Northwest ISD Parent Survey 2016-2017
Parent Survey In November 2016, the parents and guardians of all Northwest Independent School District (NISD) students were invited to complete a parent satisfaction survey. Moving forward, all references to parents will refer to both parents and guardians. Parent were notified about the survey through e-mails sent at the district and campus level, the NISD website, personal conversations, the automated calling system, and various forms of social media. Parents were able to access the survey on the NISD website or paper form which was provided in both English and Spanish. Education Service Center Region 11 served as the survey administrator. Parents with multiple NISD students had the ability to take one survey and respond for multiple students, resulting in more responses than respondents. The survey was available for 17 days during which 2,624 respondents provided 3,558 individual responses. This represents an overall parent response rate of 12%, with individual responses representing 16% of the student population. Although the response rate is slightly down from the 13% in 2014, the individual responses increased by 902 total responses. The responses represented all the various educational levels of NISD with 8% preschool representation, 56% elementary school representation, 36% middle school representation, and 36% high school representation. The graphic on page three delineates respondents by years in district. Also important to the survey interpretation is that 98% of respondents, as reported by parents in the District Communication category, have access to the internet. Campus Level Responses Preschool 8% Elementary School 56% Middle School 36% High School 36% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 2
Years in District Less than one year 10% 1-3 years 23% 4-6 years 21% 7-10 years 23% 11 or more years 23% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 3
A new demographic question was added in the 2016 survey asking parents to select their age range. This question was included specifically to determine if parents of different ages preferred different communication styles from the district. The details of that analysis are included in the district section of the report. Based upon the respondents' selections, nearly half of NISD parents are between 40-49 years old, with 87% between 30-49 years of age. Please note that this question allowed for a selection of multiple answers, and that 17 individuals selected two age ranges, presumably to represent a spouse or co-parent. Age of Parents 20-29 3% 30-39 39% 40-49 48% 50-59 10% 60+ 1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 4
Survey Design The parent survey consisted of six categories and a district section with both general questions and demographic data. The survey included a total of 84 questions, 76 of which were closed-ended items and eight open-ended response options. Each respondent answered 29 closed-ended demographic and district specific questions, in addition to the 47 campus related category questions per student. Questions included both previous parent survey questions and new items. An asterisk will denote questions that were slightly reworded from previous years, but still comparable. New questions and/or highly modified questions are not included in the comparison data. Presentation of data reflects the 76 closed-ended questions. Category Closed-Ended Questions Open-Ended Questions School Climate 8 1 Communications 6 1 Safe and Orderly Environment 6 1 Instructional Program 16 1 Student Support 4 0 Support Services 7 1 District Section Closed-Ended Questions Open-Ended Questions General Questions 26 3 Demographic Questions 3 0 Respondents were given the opportunity to respond to all questions in every category for each campus represented by their child(ren), but only allowed to complete the district section and demographic data one time. In the six categories, participants were allowed to select strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree as an answer response. The four-point response scale was used to cause a forced choice, thus not allowing respondents to select neutral as an option. The district section included additional questions which were also designed to cause a forced answer choice, and sometimes allowed for multiple selections. To show data over time, the following report compared parent survey results from 2013 and 2014 to the results of the 2016 Parent Survey when applicable. Comparison data consisted of the total percent agree of responses to each individual survey question. The total percent agree was created by combining the categories of strongly agree and agree from the survey questions. When survey alterations were made, comparison data was also altered to reflect these changes ensuring data showed a comparison of like items. 5
