To assess thinking of parents on year-round education, survey forms were sent to 398 households with children enrolled in elementary school. With 236 of questionnaires returned, only 10 percent favored adopting such a plan whereas 83 percent preferred staying with traditional schedules. Lists arguments in favor and arguments opposed along with…

Two telephone surveys of registered voters in Toledo (Ohio)--one conducted a month before a school levy election, one a week before the election--enabled campaign workers to see if their strategies were effective and to make suggested changes. The levy passed with 52 percent of the vote. (Author/MLF)

If a survey questionnaire is designed and worded effectively, volunteers can be used to conduct it. Apple Valley-Rosemount (Minnesota) found that volunteers need not be trained in interviewing techniques, and that the school board and administration can reap a wealth of high quality data and benefits not normally available with conventional, more…

To discover the goals of its staff, parents, and community, the Lake Washington School District (Kirkland, Washington) performed a needs assessment, using survey questionnaires and public meetings, on topics related to school climate, parent concerns, and future needs. Parents helped analyze questionnaire responses and the results were reported…

Recounts how the school district alienated the voters and how it won them back. (IRT)

A public opinion poll should not only tell the board and administrators what the public thinks but should also indicate what that thinking means. Explains how a school district public opinion poll of real use to the board and administration can be designed to identify public opinion, public knowledge, and public vision; and be conducted with…

A survey of absentee voting in the Highline (Washington) School District revealed that mailed-in ballots have no better than--and often less than--a 50-50 chance of favoring school finance issues. School officials should reconsider encouraging the growth of voting by mail. (IW)

The Shorewood (Wisconsin) public schools chose a new superintendent by establishing a search committee, hiring a consultant, surveying the community to identify desired qualities, developing an "ideal superintendent" profile for screening applications, arranging a 24-hour visit and interview process, and making their selection. (RW)

Based on his analysis of 23 communities, the author suggests six guidelines for implementing sex education programs: use small community committees rather than large ones, conduct community surveys, make sure the programs discuss sexual abstinence, provide staff training, adopt written policies, and involve parents in the programs. (RW)

A Kettering Foundation survey of Newark citizens found that the only consistent supporters of public schools view them as partners in educating children and building community. Schools' standard public-relations techniques (directing messages exclusively to parents and stressing customer satisfaction) are misguided. Ameliorative strategies are…

Briefly outlines five ways to ensure accountability: scrutinize student achievement, conduct surveys of teacher and community attitudes toward district performance, carefully review how funds are spent, ask administrators to look closely at programs, and evaluate administrators and teachers regularly. (Author/JM)