Focus Group Questions

Academic

1. Do you feel like there are resources (such as extra time with teachers, academic advisors, tutors, college prep courses) that could help students academically, and if so, what are they? Are they present at the high school?

2. In your experience, are there any challenges your school community faces when it comes to doing well in school? This could include income barriers, housing, parental support, and community resources. 

3. Do you think extracurricular activities help with academic success and future career goals? Do you have these extracurriculars at Julian? 

4. What are some ideas you have that could engage all students in the learning process (such as attending classes, tutoring support, and extracurricular activities), particularly those who may be facing academic challenges?

Based on our research into the educational levels in Washington Heights, it appears that more than half of the population holds a bachelor's degree or some college education. This suggests that a significant portion of Percy L Julian High School's students may be interested in pursuing higher education. However, we are interested in identifying the specific obstacles and concerns that these students may face, as well as the types of assistance they need to succeed.

Additionally, based on the information on the school's website, we found that Sports is an important aspect of their school life and is highly correlated with their academic pursuits because as the swim coach mentioned: Sports helps students to get scholarships for Sports from college, benefit their grade and status trouble (Percy L Julian High School, 2014, “Concert Band” section). Therefore, we are interested in hearing the students' thoughts on the role of extracurricular activities and how they can be used to support academic success.

Career 

1. What do you plan on doing after high school? 

2. How do you typically learn about different career options? Do you feel that you get all of the resources you need for your career path?

3. Are there any challenges you face as you plan for a career path after high school?

4. Are there any programs that you are aware of and/or use to help you with college applications, financial aid, and career planning?

According to the research we found about the income level of Washington Heights, there is a significant disparity in the median household income in this neighborhood compared to Chicago. These financial difficulties can present challenges for students looking for opportunities after high school. Through these questions, we hope to understand what is troubling the students the most in their career / post high school plans.

Hygiene

sidenote: some students live in shelters and some in their parents’ cars (indirect questions) 

1. Have you or anyone you know ever felt held back by lack of access to hygiene related items (clothes, shoes, hygiene products)? If so, can you describe how you felt about it? 

2. How do you think the school can help you maintain hygiene?

3. Are you familiar with the resources currently available at your school for hygiene support?

According to the research from the data assignment, Percy L Julian High School is located in a relatively underdeveloped and impoverished area. This may imply subpar sanitary conditions of the area, including the high school. Hence, it may be important to ask about the hygienic practices of the school as well as the students’ experiences with their own hygiene. Toilets, sewage systems, water treatment plants, trash and waste disposal systems, are all important factors to the health of students, and asking questions that directly address these issues may provide valuable information. 

Social and Emotional Wellness

1. Since the pandemic, are there any social and emotional wellness issues that you see among students at Julian High School?

2. Do students know about the social and emotional wellness resources that are available to them, such as counselors? How easy is it for you to talk with these counselors? 

3. What other supports could be helpful?

4. Do students feel like they need these resources?

5. Are these resources helping students well-being?

6. Can the school do a better job promoting these resources to students?

After our interview with CFF, we were able to understand that mental health was a pressing issue facing CPS students. In particular, we found out that COVID-19 has had detrimental effects on the mental health of students and that many are still recovering from the social and economic harms of the pandemic. Further, it is likely that Julian High School students have been more heavily affected by the pandemic as research indicates that many of them struggle with socioeconomic issues as well as systemic issues.