Category Overview The 2016 Parent Survey responses indicated that respondents had a positive overall view of the NISD campuses, with a 90% overall positive response rate. The overall rate was total calculations of the six categories evaluated based on total percent agree. For overview purposes, all data was rounded to the nearest whole number. Individual category results were also very positive, with the lowest category, Communication, receiving an 88%. Five of the six categories received a 90% or higher positive response rate. District category data can be found in the last section of this report. 2016 Category Response Rates School Climate 55% 37% 7% 2% Communication 45% 43% 10% 2% Safe and Orderly Environment 51% 39% 7% 2% Instructional Program 46% 44% 8% 2% Student Support 46% 44% 8% 2% Support Services 47% 43% 7% 3% Average 49% 41% 8% 2% 6
To obtain the calculations below, the total percent agree from each category in 2016 was rounded to the nearest whole number and compared to the total percent agree from the 2013 and 2014 surveys. When comparing NISD s overall total agree percentages, the results of the 2016 Parent Survey extended the positive trend with the overall rate increasing from 89% to 90%, with five of the six category response rates increasing as well. School Climate and Support Services remain the categories with the highest positive response rates, 92% and 91% respectively. The category with the greatest increase from the previous survey was Instructional Program, with a 3% increase in total agree responses. Longitudinal data also reflects respondents have displayed a steady satisfaction level with overall positive response rates being between 88% and 90% and every category each year being at 86% or higher. NISD comparison data was also found positive when gauged by a question by question analysis. The Detailed Category Analysis in the next section reflects that of the forty-four comparable questions thirty-four increased in positive response rate, with the average change being an increase of 2%. 2016 Category Response Rates Total 2013 2014 2016 Change School Climate 90% 91% 92% 1% Communication 87% 87% 88% 1% Safe and Orderly Environment 89% 89% 90% 1% Instructional Program 86% 87% 90% 3% Student Support 87% 89% 90% 1% Support Services 89% 91% 91% 0% Average 88% 89% 90% 1% 7
Overall Comparison 2016 2014 2013 92% School Climate 90% 91% 88% Communications 87% 87% 90% Safe and Orderly Environment 89% 89% 90% Instructional Program 86% 87% 90% Student Support 87% 89% 91% Support Services 89% 91% 83% 84% 85% 86% 87% 88% 89% 90% 91% 92% 8
Detailed Category Analysis 9
School Climate The first category, School Climate, was evaluated on eight closed-ended questions. The results of these questions conveyed respondents perception of the overall feeling and/or climate of NISD schools. All questions reflect the same meaning as the School Climate questions asked in the 2014 and 2013 Parent Surveys. A question with one asterisk denotes minor wording change. School Climate ranked as the highest category in 2016 with an average total agreement rating of 92%, showing a steady increase over the last three parent survey results. Of the eight survey questions, six reflected at or above a 90% positive response rate. The last two questions in this section each had a 3% increase from the 2014 survey, the highest increase for School Climate questions. These questions reflect that parents feel they are receiving timely communication from the campuses, and that they believe the principals are leading toward educational excellence. Based on longitudinal data results and individual question analysis, one can conclude that respondents have a positive perception of the climate at NISD. School Climate I feel welcome at my child's school. 57.0% 37.0% 4.6% 1.4% I am provided opportunities to volunteer in my child's school. 51.8% 36.9% 9.7% 1.6% I am adequately informed about activities at my child's school. 46.3% 40.1% 11.2% 2.5% I feel comfortable talking to my child's teacher(s) about my child's progress. 57.8% 35.8% 5.2% 1.2% *My child is treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, language or disabilities. 60.7% 33.3% 4.2% 1.8% The staff at my child's school is approachable and addresses my concerns courteously. 54.8% 36.8% 6.4% 1.9% When I communicate with my child's school regarding a concern, I receive a response in a timely manner. 53.9% 36.7% 7.0% 2.4% My child's principal is actively leading our school toward educational excellence. 58.4% 35.6% 4.1% 1.9% School Climate Average 55.1% 36.5% 6.5% 1.8% Total Percent 91.6% = 92% 10
