The Alexandria City School Board has begun the process of drafting a new five-year Strategic Plan that will set goals for the community s K-12 public schools for the period 2015-2020. In preparation for setting goals, the Board is asking ACPS stakeholders community residents, teachers and administrators, and students to take a brief survey. Results reflecting your views will help guide the strategic planning process by focusing on issues that are of greatest concern to the citizens of Alexandria. Your participation in the survey is encouraged, and will remain anonymous; additional input from individuals and groups is also welcome. Thank you for taking part in planning the future for Alexandria s public schools, our students, and our community. For questions 1-4, 12 choices are listed randomly; please indicate your top four priorities by using 1 for first, 2 for second, 3 for third, 4 for fourth. * Required Information
page 1 * 1. What are the biggest challenges the most important issues ACPS will have to address in the years ahead? Please rank your top four choices. [ Please rank exactly 4 option(s). ] Maintaining and improving school facilities to meet expanding enrollment Meeting the educational needs of English language-learners Meeting and exceeding Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and other standardized test requirements Improving programs and facilities for students with special needs Preparing high school graduates for entry into the job market Preparing students for college Narrowing the achievement gap between white and non-white students Developing cultural competence among staff members and students to meet the needs and learning styles of students from diverse backgrounds Working with NOVA to support adult education for ACPS families where needed Strengthening counseling to reach all students in need of help Raising standards for hiring, training, and retaining teachers and staff members Expanding and improving the uses of appropriate technology in classroom curricula Other: (list) 1 P a g e
page 2 * 2. What are the most important skills and abilities that students will need in order to be prepared for a successful future? [ Please rank exactly 4 option(s). ] Consumer and financial skills Mastery of social sciences Mastery of scientific principles Ability to organize, prioritize, set goals, manage time Ability to analyze and discuss subject matter through critical thinking Mastery of reading Conflict resolution Ability to use and understand information technology Mastery of math Mastery of communication skills speaking, writing, visual presentation Good citizenship habits, respect for others, service project development, volunteerism Balancing self-confidence and tolerance in a widely diverse population Other (Please List): 2 P a g e
page 3 * 3. What evidence should ACPS use to evaluate the quality of education in Alexandria s public schools? [ Please rank exactly 4 option(s). ] Status of Capital Improvement Plan on infrastructure, building maintenance, facilities growth Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and other test results compared with national and state scores Student participation in after-school programs, sports, clubs Investment in special education, English learning Student involvement in community service, charities, business internships Level of physical fitness, teenage pregnancies, and tobacco, alcohol, and drug use Awards and publicity for ACPS programs, teacher performance, student success Level of tardiness, excused and unexcused absences, student suspensions Integration of appropriate technology in curricula, classes, and homework Hiring, training, and retention of teachers, administrators, and professional staff Counseling, monitoring individual students throughout the K-12 curriculum Graduation rate compared with past years, neighboring school districts Other (Please List): 3 P a g e
page 4 * 4. What should be the City of Alexandria s financial priorities for its public schools? [ Please rank exactly 4 option(s). ] Class size at optimum level for teaching/learning Competitive salary scale geared toward a high-quality teaching staff Up-to-date technology in classrooms, school administration Secure, clean, modern facilities and buildings A balanced budget Tutoring and mentoring support for sciences, social studies, reading, and math Funding for music, fine arts, sports Libraries and media centers with desk-top computers for supervised Internet access Training and retention bonuses to ensure high-quality teachers, professional staff Capital development to accommodate population growth, new demand for classrooms Reporting to ensure City Council collaboration, accountability to taxpayers Maximize external funding opportunities for specialized programs Other (Please List): 4 P a g e
page 5 5. What do you believe ACPS could do that would delight public school parents, students, and the community? * 6. Please check your status as a respondent (do not put your name on the questionnaire): Parent, family member of ACPS student Non-parent community resident Staff of ACPS Middle School student High School student Recent alumnus/alumna 5 P a g e