“You Said, We Did: We Listened, We Improved”

Using the data acquired by the School Effectiveness Survey, January, 2012 to

Make Decisions

University School UFO meeting December, 2013. Dr. Elizabeth Brennan, Associate Head for Academic Affairs

Background Information

Launched Oct. 2011 through Feb. 2012

Parents PK – 12th, faculty, students (grades 5,8,10)

1541 total respondents Likert 5-point rating scale; with 27

questions among 4 categories• Ratings of 4 or 5 considered positive

3 open ended questions Overall Satisfaction

Survey Content Sections

Education 7 questions (…the school provides challenging, coherent, relevant, and meaningful curriculum and instruction for each student )

Technology 6 questions (…the school supports and utilizes emerging technological applications )

School Support 20 questions(…support for student learning that includes alternative learning options )

Learning Environment/Relationships 7 questions (…refers to a positive, cooperative culture for students and adults)

Overall Satisfaction 2 questions 3 open-ended questions

Overall Satisfaction

How We Scored – Positives (score of 4 or 5 among 5

choices)

Quality of education (7 questions) 83% positive• Education is rigorous and of quality• Appropriate teaching strategies, activities and

assessments are utilized to help students learn• Curriculum prepares students for next level

Technology (6 questions) 80% positive• Students have access to a wide variety…• Our school uses technology to effectively

communicate• Up-to-date technologies readily available

How We Scored – NOT so Positive – less 80%+, or 4 among 5 choices

School Support ( 7 questions) 73% positive• I receive informative and timely feedback from

teachers• The school provides procedures to build and sustain

“community”.

Learning Environment/Relationships (7 questions) 79% positive• Discipline is appropriately maintained• I have a voice at this school• Recognition and awards are provided for achievements

3 open-ended questions Patterns of common content

were identified from among the comments.• (like best, like least, suggestion)

Based on the content of the comment, topics were categorically coded according to general thematic focus and pattern of response. • Rogue themes were discarded

Q: What do you like best about this school?

Teacher Quality• teachers really care about our children and show

concern for their well-being Curriculum/Student Learning

• learning environment that personalizes instruction to the needs of each learner

Personalization of Instruction Depth and breadth of Arts, Athletics,

and Activities available• many activities for my child

Safety and Security knowing my child is well-taken care of

Q: What do you like least about this school?

College counseling process – too little too late; not commensurate with school of our stature or with processes employed by competitive schools• Do more – say more

Discipline; anti-bullying efforts and student conduct; respect

Teachers with sub-par skills, performance and quality

Too few MS extra-curriculars Clarity and consistency of homework

Q : What is one suggestion that you would like to offer to improve this school?

Improve/increase efforts in college placement and college counseling – add staff

Develop and enforce better discipline policies and anti-bullying efforts;

Foster positive relationships – student to student and faculty/admin to parents; increase the family atmosphere; be more welcoming;

Increase teacher quality; remove those who are recognized as poor performers;

Increase options for MS extra-curriculars

College Placement and College Counseling

Added 2 full-time employees to college Planning staff• Integrated all guidance and placement into

College Planning Office Increased/Enhanced use of Naviance

(6th grade) Added Class-based parent seminars

and information meetings (8th grade) Individual appointments with CP team

(8th/9th grade)• Develop 4-year plan

Discipline Policies and Anti-bullying Efforts

Implemented definitive full-curriculum anti-bullying programs in all 3 divisions

Clarified policies and procedures in a single, school-wide Parent/Student Handbook• Spells out rules and expectations• Facilitates severe consequences

US implemented student focus groups Increased parent communication for

behaviors occurring out-of-school as well• Family proactivity

Communication and Building Positive Relationships

Special content section of the Strategic Plan• Design engagement opportunities via expanded focus

groups and quasi/ad hoc committee structures to suit the audience; 

• Increase opportunities/types of venues and degrees for involvement and representation;

• Use surveys and interviews to elicit concerns and provide mass audience, high quality and timely feedback on topics and/or issues brought to our attention;

• Communicate changes and improvements in processes, procedures and services as a result of user input and influence.

Increase Teacher Quality

Implemented a totally revised and more rigorous teacher appraisal system

Increased roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders – instructional quality

Implemented a substantive teacher-mentor program in all divisions

Worked more closely with NSU-HR to release teachers from contract/90-day probationary period

Increased the depth and rigor of new employee interview process

Increase Options for MS Extra-curriculars

Added higher level options• Law 101, 102 and Law Advocacy• Science Research and Careers• 3rd year world language at U.S.

Increased number/type of after-school clubs

• (Robotics, Games for Change, Law Club, Science Club, Math Club, History Fair)

Implemented semester Arts survey courses