District survey finds stronger family-school connections; response rate near 47 percent

Lawrence Public Schools officials presented results from the annual Family Experience Questionnaire and said responses show modest improvements in families’ experience of schools.

The district reported 6,513 completed questionnaires, roughly 47 percent of the district population. The presentation said research considers 30 percent a minimum threshold for a valid survey, and the district exceeded that standard.

Selected item-level changes shared with the board included a rise from 92 percent to 93 percent for the statement "I believe that my child likes to participate in school;" the share of families reporting at least one trusted adult in school rose from about 80 percent to 83 percent; parents rating school communication rose to about 90 percent from the prior year; and agreement that the school provides training to families rose to roughly 81 percent from about 74 percent previously.

District staff said they provide each school its own disaggregated results and expect principals to develop action plans based on strengths and challenges. Staff described family-engagement staff and school-based specialists who support newcomers and families experiencing homelessness and noted programming such as parent university, ESL classes for families and virtual coffee hours to increase participation.

The administration said it plans to streamline the questionnaire going forward — citing survey length and respondent burden — and to continue using the data for school-level planning and family engagement strategies.