School climate 2013 2014 2016 Change I feel welcome at my child's school. 93% 93% 94% 1% I am provided opportunities to volunteer in my child's school. 89% 91% 89% -2% I am adequately informed about activities at my child's school. 83% 85% 86% 1% I feel comfortable talking to my child's teacher(s) about my child's progress. 93% 93% 94% 1% *My child is treated fairly regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, language or disabilities. 93% 92% 94% 2% The staff at my child's school is approachable and addresses my concerns courteously. 90% 90% 92% 2% When I communicate with my child's school regarding a concern, I receive a response in a timely manner. 88% 88% 91% 3% My child's principal is actively leading our school toward educational excellence. 92% 91% 94% 3% School Climate Average 90% 91% 92% 11
Campus Communications The second survey category, Campus Communications, was assessed on six closed-ended questions. The results conveyed to what extent the parents felt NISD systems and employees provided adequate information about learning opportunities and activities for their children. All questions were reflections of Communications questions asked in the 2014 Parent Survey. The percent of total agreement in this category was 88%, a 1% increase over the 2013 and 2014 survey results. Although this category continued to be the lowest rated of all the categories, this continuity of data validated the overall satisfaction parents perceive in regard to NISD communication. In the Communication category, the Home Access Center held the highest total positive response rate of all six questions, and teacher s websites remained the lowest, at 94% and 82% respectively. Principal emails improved the most since the 2014 survey, reflecting a 4% increase to 88%. This year, the School Messenger (automated calling/message system) dropped 3% in total agreement from its stable 92% on the 2013 and 2014 surveys. Campus Communications The School Newsletter (print and/or electronic) provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school The principal's email communications provide adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school The school website provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school The teacher's website provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school The School Messenger (automated calling/message system) provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school The Home Access Center is a useful tool to monitor my child's grades, absences, and discipline Communications Average 45.4% 44.6% 8.3% 1.7% 44.4% 43.1% 10.4% 2.1% 40.2% 45.2% 12.5% 2.1% 37.8% 44.0% 14.9% 3.3% 45.6% 42.9% 9.0% 2.4% 57.0% 36.8% 4.6% 1.6% 45.1% 42.8% 9.9% 2.2% Total Percent 87.9% = 88% 12
Communications 2013 2014 2016 Change The School Newsletter (print and/or electronic) provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school. The principal s email communications provide adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child s school. The School Web Site provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school. The Teacher's Web Site provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school. The School Messenger (automated calling/message system) provides adequate information about learning opportunities and activities at my child's school. Home Access Center is a useful tool to monitor my child's grades, absences, and discipline. 86% 88% 90% 2% 84% 84% 88% 4% 87% 87% 85% -2% 81% 82% 82% 0% 92% 92% 89% -3% 92% 91% 94% 3% Communications Average 87% 87% 88% 13
Safe and Orderly Environment Safe and Orderly Environment was also evaluated on six closed-ended questions. In this category, each respondent was asked to think about the NISD campus their child(ren) attended and respond accordingly. Five of the six questions were exact or similar reflections of questions asked in the 2014 Parent Survey. Safe and Orderly Environment had an overall positive rate with 90% of responses included in the total percent agree, which is a 1% increase from the 2014 survey. The responses reflected that 95% of the students feel safe at school, the highest response rate for this category for the third consecutive year. Additionally, this also represents the third highest rating of any single question across all six categories. **On the 2013 survey, respondents were asked if students do not threaten or bully each other and data reflected a 67% positive response rate. On the 2014 survey, they were asked if students respect each other and the positive response rate increased to 84%. On the 2016 survey, the question changed to My child has not been threatened or bullied at school and since the wording and implication of the question were altered, no comparison was made of the 80% positive response rate. Safe and Orderly Environment My child feels safe at school 57.3% 38.1% 3.6% 1.0% My child's school has clearly defined student behavioral expectations which are consistently and fairly enforced 52.1% 38.5% 7.1% 2.3% *Discipline is consistent and applied fairly to my child at school. 49.7% 41.3% 6.5% 2.5% *My child and their teachers demonstrate respect to one another at school. 55.1% 39.4% 4.2% 1.3% **My child has not been threatened or bullied at school. 43.5% 36.3% 14.5% 5.7% I am aware that my child's school has an emergency response plan 51.1% 38.4% 8.6% 1.9% Safe and Orderly Environment Average 51.4% 38.7% 7.4% 2.4% Total Percent 90.1% = 90% 14
