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District to administer Pennsylvania Youth Survey to grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 in November; parents may preview and opt out
Summary
Dr. Oberman briefed the committee on the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS/PACE), which will be administered to grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 during a two-week window in November; parents can view questions in advance and opt their child out by writing to the principal.
The district plans to administer the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), a statewide instrument sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 during a two-week window in November. The survey assesses risk and protective factors associated with behaviors such as substance use and suicidal ideation and is used by administrators and community partners to target prevention and intervention resources.
Dr. Overman said the survey takes one class period and that parents can request the full list of items in advance and opt their child out by notifying the principal in writing. The district intends to wait on the new PAYS Junior for fourth graders because it is in its inaugural year.
Administrators said results will be available in the spring and that a district committee will review findings and use them to inform curriculum and programming (for example, health lessons or assemblies). During committee discussion staff noted trends: vaping rates have declined in district data, while gambling-related behaviors (broadly defined to include fantasy sports) rose in the past administration's results and have prompted curriculum responses.
