FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS Valley Center USD 262 Final

FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS Valley Center USD 262 Final Report Prepared by Dr. Gene George 2/13/2007 USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Review of Research Plan n n Conduct 2 focus group sessions to gather patron input General perception of schools Important skills and abilities for high school graduates Priorities Extent of support for school improvements USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Value of focus groups n n Gain in-depth understanding of views from a cross-section of patrons Identify patterns of thought and opinion regarding schools – what people think matters Use input to shape improvement strategies Engage patrons in the process USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Review of sessions n n n 2 sessions – Jan. 22 and Feb. 7, Valley Center city offices 27 participants total Gathering further input is critical q q q Opinions are dynamic – the discussion doesn’t end with the focus group Feedback to patrons and further input to shape strategies critical Some views may not be well represented in findings USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Participant profile n n Constraint of 2 sessions made it difficult to clarify context of responses and seek deeper perspectives Participants tended to over-represent wealthier patrons USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Key Themes n n Community Quality Skills Expectations USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Key Themes n n n COMMUNITY Small town environment – safe Small schools a value Growth zone Close to city Schools have good reputation USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Key Themes n n n QUALITY Good teachers – care about students Small schools Important that many VC graduates go to college Administration takes holistic approach q q Proactive Promote communication USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Key Themes n n EXPECTATIONS Small schools, small classes Provide VC graduates high-end academic skills coupled with life skills Planning is critical q q Anticipate change – growth, staff turnover, need for additional staff Maintain communication – be transparent Formalize planning – define timetables, objectives Manage growth but keep small town environment USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Key Themes n n EXTENT of SUPPORT Support for continuous improvement of schools Superintendent’s goal cited by many participants Board appears to have strong foundation for planning – as long as it q q q Keeps process formal, transparent Can build on current successes (communication, quality of learning) Successfully anticipates change USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Questions – and further input n n n What comes to mind when you hear the phrase Valley Center public schools? What have you heard about the schools that make you glad they are a part of the community? What have you heard about the schools that make you unhappy they are part of the community? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Questions – and further input n n n What contributions to the community have they made? What contributions don’t they make that they should? What are the priorities over next 5 years? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Questions – and further input n n n What skills and abilities should high school graduates have when they leave? What needs are emerging in the future? When current H. S. nears capacity – build onto existing building or build 2 nd school? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George

Questions – and further input n Was this session worthwhile? USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George