Safe and Orderly Environment 2013 2014 2016 Change My child feels safe at school. 95% 95% 95% 0% My child's school has clearly defined student behavioral expectations which are consistently and fairly enforced. 88% 90% 91% 1% *Discipline is consistent and applied fairly to my child at school. 85% 86% 91% 5% *My child and their teachers demonstrate respect to one another at school. 87% 90% 94% 4% **My child has not been threatened or bullied at school. ** ** 80% ** I am aware that my child's school has an emergency response plan. 89% 87% 90% 3% Safe and Orderly Environment Average 89% 89% 90% 15
Instructional Program The fourth category, Instructional Program, when evaluated on the sixteen closed-ended questions, finished strong with all responses averaging 90% in total agreement. This percentage reflected an overall 3% growth from the 2014 survey results, the highest of all the categories. To complete these questions, respondents were asked to reflect on the degree to which the curriculum and instruction at NISD met the needs of their child(ren). Excluding the minor wording alterations, denoted by an asterisk, all questions were an exact reflection of Instructional Program questions asked in the 2014 Parent Survey. Comparing the results from the previous two parent surveys, the individual questions in Instructional Program reflected the largest difference in total agree percentages. This category had three of the top five greatest increases per question, including the largest gain of 11% on the question regarding helpful feedback from teachers on student s work. The two other greatest growth responses from Instructional Program were when parents responded to how teachers give relevant and useful work that extends beyond the classroom and how teachers provide them with useful information to help their child in school, each increasing by 5%. Instructional Program also had the fifth highest positive response rate across all categories, 95%, on the question pertaining to the quality of the science curriculum. The questions on the topics of the quality of the social studies curriculum and teachers having high expectations for all students tied for sixth place across all questions at 94% total agree percentages. Additionally, Instructional Program was one of only two categories wherein every question either remained constant or improved from the 2014 survey. Instructional Program My child's teacher(s) hold and communicate high expectations for all students I am kept informed about what my child is learning in school *My child's teacher(s) give relevant and useful work that extends learning beyond the classroom *The feedback my child's teacher(s) provide on work helps my child learn The teachers give me useful information about how to help my child in school The English-language arts curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her The mathematics curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her 53.9% 40.0% 4.9% 1.2% 46.3% 38.6% 12.3% 2.8% 44.9% 43.2% 9.9% 2.0% 43.8% 42.8% 10.8% 2.6% 42.1% 39.0% 15.1% 3.8% 48.3% 43.9% 6.0% 1.8% 48.9% 43.1% 5.9% 2.1% 16
Instructional Program (continued) The science curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her The social studies curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her My child is given the time and support needed to master the curriculum at his/her highest potential My child is engaged a majority of the time in his/her learning through quality instruction and participation I feel my child is provided with appropriate opportunities and time to experience technology for learning in his/her classes I feel the instruction my child receives at school is relevant and is preparing him/her for the next level of education in his/her life 48.5% 46.6% 3.8% 1.1% 46.9% 47.2% 4.5% 1.5% 42.7% 43.0% 11.0% 3.3% 44.6% 46.6% 7.0% 1.8% 47.9% 44.6% 6.0% 1.5% 47.2% 44.1% 6.2% 2.4% I am informed about the state and local tests and understand my child's results 43.3% 47.1% 7.7% 1.9% My child receives adequate counseling to make informed decisions for his/her success 39.9% 45.8% 11.0% 3.4% My child's school has sufficient resources to provide a quality education program to all students 47.5% 44.9% 5.3% 2.3% Instructional Program Average 46.0% 43.8% 8.0% 2.2% Total Percent 89.8% = 90% 17
