Each year, we conducted surveys to better understand the climate and culture in our schools. In the fall, students in grades 3-12 are surveyed, and in the spring, students are surveyed again along with school staff and families from grades 3-12. To facilitate this survey, we partner with Panorama, a survey platform that connects student, staff, teacher, and family experiences to identify areas of district strength and growth.

The data collected in these surveys is being used to inform the progress of our strategic plan and all of our schools’ annual improvement plans. 

Student survey

77% of students in grades 3-12 completed the survey during school in the spring of 2024, up from 54.8% in the spring of 2023. The following high-level themes emerged after a district-wide review of the student data:

• The vast majority of our students (over 85%) continue to report that they have supportive relationships with adults and peers both inside and outside of school.
   
• Student respect among peers and sense of belonging numbers have improved. At the elementary level, 67% of students reported feeling a sense of belonging, up from 65% in spring 2023. In middle and high school, 42% reported feeling a sense of belonging, an increase from 36% in spring 2023.
   
• Middle and high school students continue to report a low sense of self-efficacy—their belief in their ability to succeed academically—with only 43% responding favorably, consistent with spring 2023 levels. Among elementary students, 60% responded favorably, an increase from 57% in spring 2023.

District-wide student growth goals

Last year, along with setting goals to improve English Language Arts (ELA) and math standardized test scores and increase student attendance (progress on these goals will be announced soon), we set goals related to students’ sense of belonging at school, as measured by the Panorama survey.

Sense of belonging is “the extent to which students feel that they are valued members of their school’s community.” Belonging includes feelings related to acceptance, respect, value, and connectedness, which we know impacts engagement, behavior, and academic performance. 

• 2023-24 Goal: 40% of students in grades 6-12 will report a positive sense of belonging by the end of the 2023-24 school year.
  Spring 2023 Result: 36%
  Fall 2023 Result: 44%
  Spring 2024 Result: 42%
  2024-25 Goal: 45%
   
• 2023-24 Goal: 68% of students in grades 3-5 will report a positive sense of belonging by the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Spring 2023 Result: 65%
Fall 2023 Result: 69%
Spring 2024 Result: 67%
2024-25 Goal: 70%

The fall Panorama survey window is right around the corner for students and will be open from November 4 to 27. During this period, students in grades 3–12 will participate, with each school selecting specific dates for their students to complete the survey. A list of survey questions can be found here:

• Students in grades 3-5
• Students in grades 6-12

Families can opt their student out of this survey by emailing DeAnn Hermes, Director of Digital Learning & Program Development, at hermesd@monroe.wednet.edu. Students may also let their teacher know if they do not wish to participate. Those who choose not to take the survey will have an alternative activity, such as reading or working in the library.

Staff, families, and students will have the opportunity to complete the survey again in the spring of 2025. 

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together toward achieving our district goals!