Every five years, the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) conducts a needs assessment survey with the Iowa Association of School Boards, and the Board of Education recently reviewed the results from the November survey. In the survey, parents, staff members, students, and board members were asked to identify the district’s strengths and areas for improvement. Of the 500 responses gathered, 122 were from parents and community members, with the rest being either students or a staff member. According to the survey, when it came to student achievement, 64 percent of staff, 61 percent of parents, and 55 percent of students believe students are currently meeting standards or grade-level expectations. Board member Duane Horsley says he noticed the high percentage points of responses, especially from students agreeing that the district does not make or accept excuses for the level of student achievement, proving that the district is working to improve.
Other questions involved whether individuals feel their voices are heard when concerns arise or if students feel safe at school. In the survey, 32 percent of students reported not feeling safe at school, which then dropped to 17 percent when asked if CCSD provides a safe learning environment. Adams Elementary Principal and Director of Special Education Amy Collison said the setting and the structure of the environment contribute to student safety.
After the collection of surveys, answers were reviewed to see what the top priority for improvement should be, what the district does well, and what needs to change. Priority improvements included anti-bullying, preparing students for life after high school, and improving student achievement. Extracurricular activities and communication with parents are among the top priorities that the district does well, and anti-bullying and curriculum alignment are among the things that need to change. CCSD administration will be bringing these results to building leadership teams and staff to start a plan to work on some recommended improvements and continue promoting quality education to all students.
