STABLE LEADERSHIP IS KEY, ACCORDING TO SLPS SURVEY
More than 2,700 respond to online survey of owners

St. Louis – Owners of the St. Louis Public School District - including teachers, students, parents, and community members - believe overwhelmingly that stable leadership is the key to making the district more effective. That is just one of several findings revealed recently in an online survey developed by the district. Owners also cite a safe and orderly environment and emphasis on basic skills for students as important.

District employees were asked what strategies would be most helpful in providing support to teachers and principals. The responses show that alternative education for disruptive students would be most helpful for teachers, a response that significantly beat out other factors, including smaller class sizes.

The survey also asked staff to identify effective methods for supporting principals. The top response: Principals need additional flexibility when it comes to spending available resources. Second and third choices by staff members again call for alternative education for disruptive students.

Students, parents, and community members cite the need for better quality teaching and learning. According to external stakeholders, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning would make the St. Louis Public Schools the “best choice in urban education.” Similarly, respondents indicate the quality of teaching and learning is the primary factor in improving academic achievement for all students.

“We are grateful to everyone who participated in this survey,” said Superintendent Diana Bourisaw. “These results will be very important as the district moves forward with developing its goals for the 2007-2008 school year.”

Responses to the survey question came from a variety of owners, including 1,608 SLPS employees, 491 students, 324 parents, and others.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: ATTACHED ARE THE SURVEY RESULTS