survey2012-13

LAEFSatisfaction & Priorities

Survey 2012-13

Executive Summary

Survey Response

• 1,449 starts and 1,237 completed surveys

• Focus of the survey was on the satisfaction of programs in 2012-13 and program priorities in 2013-14.

• Survey responses similar to 2011-12.• 22% less than 2010-11 when parents were concerned about pink slips.

• Representative sample by school and by grade

• Non-donors are under-represented.

Executive Summary

Donation Attitudes-Year 3 of LAEF’s $1,000 per student suggested donation amount.

• Respondents hope all families will donate what they can afford, with broad understanding that not all families are able to donate equally.

•“District Counts on Me” remains the predominant sentiment for why donors give

• Among respondents, 96% report they donate annually

Program Satisfaction

• Overall satisfaction high across all grades & most programs

• Increased communication to improve parent understanding of program curriculum needed for most programs

• K-3 class size remains a priority for parents. Satisfaction levels indicate parents agree class size reduction is a good use of their donation.

• Overall satisfaction is high at Blach and Egan across all LAEF-funded program

Executive Summary

Pressure Points

• Science- desire for more hands-on science at the elementary level.

• Library- dissatisfaction in comments regarding lack of class time and libraries which are not open consistently at recess and lunch.

• Math- what is the path to provide geometry in 8th grade?

• Music- can more instruments be offered?

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Board & Grant-Making

• Parents give LAEF Board good marks for communicating about funding and reasons to give.

• Majority of parents believe LAEF grant is distributed equally among schools and grade levels.

• Parents are still unclear about how LAEF works with District to develop LAEF grant & how funds are allocated.

Executive Summary

Funding & Fundraising

• Most parents remain committed to supporting high-quality, well-rounded education (smaller class sizes, enrichment programs) via donations.

• While committed to high quality public education, parents recognize changes need to be made to public education funding • Ex: property tax inequities and state taxes.

•Concerns over rising expenses•Ex: health care costs

• Parents expect fiscal responsibility, accounting for funds.

Executive Summary

Action Items

Communication:-Despite high marks on communication, many comments note lack of information about LAEF programs• LAEF Board needs to remain visible on campus, improve outreach to

school communities• Increase communications about LAEF programs• Regular program updates from LAEF-funded staff would be greatly

appreciated by parents

Investigate Program changes w/ District:• Science- how can we support the classroom teachers’ delivery of the

science curriculum?

Survey Participation

Who took the survey?

300300300300300

n = 1,479

Almond Covington Gardner Egan Loyola Oak Santa Rita Springer Blach 0

55

110

165

220

193180

194

220

121

186

208196

187

Are all populations represented?

# of Families % Elementary Population

# of Response % of Responses over (under) Representation

Almond 391 15.8% 187 14.4% -1.4%

Covington 369 14.9% 208 16.0% +1.1

Gardner Bullis 214 8.6% 121 9.3% +.7%

Loyola 404 16.3% 220 16.9% +0.6%

Oak 326 13.1% 194 14.9% +1.8%

Santa Rita 419 16.9% 180 13.9% -3.0%

Springer 357 14.4% 193 14.9% +.5%

Blach 241 45.5% 196 51.3% +5.8%

Egan 289 54.5% 186 48.7% -5.8%

Survey sample proportional to actual elementary enrollment +/- 3%. Junior Highs- Egan is under-represented

Historic Satisfaction & Program Survey

Participation

Survey Starts Completes Complete %

2010 S&P 1162 1023 88%

2011 S&P 1927 1525 79%

2012 S&P 1496 1237 83%

2013 S&P 1489 1237 83%

Note: “Completes” equals respondents who click “Done”. Effective completion rate even higher.

Donation Attitudes

Which statement best represents your attitude about donating to LAEF?

0%

15%

30%

45%

60%

Non Donor Tax Deduction Not High Priority Try Every Year Count on Me Every Family

2010 2011 2012 Advocacy 2012 Program 2013

n = 1,436

“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?

Top Themes Comments Share

Amount- too high/too low

Every family should give something

Taxes- already paying high taxes

Other Themes

Praise for LAEF

Financial Hardship- donate time

Would like targeted donations

Spend their money on outside programs

23 24%

13 13%

10 10%

Comments Share

9 9%

9 9%

7 7%

7 7%

n = 97

How is LAEF doing?

Rate LAEF Board Members

n = 1,351

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

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.

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

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.


Don’t Know my Board member

Not Enough Communication/Details from board

Thank You LAEF!

