Page 3500 - Week 09 - Thursday, 20 August 2009
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(1) How are the questions formulated for the school satisfaction survey and is there expert input.
(2) How is the information used once it is collated.
(3) Why are the names of the schools not included on the individually numbered forms that are sent to parents.
(4) Do all ACT government primary schools, high schools and colleges participate in the survey.
(5) What percentage of (a) surveys are returned and (b) returned surveys are completed.
Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The Department of Education and Training conducts three different school satisfaction surveys covering students, teachers, and parents and carers. The questions have been formulated by the Department with input from all stakeholders and modelled on surveys in other states. Expert advice was also provided through the Department’s Data Analysis and Survey section. The questions are grouped around the four domains of school improvement:
- teaching and learning
- leadership and management
- student environment
- community involvement
In 2008, the ACT public school system’s School Improvement Framework was reviewed, including an upgrade of the survey questions and format. The review was conducted by a reference group which included school principals, the tertiary sector, the Australian Education Union and senior departmental executives, with consultation extending to the ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations and other relevant stakeholders.
(2) Schools use the data gathered through the satisfaction surveys to identify priorities and areas for improvement, and to measure progress in achieving goals within school plans. Schools also report on the overall satisfaction of their students, teachers, parents and carers in their annual school board reports. The Department reports against a School Satisfaction Performance Indicator, and overall satisfaction with public schooling in its Annual Report.
(3) School names were not included on this year’s hard copy of the parent and carers survey to enable more cost-effective printing of the large number of surveys (340 000). Each school was allocated a batch number and the serial numbers are printed at the bottom of the forms. The survey’s first question asks the respondent to identify the school.
(4) Yes.
(5) In 2008, the response rate for parents was 45 per cent. The response rates for students and teachers were close to 80 per cent. Results for the 2009 survey are not yet available.
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