More than 50 percent of APS staff members responded to the online survey during the month of September. The data will be used to help shape VISTA 2010, the APS strategic plan, as well as ongoing APS practices. |
| There was quite a range of responses. In some areas, staff members shared favorable perspectives, while other areas clearly require additional attention. Below is a summary of how teachers, classified staff members, professional/technical staff members and administrators responded to the survey. |
- Overall survey respondents believe that APS is moving in the right direction for improving student achievement. On average, 80 percent believe that APS has a “somewhat clear to highly clear” direction for improving student achievement.
- The jury is mixed regarding education improvements currently underway in APS. Only 50 percent of respondents agreed that we’re on the right track. There was at least a 5 percent difference between the views of administrators and teachers.
- Staff members also have mixed views about the quality of current instructional materials available in APS. Less than 10 percent of administrators or teachers rate the quality as excellent. Teachers gave lower ratings than administrators with about 40 percent overall indicating that the quality is poor to fair.
- APS may need to look at how it sets expectations for students. Only 49-61 percent of respondents agreed that APS sets high and realistic expectations for students.
- There was quite a variance between respondents who believe that APS bases its decisions on adequate data and information. Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that APS only does this to “some extent.”
- Despite the earlier scores, more than 80 percent stated that—“to some extent or more”—APS is able to achieve assigned tasks and responsibilities.
- APS staff members vary greatly on their beliefs about how APS treats them as a person whose ideas and suggestions are respected. More than half “agree or strongly agree” that APS does value them and respect their ideas; however, almost 40 percent “disagree or strongly disagree” with this.
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- A majority of staff members, about 60 percent, “agree or strongly agree” that APS cultivates a professional atmosphere for staff members.
- The mixed views continued. Less than half of APS staff members feel “somewhat comfortable to comfortable” about expressing their opinions about programs and/or issues facing APS whereas more than 50 percent do not feel comfortable sharing their opinions.
- About three out of four staff members stated that they are “somewhat satisfied to satisfied” about their jobs.
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| The survey results provide APS baseline data to compare with future results. Staff surveys will continue annually. |
| Top Comments |
| In addition to the items above, staff members answered several open-ended questions. The top responses included: |
| Top Five Frequently Mentioned Strengths of APS |
- The dedication, professionalism, and competency of the overall staff employed in APS.
- The committed and outstanding teachers employed in APS.
- New leadership with a focused vision of making APS a premier school district.
- The opportunities for quality professional development.
- The focus on increasing student achievement.
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| Top Five Frequently Mentioned Areas That Need to Be Addressed |
- The availability of curriculum and interventions, particularly in Literacy
- Setting and meeting higher standards for all students, staff and parents
- Professionalism and respect at all levels of the organization
- Relevance and quality of professional development along with additional need for some areas
- Service delivery and division structural issues in the area of Special Education
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| Find Out More |
View a complete summary of results from the staff survey.  |
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Staff
Picking up the PACE!