24 32%

13 17%

10 13%

n = 75

Rate LAEF Board Members Comments

Rate LAEF Board Members

n = 1,324

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

The LAEF Board of Directors strives to create a balanced grant. Please read the following statements and provide a rating that reflects your thoughts/feelings about the LAEF grant.


LAEF grants are spread fairly across all the SCHOOLS in our district.

LAEF grants are spread fairly across all GRADES in the district so that all

students benefit equally.

LAEF's current level of fund raising and funding to the school district is

about right.


Don’t Know- don’t have the info to evaluate

Spending Too High- reduce the grant/ask

Spending Too Low- increase the grant/ask

Spend On Other Things- we want “x” program

85 49%

21 12%

20 12%

20 12%

n = 173

Rate LAEF Board Members Comments

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Program Satisfaction

n = 216

How satisfied are you with the following LAEF funded Kindergarten programs?

** (The total cost to deliver each program this year to EVERY Kindergarten at ALL 7 elementary schools)

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Do Not Know Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

Reduce Class Size from 30 to 25 or less ($225,000)**

Library ($37,000)**

Art Docent Lessons ($7,000)**

Living Classroom Science Docents Lessons ($5,000)**


Class Size Reduction- classes are still too large

Library

Living Classroom

Art Docents

Other Themes

Miscellaneous

22 52%

8 19%

8 19%

7 17%

Comments Share

5 12%

n = 42

Kindergarten Satisfaction Comments

n = 217

Class Size Reduction Program How is it going?

LAEF spent $900,000 (or 38% of its grant) on class size reduction in grades K-3. To reduce class size from 30 to 25 or less costs $225,000 for kindergarten.

Do you believe this is a good use of your donation?

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%



Class Sizes Could Be Even Smaller

Happy With Class Size Reduction/Good Use of Funds

Extra Aides and/or ELL Support Needed

Other Themes

Full-Day Kindergarten Needed

Money Should Be Spent on Other Programs

23 64%

8 22%

6 17%

Comments Share

2 6%

2 6%

n = 36

Class Size Reduction Comments

Grades 1-3

Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction

n = 675n = 480 Small Group

Below is the list of LAEF funded programs provided to your children in Grades 1-3. The total cost to deliver each program this year to grades 1-3 at all 7 elementary schools is indicated in parentheses. How satisfied are you with these programs?

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Do Not Know Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

Reduce Class Size from 30 to 25 or less ($225,000)**

Library ($37,000)**



Physical Education ($140,000)**

Small Group Instruction Time, Grades 1 & 2 ($92,000)**


Class Size Reduction

More PE

Library

More Science

Other Themes

Small Group Instruction Information

Living Classroom

More Aides/More Small Group Instruction

20 16%

19 15%

18 14%

18 14%

Comments Share

12 9%

12 9%

10 8%

Grade 1-3 Program SatisfactionComment Summary

n = 127

n = 676

Class Size Reduction ProgramHow is it going?

LAEF spent $900,000 (or 38% of its grant) on class size reduction in grades K-3. To reduce class size from 30 to 25 or less in grades 1-3 costs $675,000.

Do you believe this is a good use of your donation?

0 25 50 75 100

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Stongly Agree


Support Class Size Reduction

Reduce Class Size More

Fund Other Programs Instead

35 45%

22 28%

8 10%

Class Size Reduction ProgramComment Summary

n = 78

Grades 4-6

Grades 4-6Program satisfaction

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Not Familiar Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

PE ($280,000)**

Instrumental and Vocal Music ($350,000)**

Library ($79,000)**



cSTEM- grade 6 ($28,000)**

How satisfied are you with the LAEF-funded programs provided to your children in grades 4-6? **(The total cost to deliver each program this year to EVERY student in grades 4-6 at ALL 7 elementary schools)

n = 649n = 209 cSTEM

Grades 4-6Program satisfaction


Change Music

More Library

Change PE

Other Themes

More Science

Less PE

24 19%

15 12%

13 10%

Comments Share

11 9%

11 9%

n = 127

Instrumental & Vocal Music

LAEF provided $400,000 for Instrumental and Vocal Music for students in Grades 4-6 at all 7 elementary schools this year. How satisfied are you with the LAEF funded Music Programs in Grades 4-6 this school year?

