In the fall of 2021, district administrators interviewed nearly 400 students in grades 3-12 through face-to-face focus groups. Students were randomly selected to participate in the focus groups. Focus groups included heterogeneous grouping to ensure diverse student voice were included in student feedback and input. The focus groups were tasked with identifying the most important things students cared about in school.
Since August 2019, educational leaders have been engaged in extensive work around Gallup research, to improve performance and the quality of organizational culture, student and employee engagement are the most crucial factors. As such, the Measures of Quality process is focused on addressing and measuring what matters most to students, as a means to improve student engagement. Not surprisingly, student engagement, learning environment, and learning processes have a strong correlation. Below are the most important components students identified they care about in school.
Interestingly much of what students identified as most important to them can be aligned to Gallup’s Q12 Engagement Survey. Below are the most important components, students identified they care most about in school. A high-performing (Distinctive) school has the following.
Clean, colorful, and organized schools and classrooms.
A safe learning environment that is fun.
Student voice is part of the decision-making process. Teachers and administrators listen.
The ability to explore their interests and apply their skills and talents.
Opportunities to collaborate and socialize with friends and other students.
Access to a variety of technology.
Learning that is real-world and hands-on.
Easy access to student services such as nurses, counselors, and school resource officers.
Recognition for a variety of successes, not just test scores.
A staff that cares about the well-being of students and is willing to help.
School breakfast and lunch are the best, with a variety of options each day.
Transportation to and from school, which is short, on-time, with friendly drivers.
Prepares students for the next grade, college, and the workforce.
A school is a place of learning that students would recommend their friends to attend.
