Student survey shows declines in engagement, academic challenge

Students at Bel Aire Elementary and Del Mar Middle schools largely feel their campuses foster a culture of respect and that they have positive relationships with their classmates, according to results of a survey administered earlier this year. However, some marginalized students reported feeling less connected to their school communities than their peers, and students at both schools reported significantly lower levels of classroom engagement and academic challenge than in years past.

Those are some of the early takeaways from the YouthTruth Survey, which is given annually to Reed Union School District students in grades 3-8, as well as to staff and parents districtwide. The survey, which is administered in schools in some 39 states, aims to solicit feedback in several key areas, including engagement, culture, relationships and topics around diversity and inclusion. The student surveys also cover topics like academic challenge and belonging; the parent surveys seek additional feedback on school safety and communication; and the staff surveys ask additional questions about professional development and support.

In the Reed district, the survey results are an important data point used to help track student progress, said district Director of Student Services Brian Lynch, who briefed the district board on the results at its March 10 meeting.

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