I think the points that Chrystal brought up are good. Definitely don't collect more info than you need. And I'd consider doing a separate survey for teachers, not using the same instrument. As far as length, it's not just how many questions, but what type. Ten Yes/No or rating questions are one thing. Ten open-ended essay questions another. Also, are you expecting a large number of responses? If so keeping the answers quantitative will be easier to track. (But comments are always valuable.) People tend to prefer checklists rather than blank space, where appropriate. Those are the ones where you ask a question and then give them a list of choices they can check with "Other" and a blank at the end in case they have something not on your list.
Some format stuff I've stated elsewhere in a message:
...If you really want people to submit feedback, the best way is to offer an incentive - like a drawing from the evals turned in or a treat for the class with the most returned.
Note, you'll get better data if you allow the evaluation to be anonymous (i.e., including one's name being optional). If you want to do something like a drawing, that means you have to have them turn in a second item with their contact info and the evaluation itself - which are then separated. It's not that hard, you could let the child fill out an entry card when they give the eval to the teacher, or something like that.
Other tips: if you use a rating scale for any questions, I suggest you use 10 points, not 5 - it gives the evaluator more room to "grade" the subject. To me, 5 points leaves too much ambiguity.
Good luck!
[This message has been edited by JHB (edited 12-07-2000).]
We have done both parent and teacher surveys in the past. With the teacher surveys we asked if there were any items that they would like the pto to purchase for the school. Also if there were any suggestions that they had about what types of things they expect from the PTO. With teachers your best bet is to keep surveys short because of the massive amounts of paperwork that they have...and make sure to let them know you appreciate their time. With the parent surveys we asked the basic questions...how many fundraisers should we have...is there a specific item that you would like to see fundraiser money go toward...Is there anything that the PTO could do to make coming to the meetings easier for members. It is a good idea to make sure everyone knows that they can contact you with concerns or questions and that you value their opinions:) The big question would definetly be ...What do they expect of the PTO as a whole??
NEED HELP WITH PARENT SURVEY: OUR PTO DECIDED TO DO TEACHERS & PARENT SURVEY'S. THIS IS A NEWPTO - CAN YOU GIVE US SOME EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS TO INCLUDE ON A SURVEY. HOW MANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ON THE SURVEY (5 OR 10) OR MORE? WE WANT TO KNOW HOW PARENTS FEEL ABOUT THE PTO PAST/PRESENT. AND TO SEE IF THEY KNOW WHAT A PTO IS FOR.
NEED HELP? IDEAS?