Instructional Program My child's teacher(s) hold and communicate high expectations for all students. I am kept informed about what my child is learning in school. My child's teacher(s) give relevant and useful work that extends learning beyond the classroom. The feedback my child s teacher(s) provide on work helps my child learn. The teachers give me useful information about how to help my child in school. 2013 2014 2016 Change 92% 92% 94% 2% 80% 83% 85% 2% 83% 83% 88% 5% 76% 76% 87% 11% 74% 76% 81% 5% The English-language arts curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her. The mathematics curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her. The science curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her. The social studies curriculum and instruction my child receives is challenging and relevant to him/her. My child is given the time and support needed to master the curriculum at his/her highest potential. My child is engaged more than 50% of the time in his/her learning through quality instruction and participation. I feel my child is provided with appropriate opportunities and time to experience technology for learning in his/her classes. I feel the instruction my child receives at school is relevant and is preparing him/her for the next level of education in his/her life. I am informed about the state and local tests and understand my child's results. My child receives adequate counseling to make informed decisions for his/her success. 18 90% 90% 92% 2% 90% 89% 92% 3% 92% 95% 95% 0% 92% 93% 94% 1% 84% 84% 86% 2% 89% 89% 91% 2% 89% 90% 93% 3% 89% 89% 91% 2% 84% 86% 90% 4% 80% 82% 86% 4% My child's school has sufficient resources to provide a quality education program to all students. 91% 91% 92% 1% Instructional Program Average 86% 87% 90%
Student Support The fifth category, Student Support, was assessed on four closed-ended questions. Responses in this category reflected to what extent the respondents felt their child(ren) were supported and involved in school. All questions were reflections of Student Support questions asked in the 2014 Parent Survey. With a 90% positive response rate, Student Support had a three-way tie with Safe and Orderly Environment and Instructional Program for the third highest category. Additionally, with a 1% gain from the 2014 results, Student Support extended the trend of steadily increasing overall satisfaction within NISD. An affirming 93% of responses reflected that respondents perceived that if their child(ren) had a problem at school there was an adult available to go to for help. Even the lowest percent of total agree remained consistent from prior years reflecting that 85% of students were excited to go to school. In addition, Student Support was the only category tied with Instructional Program for remaining constant or improving on every question in the category. My child is excited to go to school Student Support If my child has a school problem there is a teacher, counselor, or other staff at school that my child can go to for help If my child has a personal problem there is a teacher, counselor, or other staff at school that my child can go to for help My child takes an interest in the school activities (student clubs, sports, band, Agricultural Science, field trips, other extra-curricular activities) offered at school Student Support Average 39.4% 45.7% 12.1% 2.8% 48.3% 44.5% 5.3% 1.8% 46.3% 44.9% 6.8% 1.9% 51.1% 39.3% 7.6% 1.9% 46.3% 43.6% 8.0% 2.1% Total Percent 89.9% = 90% 19
My child is excited to go to school. Student Support If my child has a school problem there is a teacher, counselor, or other staff at school that my child can go to for help. If my child has a personal problem there is a teacher, counselor, or other staff at school that my child can go to for help. My child takes an interest in the school activities (student clubs, sports, band, Ag, field trips, other extra-curricular activities) offered at school. 2013 2014 2016 Change 83% 85% 85% 0% 91% 91% 93% 2% 87% 89% 91% 2% 88% 89% 90% 1% Student Support Average 87% 89% 90% 20