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

4th grade - Weekly Vocal Music (Fall) / Recorder (Spring)

5th grade - Twice weekly Instrumental Music (1st semester Vocal and Instrumental, 2nd

semester Instrumental)

5th grade - Twice weekly Vocal Music (if your student is not in Instrumental Music)

6th grade - Twice weekly Instrumental Music

6th grade - Twice weekly Vocal Music (if your student is not in Instrumental Music)

Instrumental & Vocal MusicComments


Desire Program Changes

Not Getting Benefit/already take private lessons

Love It

33 39%

17 20%

16 19%

n = 147

Junior High

Junior HighProgram Satisfaction

Each year LAEF designates 22% of its grant to the 2 Junior Highs who represent 22% of the district students. Below is a list of Junior High programs with LAEF's contribution is indicated in parentheses. How satisfied are you with these programs for this school year?

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

Science CSR ** $90,000

Math CSR ** $90,000

Social Studies CSR ** $90,000

English CSR ** $90,000

Library ** $70,00

Electives ** $125,000


More High-Caliber Electives

Library Underutilized

Classes Still Too Large

Lack of Geometry

15 29%

10 19%

9 17%

5 10%

n = 52

Junior HighProgram Satisfaction

Did your Junior High Student receive one of their top 3 electives choices?

n = 364

0

50

100

150

200

Blach Egan

No I don’t know Yes

Top Themes Comments SharePleased with Electives

Want More Electives

Study Hall

Leadership Class Should be 8th Grade Only

6 32%

4 21%

3 16%

3 16%

n = 19

Junior High Elective Comments

Innovation Grant

n = 1322

This year, LAEF allocated $460,000 towards an Innovation Grant, which supports: * Instructional Coach to empower innovation in how students learn- including using technology in the classroom * Instructional Coach to bring more STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math) to the classroom * Small-group Language Arts support for grades 1-2 * Library Innovation- centralizing resources and access to ebooks year round * iLearn- a professional development opportunity designed to empower teachers to innovate and increase student engagement * iLearn for resource teachers- providing iPads and specialized training for teachers working to meet the needs of all students * "ReThink" Professional development days- project based learning strategies for K-4 teachersWhat statement best describes your awareness of these programs:

0

225

450

675

900

Not Aware Somewhat Aware Very Aware


Unaware/Would Like More Info

We Support

E-Books

Not a Good Use of Funds

Other Themes

Wary of Technology as a Substitute for Innovation

STEM

44 34%

25 20%

17 13%

16 13%

Comments Share

13 10%

9 7%

n = 128

Innovation Grant

Innovation Grant

n = 1295

Programs like those funded by the Innovation Grant typically require the investment of resources over several years to realize measurable results. While exposure to these programs will vary based on your child's grade, how important is it to continue funding our Innovation in Education Grant?

0

175

350

525

700

Not Important Somewhat Important Extremely Important


Support

Need to Measure Effectiveness

Unaware/Would Like More Info

Technology is Overrated

Other Themes

STEM

Fund Other Priorities

41 31%

20 15%

19 14%

18 14%

Comments Share

14 11%

12 9%

n = 132

Innovation Grant

Innovation Grant

n = 1296 - 1306

Teachers are rethinking and innovating their instructional practices as part of the Innovation Grant. The goal is to increase student engagement and ensure teachers are providing relevant learning experiences for all students. We'd like to hear how aware you are that your child has been exposed to the following tools:

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Not Aware Somewhat Aware Very Aware

Student Presentation

Web Publishing

Collaboration & Communication

Student Creativity

Multimedia

Leveled Electronic Reading Materials

Student Creativity had the largest “outage”Reading Materials had the highest awareness


Wary of Technology as a Substitute for Innovation

Not Aware

Limited Exposure in Lower Grades

We Support

RazzKidz

34 24%

25 18%

25 18%

22 15%

20 14%

n = 142

Innovation Grant

Innovation Grant

n = 477

What areas of innovation in the classroom is your child excited about?


iPad

Google Docs

RazzKidz

Filmmaking

Edmodo

Presentation Tools

69 14%

59 12%

53 11%

51 11%

48 10%

36 8%

LAEF Annual Report

No- Prefer paper

I never read it

More likely to read paper

Would read either

Yes- online

0 275 550 825 1100

LAEF is considering transitioning to an electronic Annual Report How do you feel about receiving our

Annual Report electronically?

Thank you to all the parents who provided feedback, and thank to the LAEF volunteers who

spent many hours analyzing the results.

Your comments have been sent to the Board of Trustees, LASD Superintendents, School Principals

and PTA Presidents.

Your feedback will determine how the LAEF donations will be granted for 13-14.

survey2012-13

Education

satisfaction of programs

laef programs laef board

parents recognizechanges

majority of parents

district todevelop laef

laef board good marks

laeffunded staff

executive summaryfunding