'School Quality Survey' seeks parent feedback

News Release from Hawaii DoE January 18, 2013

HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) is encouraging parents to complete a survey to help schools set priorities for improving programs and services. Survey results will also be used to measure strategic plan goals for the DOE.

Beginning this month, schools will mail or ask students to bring the surveys home. Parents whose children are enrolled in grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 will be asked to complete the survey and return it in a prepaid envelope by February 28.

“Parent feedback is critical for schools to evaluate their services and ensure students’ needs are being met,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Their valuable input also plays a key role in our success and helps track progress of the strategic plan.”

Last year, about 25 percent of participating parents statewide responded to the survey. The DOE has prepared public service announcements and partnered with grassroots organizations to raise awareness about the survey and increase return rates.

Survey results provide schools data on everything ranging from parent satisfaction with course offerings, support services and availability to discuss their child’s progress to whether students feel safe and are meeting their goals. In addition to the parent survey, teachers and students from the selected grades will fill out separate surveys at school.

Survey responses are confidential. Overall survey results should be available to schools by the end of the academic year. The reports will also be posted on the internet at http://arch.k12.hi.us.

An informational video about the survey is available online at http://vimeo.com/57619187. Questions about the survey may be emailed to sqs@notes.k12.hi.us. Parents may also call 808-733-4008 (Oahu) or 1-855-276-5801 (toll-free Neighbor Islands) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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