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APS calls for more parents, community members to complete online demographic survey

talkupaps3569 views

 

 

In 2010, an APS-commissioned demographic study was completed, showing strikingly varied results in student enrollment trends across the school system.

 

While some schools have low enrollment, others are or will be overcrowded – especially in north Atlanta and some areas of central Atlanta.

 

To help determine whether schools need to be rezoned, consolidated or closed for 2012-13, APS commissioned a deeper analysis – called a capacity study – that is currently under way. The district places a high priority on using community feedback to help shape recommendations that will be presented to the board.

 

Although an online public opinion survey has generated approximately 2,000 respondents, this number is not representative of APS stakeholders. Efforts are in progress to solicit more responses, including those from city of Atlanta residents who do not have Internet access.

 

For example, parents may complete the demographic survey using the district’s computers – those at the Parents As Partners Academic Center or those at the parent centers located in most APS schools.

 

All community members, with or without students in the district, should take a moment to complete the survey. The information gained will be crucial as we move forward for the 2012-2013 school year.


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3 comments

talkupaps 21 Sep 2011 - 6:13 pm
Great information and it was just shared with our demographic study team which includes the independent demographers who are conducting the study. Thanks again and we look forward to you attending one of the community meetings on this issue.
jz 15 Sep 2011 - 4:08 pm
Dear APS, I think this survey is too broad in attempting to address the whole district at once given the strikingly varied attendance trends. More focused surveys relating to specific SRTs or even to specific schools would probably be more helpful to the Administration and the Board. Issues differ so greatly location to location. The issues aren't only about maintaining neighborhood schools, avoiding change or disruption or about money. What about providing a quality educational experiences for the whole child? What about making sure the facilities are safe and healthy? What about making sure there is adequate play space? Adequate electrical/cooling/heating/technology/physical education/media center/cafeteria infrastructure for a 21st century school? What about maintaining reasonable student:teacher ratios? What about not having so many students in one place that people are eating lunch at 10am or 1:30pm? Questions 11 and 12 are flawed in that they are too general. There are more issues to consider than the wording of the options allows. I would answer both these questions differently if I were thinking about how best to deal with overcrowded schools vs. under-capacity facilities, and my answers may differ even more if I am considering a "hypothetical" school vs. "my" school. Also, re the "neighborhood school" issue, it might be useful for APS to ask more questions re comfort with various travel distances.
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