • When current H.S. nears capacity – build onto existing building or build 2nd school? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

14. Questions – and further input • Was this session worthwhile? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George