2. Executive Summary
Survey Response
• Focus: Program satisfaction in 2015-16 and priorities for 2016-17
• Survey offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese languages
• 1,725 starts and 1,376 completed surveys (out of 5,765 parents)
• English=1,544, Spanish=25, Chinese=56
• Representative sample across schools and grades
• Non-donors are under-represented
• Over 4,000 comments submitted, read, and categorized
• 80% completion rate compared to 84% in 2014-15
3. Program Satisfaction
• Program satisfaction rated on a 5-step scale from “Very Dissatisfied” to
“Very Satisfied”
• Satisfaction results mixed compared to 2014-15
• Elementary - average satisfaction ratings same as last year
• Jr. High - average satisfaction ratings lower by 5%
• Both Elementary and Jr. High showed increase in dissatisfaction by 3%
• Elementary programs have higher satisfaction than Junior High Programs
• Parents continue to value K-3 class student:teacher ratio reduction, PE,
and STEM, Junior High Electives
Executive Summary
4. Pressure Points
• Class Sizes - Parents continue to desire small classes and many would like
even smaller classes in grades TK-3, 25 or less in grades 4-6
• Junior High parents desire smaller classes in Math and English
• Parents open to changing the Music program, having Music/Arts Program
• Parents note lack of communication about classwork and student progress
Key Takeaways
• As in previous years, many comments indicate lack of understanding
about LAEF programs and funding
- Ongoing challenge for LAEF Board to improve outreach to school
communities, differentiate role from PTA
• Parents have little visibility into programs funded for Junior High, aren’t
sure of benefit — investigate how to better address needs
Executive Summary
11. Student Skills
"What skills, experiences, and dispositions do you believe are most critical
to prepare students to thrive in our rapidly changing global community?
(Choose up to 8).”
Critical Thinking
Communication
Writing
Creativity
Responsibility
Time Management
Collaboration
Real-World Experiences
0 20 40 60 80
40.1
40.5
42.8
43.1
48.7
50.3
67.3
70.7
“All are important”
was the most
frequent comment
n = 1506
Other Choices: Speaking Skills 39.6%, Mathematical Reasoning: 36.7%
12. Project-Based Learning
n = 1492
Are you supportive of a Project-Based Educational approach,
versus a Lecture-Based Educational approach?
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
No Not Sure Yes
Most comments
indicated need for both
13. Top 5 Choices Grade 1-3 Grade 4-6
Exposure to wide variety of art forms and expressions 4 1
Introduction to various kinds of visual and performing arts 3 2
Become comfortable performing/speaking to an audience 1 3
Learn to play an instrument 2 4
Appreciation for music 5 5
n = 655
Grade 4-6 Music Program Purpose
n = 733
What do you think the purpose of the grade 4-6 Arts
Program should be? Choose 3:
14. Additional Modifications
If you could make a change to your child(ren)'s school day, what
would it be?
Top Categories Comments Share
Homework 87 11%
More Time 83 11%
Later Start 56 7%
Happy As-Is 53 7%
n = 783
16. Donation Attitudes
0%
13%
25%
38%
50%
Non Donor Tax Deduction Not High Priority Try Every Year Counts on Me Every Family
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
n = 1409
“Counts on Me” response captures strongest sense of community “greater good”
While respondent pool changes over time, attitudes are highly consistent
Which statement best represents your attitude about donating
to LAEF?
17. LAEF Funding Level
n = 1373
LAEF's current level of funding to the school district is
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Not Sufficient About Right Too High Other
18. Rate LAEF Board Members
n = 1400
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
The LAEF Board of Directors strives to represent all of the families in
our school district. Please read the following statements and provide a
rating that reflects your thoughts/feelings about LAEF.
LAEF Board members are parents
like me who are interested in
keeping our schools strong.
LAEF Board members at my school
are accessible and open to hearing
my input.
LAEF Board members effectively
communicate with the parent
community on funding issues.
Similar results to 2014-15
19. Recommendations
• Continue efforts to improve parent understanding of LAEF mission,
values, and impact
- Outreach to new families,TK, and Kinder
- Work to broaden mindset beyond their child’s immediate benefit
• Work with District to investigate ways that our grant could better
address needs of Junior Highs
• Ask District to communicate rationale for class size thresholds