School district survey garners high approval Answers...

School district survey garners high approval

Answers to a parent survey issued by the Ocean View School

District show most parents who responded are pleased with their

children’s education.

The surveys were passed out for students to take home last April,

and about 60% of Ocean View families provided responses.

Parents of elementary school students indicated widespread

satisfaction with the district’s programs, 98% of parents replied

that their children enjoyed going to school and that good

communications exist between parents and school employees. Parents

answering the survey also gave a thumbs-up to the district’s ability

to teach basic subjects. For instance, 97% of parents replied that

their children were being taught reading well, and 96% of parents

were happy with instruction in writing, math and history.

High percentages of parents also approved of middle school

programs. Many, 93%, replied that they believed the schools were

doing a good job teaching language arts, reading, social sciences and

physical education, while 90% were satisfied with math and science

programs.

Middle school parents do want more elective programs. The lowest

response from middle school parents was a 68% approval rating for

shop courses and a 79% rating for performing arts programs.

Offerings of elective courses are based on teachers’ individual

talents, and Ocean View schools use survey responses when recruiting

new teachers, Assistant Supt. of Curriculum and Instruction Karen

Colby said. Previous survey results influenced the district to add

more music education.

“That’s how we got our band instructors, because parents and we as

a district wanted a band,” Colby said.

Another change Colby attributed to earlier survey results was the

decision to give letter grades to fourth- and fifth-graders. That

change will go into effect when report cards are issued in December.

The district conducts parent surveys every three years. The

surveys were initiated in 1995.