Campus Support Services The results of the remaining five closed-ended questions made up the Campus Support Services category. This category was comprised of questions that dealt with the aspects of the campus that were a support to instruction such as food services, transportation, and grounds. All questions were reflections of Support Services questions asked in the 2014 Parent Survey. Support Services finished with an overall total agreement of 91%, remaining consistent with the 2014 survey results. This category held onto its 2014 ranking of second best overall category. Of Support Services five individual questions, three questions held the top scores of 2016, as well as the lowest. 98% of responses indicated that parents perceive their child s school as clean and well maintained, 97% that the health services provided met the needs of their child(ren), and 97% that the grounds were well maintained. It is important to note that in NISD, 31% of students participated in the food service program. Of those, 82% of the parents reported that it was satisfactory, which posted a significant 7% increase from the responses provided in 2014. An equally important note is that of the 39% of students who participated in the transportation services, overall satisfaction decreased by 8%, dropping to 79%, the lowest rated question across all categories. Support Services I am satisfied with the food service program at my child's school (31% participation rate) I am satisfied with the transportation services that are provided for my child (39% participation rate) 30.3% 51.8% 13.3% 4.5% 33.4% 45.8% 13.2% 7.7% My child's school is clean and well maintained 60.9% 36.6% 1.7% 0.8% The school grounds at my child's school are well maintained 58.3% 38.3% 2.6% 0.8% The health services provided at my child's school meets the needs of the students 53.0% 44.5% 2.0% 0.6% Support Services Average 47.2% 43.4% 6.6% 2.9% Total Percent 90.6 = 91% 21
Support Services 2013 2014 2016 Change I am satisfied with the food service program at my child's school (31% participation rate) I am satisfied with the transportation services that are provided for my child (39% participation rate) 70% 75% 82% 7% 85% 87% 79% -8% My child's school is clean and well maintained. 98% 97% 98% 1% The school grounds at my child's school are well maintained. 96% 97% 97% 0% The health services provided at my child's school meet the needs of the students. 96% 97% 97% 0% Support Services Average 89% 91% 91% 22
District Section 23
District Leadership/Support The District Leadership/Support section had a total of 26 potential closed-ended questions, with some allowing for multiple selections. Respondents were permitted to answer each question one time, regardless of the number of children attending NISD, producing a total of 2,624 responses. Comparison data provided when alignment of questions allowed. For reporting purposes, this section was divided into two subcategories of Communication and Budget, each developed with separate narratives. Prior to analyzing the information to follow, it should be acknowledged that 54% of respondents believe they are somewhat or very familiar with the ways Central Office supports the schools in NISD. Overall familiarity increased 5% from the 2014 survey results. The graphic below displayed that parents seem to be more familiar with central office the longer they have been involved in the district. How familiar are you with the ways the Central Office supports all schools in your district? (compared with how long they have lived in the district) Very Familiar Somewhat Familiar Not Familiar Less than one year 5% 32% 62% 1-3 years 10% 35% 55% 4-6 years 16% 41% 43% 7-10 years 17% 42% 42% 11 or more years 25% 40% 35% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 24
Only 22%, or 583 of 2,624 respondents, reported that within the past year they had spoken with a central office administrator. The graphs and chart below provide a synopsis of their experiences. Each respondent could have selected all answers, therefore each question had a potential of 100%. A steady increase occurred across all central office contact outcomes, the greatest of which having to do with finding who to contact, 6%. When you have had an opportunity to discuss or share an idea with a central office administrator... You easily found out who to contact. 61% You made contact with the correct person. 63% The administrator was polite and listened to you. 64% Your ideas were considered and addressed in a professional manner. 49% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% When you have had an opportunity to discuss or share an idea with a central office administrator... 2013+ 2014 2016 Change You easily found out who to contact. 68% 56% 61% 6% You made contact with the correct person. 79% 61% 63% 1% The administrator was polite and listened to you. 81% 64% 64% 0% Your ideas were considered and addressed in a professional manner. 72% 47% 49% 2% + Note that the 2013 Parent Survey required everyone to answer these questions, regardless if they had had any contact with a central office administrator. The 2014 and 2016 surveys were adjusted so that only respondents who answered yes to speaking with an administrator within the last year provide this data. 25
