Note: Due to an editing error, it was incorrectly stated in Saturday's story on a recent parent teacher survey that the results of the survey were included on page 5. The results we were provided by Bryan County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sallie Brewer follow and are on page 7 of Wednesday's paper.
Every other year the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council designs a parent survey. Two Parent Advisory members are selected by the school council at each school.
The survey contains two objectives from each of the nine schools. Advisory Council members poll parents through PTSO and other groups to determine what the parents they represent see as priority needs for system improvement. Return rate for surveys has typically been 20-35 percent, even when surveys were mailed to ensure that parents received them.
The Advisory Council suggested that the surveys be distributed at open house events - which are very well attended - and that teachers swap a completed survey for a homework pass.
Their idea obviously was a good one. Sixty-one percent of the parent surveys were returned. The tally reveals what a majority of our parents view as priority needs for system improvement.
Separate surveys were used for K-5 and for 6-12.
Parents of K-5 students selected:
First Priority
Provide additional programs beyond Accelerated Reader to motivate students to read
Second Priority
Continue to upgrade security - cameras, lighting - at all schools
Third Priority
Eliminate portables and use all appropriate funding sources to add permanent classrooms
Fourth Priority
Provide online calendar of special events with items posted a week in advance but with daily notices about change in practice schedules or other information needing immediate release
Fifth Priority
Provide a call system to inform parents of emergency closings, special events, other news information
Parents of 6-12 students selected:
First Priority
Provide a call system to inform parents of emergency closings, special events, other news information
Second Priority
Eliminate portable classrooms and use all appropriate funding sources to add permanent classrooms
Third Priority
Provide additional avenues of communication between school and parents
Fourth Priority
Provide online calendar of special events with items posted a week in advance but with daily notices about change in practice schedules or other information needing immediate release
Fifith Priority
Continue to upgrade security - cameras, lighting, other at all schools
Thanks to parents for taking the time to provide valuable information. The priorities you set become the basis for budgeting and planning in the school system. Thanks to administrators and teachers for encouraging parents to participate and for providing homework passes for children as a reward. The result of a strong home/school partnership is improved programs and services for Bryan County children.
Written by Dr. Sallie Brewer, superintendent of Bryan County Schools.