Community Survey Process
Community surveys were distributed
over a 6 week period during March and April, 2000. The survey was directed at understanding what priorities the
neighborhoods had for the elementary education of our children. Respondents were asked to number the
statements with a 1 if the priority was the highest down to a 5 if the priority
was the least important. Also, aiming to increase community involvement, each
survey asked the
respondent to indicate the area in which they would be willing
to volunteer.
Surveys were distributed throughout Ormewood Park, Woodland
Hills, and Grant Park at SAND and
GPNA meetings, Anne E West and Slaton PTA meetings. In addition, each person on the Charter School mailing list
was sent a survey, those who
attended the Charter School Community meetings during these months were asked to distribute at least 5 among their
neighbors, and each Anne E West,
Slaton, and Guice teacher received a survey. Approximately 1,000 surveys were distributed and 128 were
returned. Respondents included 47
Ormewood residents, 20 Woodland Hills residents,
33 Grant Park residents, and 22 teachers. 32 people indicated a willingness to volunteer their talents.
Below are the survey results. The average number (1-5) endorsed for each statement is noted on the line to the
left of the statement. 1=
highest priority, 5= lowest
priority.
Survey of Community
Priorities for West Slaton
- 1 Balanced curriculum which includes
traditional Atlanta Public School
topics (language arts, math, science, social studies, arts &
music, physical education)
- 2 Conservation theme curriculum
in partnership with Zoo Atlanta
- 3 Classrooms that combine grade
levels, e.g. K & 1st, 2nd & 3rd
- 1 All children will be given
every opportunity & expectation that they will meet & exceed the state
grade level core curriculum requirements
- 2 Computer & other media
technology should be used as a tool in all subjects
- 2 Problem solving/conflict
resolution should be taught in all grades
- 1 Tolerance, mutual respect,
cultural awareness should be taught in all grades
- 2 Second language taught in all
grades with familiarity as goal
- 2 Second language taught in all
grades with a goal of full use of the
language
- 2 Traditional general music and
arts program with familiarity as the
goal
- 2 Innovative music & visual
arts program with skilled performance as the goal
- 2 Mentor program for students by
adult volunteers
- 2 Mentor program for younger
students by older students
- 3 Extended school day for all
students, e.g. 7:30-5 pm
- 2 After school program with extra
curricular activities that is not
mandatory
- 1 Low numbers of students in each
class, e.g. 15
- 1 Low number of staudents to each
teacher, e.g. 2 teachers to 30
students per class
- 1 Disruptive behavior addressed
with problem-solving approach
- 1 Safety & security
initiatives which are proactive
- 1 Principal & administration
who are open & welcoming of suggestion & input from teachers, parents,
community & students
- 1 Teachers present information to
engage students in active learning
process
- 1 Teachers teach how to learn
& encourage the love of learning
- 1 Teachers exhibit energetic,
enthusiastic, challenging teaching style
- 1 Teachers participate in
regularly scheduled professional development sessions & use their new skills in the classroom
- 2 Full-time staff consultant who
demonstrates innovative ways to
encourage students in the learning process
- 1 High level of parental
involvement in all levels of school life
- 1 Frequent parent-teacher
interaction/consultation
- 2 Parent Education Program to
teach parents how to help their child get
the most out of their education
- 2 Endowment fund for donations
& grant money to ensure the continuation of the innovative programs