WCASD Gets Back Parent Surveys

The following is a press release from West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon.

Thank you to the parents who completed our satisfaction survey at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year. The survey included 30 general questions and was completed by 1,590 respondents, or 23% of our families. Survey results as well as a comparison of results since 2010 can be found through the links posted at the bottom of this page.  In summary:

• Generally parents are very happy with the service provided to their children.
• Parents believe that teachers are keeping parents well informed about academic progress.
• Parents believe the schools are a safe place.
• The school and the district communicate regularly with parents.
• Parents believe that generally, school communications are frequent and beneficial.
• Some parents believe rules are not always consistently followed for students who misbehave.
• The district on-line community bulletin board has been useful to less than half the respondents.

Below is a summary of reoccurring comments made by parents regarding our strengths as well as areas in need of improvement.  The number associated with the comment represents the number of people who made the comment on the survey-

WCASD Strengths:

• Teachers/staff/administration are very supportive and caring (385)
• There is a sense of community and a  warm and friendly atmosphere in our schools (134)
• Communications about the schools and district is strong (133)
• PTO and parent involvement is very strong (113)
• Extracurricular sports and clubs are available for children (68)
• The facilities are safe and clean (45)
• There is a challenging curriculum (35)

WCASD – How can we improve?

•  Address discipline in a more consistent manner( 47)
• Ensure smaller class sizes (43)
• There should be more communication (30)
• Some schools need air conditioning (30)

This feedback is being used to establish communication goals for each of our schools and for the school district for 2012-13. We will be working to provide information to parents about our schools and what is taking place in the classroom.  Individual requests in the comment section of the survey were not posted because they contained personal information and we wanted to maintain survey confidentiality.  In addition, many parents made  comments that could not be categorized.  If you have a specific concern that needs to be addressed, please contact your building principal or my office (484.266.1018).  Our goal is to provide the highest level of service to our students and parents.

Thanks again to all of our parents who completed the survey and thank you for supporting our schools!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Scanlon
Superintendent