When you have had an opportunity to discuss or share an idea with a central office administrator... 2016 2014 2013 61% You easily found out who to contact. 56% 68% You made contact with the correct person. 63% 61% 79% The administrator was polite and listened to you. 64% 64% 81% Your ideas were considered and addressed in a professional manner. 49% 47% 72% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 26
District Communication Communication was a subset of District Leadership/Support comprised of questions that pertain to district communications as well as parent communications and involvement. When reviewing this section, please note that 98% of respondents had access to the internet at home. Only nineteen individual respondents in 2016 did not have either work or home access, very similar to the seventeen in 2014 who reported not having access. Do you have access to the Internet? Yes, at home 98% Yes, at work 52% No 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 27
The charts below detail parent perceptions about NISD communications and communication tools. It was reported that 97% of respondents believed the School Messenger was the most valuable communication tool to utilize during emergencies, and 95% and 93% respectively, believed that the enewsettler and phone calls made up the top 3 methods to provide comprehensive district information. The newly added option of receiving text messages made a strong debut at 88%. Even with a 5% increase from 2014, YouTube remained the least adequate source of providing district information at 61%. * denotes that this was a new item on the 2016 survey so no comparison was available. ** denotes limited comparison data provided, due to major alterations in previous question wording. *** denotes limited comparison data was available for options three, four, and five because these questions were written as one in 2013. District Leadership Communication The School Messenger is a valuable communications tool for notifying parents of school emergencies or school closings 62.4% 34.8% 1.6% 1.1% These communication sources provide adequate information about the school district 1) District enewsletter Northwest News (sent via email) 46.2% 48.9% 4.0% 1.0% 2) NISD website 42.5% 48.2% 7.6% 1.7% 3) Facebook 4) Twitter 5) YouTube 6) The NET videos 7) Mobile App 8) Text Messages * 9) Phone Calls * 27.0% 48.2% 19.9% 4.8% 20.8% 46.9% 25.3% 7.0% 16.5% 44.5% 30.5% 8.5% 16.6% 45.9% 29.2% 8.3% 24.7% 47.0% 21.0% 7.3% 41.7% 46.7% 8.9% 2.7% 43.1% 49.7% 5.3% 1.9% I feel the school district adequately informs me about issues and major decisions regarding academic programs, student growth, school finance, school calendar, district policies, etc. 39.7% 47.9% 10.6% 1.8% The district communicates high expectations in achievement for all students. Average 45.9% 47.3% 5.7% 1.1% 35.6% 46.3% 14.1% 3.9% 28
District Leadership Communication Total 2013 Total 2014 Total 2016 Change The School Messenger is a valuable communications tool for notifying parents of school emergencies or school closings These communication sources provide adequate information about the school district 1) District enewsletter Northwest News (sent via email) 98% 98% 97% -1% 95% 94% 95% 1% 2) NISD website 94% 93% 91% -2% 3) Facebook *** 71% 75% 4% 4) Twitter *** 63% 68% 5% 5) YouTube *** 56% 61% 5% 6) The NET videos 75% 60% 63% 3% 7) Mobile App *** 69% 72% 3% 8) Text Messages * * * 88% * 9) Phone Calls * * * 93% * I feel the school district adequately informs me about issues and major decisions regarding academic programs, student growth, school finance, school calendar, district policies, etc. ** 83% 88% 5% The district communicates high expectations in achievement for all students. 91% 90% 93% 3% 29
The graphics below provide the methods in which respondents preferred information provided to them. The survey allowed for each respondent to check each one that applied. Therefore, each communication method had a potential of a 100% response. *Mobile App Notifications was added to the 2016 survey as a new option. Parents reported a significant preference for receiving district information via School Messenger and Text Messages, 72% and 70% respectively, over all other methods of communication. Although School Messenger had a -6% decrease in 2016, it has been the most preferred method since the 2013 Parent Survey. Preference for the NISD website declined 10% from the 2014 survey data. How do you prefer to receive information from the school district? School Messenger 72% District enewsletter 52% NISD website 44% Facebook 29% Twitter 9% YouTube The NET videos 2% 3% Text Messages 70% Newsletter (printed and mailed) Mobile App Notifications * 27% 29% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 30
