School Administrator's Clip File • September 2, 2020
Increase feedback with effective parent surveys
As schools implement new policies and procedures related to COVID-19 and student learning, it’s important to find out what parents are thinking. Surveys can help you do just that—but they don’t work if parents don’t answer them. To create effective surveys, follow these guidelines:
- Have a specific goal and keep the survey short.
- Translate the questions into the languages parents speak.
- Keep the language simple and avoid jargon.
- Minimize the number of open-ended questions.
- Make it clear that surveys can be anonymous.
- Share the results of the survey with parents.
Teachers can help mediate students’ stress
Teachers can play a powerful role in reducing student stress. Whether classes are in-person or online, encourage teachers to:
- Make it easy for students to understand what is expected of them. Establish clear rules and procedures—and be consistent in enforcing/following them.
- Avoid unrealistic deadlines. Think carefully about the amount of time most students will really need to finish an assignment.
- Support positive peer relationships by encouraging teamwork. Many online platforms have capabilities to place students in small groups during class.
- Make students laugh. Just because the subject is important doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.
Did you know?
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The emotional and psychological impacts of COVID-19 can lead to feelings of hopelessness and thoughts about suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a collection of tips and resources to address emotional wellbeing during the pandemic. Check it out at niswc.com/SACF_suicide.
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School Administrator's Clip File • November 18, 2020
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School Administrator's Clip File • November 11, 2020
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School Administrator's Clip File • November 4, 2020
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