District report highlights student-teacher perception gaps in new Panorama survey insights

The Batavia Public School District 101 Board of Education held a special meeting on June 25, 2025, to discuss various aspects of student well-being and the implementation of the Panorama survey tool. The meeting focused on the importance of supportive relationships among students, teachers, and the community, as well as the initial findings from the survey data.

The meeting began with a review of the Panorama survey results, which indicated that a significant majority of students reported feeling supported by their teachers and families. Specifically, 70% of students expressed a positive sense of belonging, placing the district in the 90th percentile nationally. However, the data also revealed a notable gap in peer-to-peer relationships, which was identified as an area needing improvement.

Board members engaged in a discussion about the differences in perceptions between students and teachers regarding self-management and perseverance. It was noted that while students often rated themselves highly, teachers tended to have a more critical view. This discrepancy prompted further investigation into the reasons behind these differing perspectives.

The board acknowledged that this was the first year of using the Panorama tool, and staff members reported that it had been embraced positively. Teachers engaged in robust discussions about the data, leading to focus groups with students to gain deeper insights into their experiences. This proactive approach was seen as a significant step toward addressing any disconnect between student and teacher perceptions.

Additionally, the board discussed plans to expand the use of the Panorama tool to include surveys for families and staff, aiming to triangulate data and enhance understanding of student belonging and skills. The board emphasized the importance of creating an environment where all students feel they belong, while also considering other data that could provide further context to the survey results.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to fostering supportive relationships and addressing areas for improvement based on student feedback. The board plans to continue exploring ways to enhance communication and understanding among students, teachers, and families as they move forward with the implementation of the Panorama survey tool.