How do you prefer to receive information from the school district? 2016 2014 2013 School Messenger District enewsletter NISD website Facebook ** Twitter ** YouTube ** 72% 79% 74% 52% 61% 67% 44% 54% 50% 29% 27% 9% 7% 2% 2% The NET videos Text Messages Newsletter (printed and mailed) Mobile App Notifications * 3% 4% 7% 70% 58% 68% 27% 30% 27% 29% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 31
The 2016 Parent Survey presented a new data comparison of preferred communication methods with age of parents. The table and graph below outline those findings. As previously stated in the demographics section above, 87% of NISD parents are between 30-49 years of age. At 24% and 23% respectively, School Messenger was the most preferred communication method for parents in the age ranges of 20-29 and 50-59. With 60+ aged parents preferring Text Messages at 23%, and both 30-39 and 40-49 year old parents equally preferring School Messenger and Text Messages 21% of the time, the results were all very close. How different age ranges prefer to receive information from the school district School Messenger District enewsletter NISD website Facebook Twitter YouTube The NET videos Text Messages Newsletter (printed and mailed) Mobile App Notifications * 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 23.9% 21.1% 21.3% 22.7% 20.3% 13.9% 15.5% 15.3% 17.1% 15.2% 9.6% 12.3% 13.5% 14.9% 15.2% 9.6% 10.1% 7.7% 5.5% 6.3% 1.3% 2.5% 3.1% 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.6% 1.1% 1.3% 0.4% 0.6% 0.7% 1.4% 3.8% 22.6% 21.1% 20.7% 19.5% 22.8% 9.6% 8.2% 7.7% 7.3% 5.1% 9.1% 8.0% 9.3% 8.1% 10.1% 32
How do you prefer to receive information from the school district? Compared with age range School Messenger District enewsletter NISD website Facebook Twitter YouTube The NET videos Text Messages Newsletter (printed and mailed) Mobile App Notifications * 0% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 2% 3% 2% 4% 5% 5% 6% 8% 8% 8% 7% 8% 8% 9% 9% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 33 12% 14% 14% 16% 15% 15% 15% 15% 17% 19% 20% 21% 21% 21% 21% 23% 23% 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 23% 24%
The graph below is a visual representation of parent involvement as reported by survey respondents on the 2016 parent survey. The comparison graphic on the next page illustrates that 6 out of the 8 event options listed improved parent participation since the 2014 survey. The most significant improvement was a 7% increase in parent attendance at School-Sponsored Sporting Events. School Events (Curriculum Night, Parent Conferences, Open House, TechnoExpo, Book Fair, Celebrations, etc.) and PTA meetings respectively had a 2% and 1% decrease in participation. How often did you attend each of the following events in the past year? District Forums 15% District or School Committee Meetings 24% School Events (Curriculum Night, Parent Conferences, Open House, TechnoExpo, Book Fair, Celebrations, etc.) School-Sponsored Sporting Events 94% 68% School-Sponsored Art/Music Presentations 78% School Plays 61% PTA Meetings 52% School Board Meetings 20% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 34
Parent Participation 2016 2014 2013 District Forums 15% 11% 14% District or School Committee Meetings 24% 21% 25% School Events (Curriculum Night, Parent Conferences, Open House, TechnoExpo, Book Fair, Celebrations, etc.) 94% 95% 95% School-Sponsored Sporting Events 68% 61% 67% School-Sponsored Art/Music Presentations 78% 76% 77% School Plays PTA Meetings 61% 59% 64% 52% 54% 60% School Board Meetings 20% 18% 20% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 35
District Budget The District Budget section is a subset of District Leadership/Support comprised of district budget perception data. Only 49% of respondents on the 2016 Parent Survey believed they were familiar or very familiar with the district s budget constraints. This number remained the same from the data collected during the 2014 Parent Survey. Consistent with the 2014 results, 85% of respondents reported the belief that financial resources of the district are spent wisely. Whereas 2% fewer respondents reported the belief that the current funding level was adequate to meet the community s education needs, displaying an agreement rate of 80% for 2016. District Leadership Budget In my opinion, the financial resources of the district are spent wisely 18.8% 66.4% 12.3% 2.5% The current funding level is adequate to meet the community's education needs 17.7% 62.5% 16.0% 3.9% District Budget Average 18.3% 64.4% 14.1% 3.2% District Leadership Budget 2013 2014 2016 Change In my opinion, the financial resources of the district are spent wisely 84% 85% 85% 0% The current funding level is adequate to meet the community's education needs 73% 82% 80% -2% 36