KEAC Education-to-Careers Needs Assessment Survey

Looking At the Results 

By MaryAnne Long

In the spring of 2000, the Ko`olauloa Educational Alliance Corporation (KEAC) surveyed Kahuku School Complex teachers and other personnel, parents, students, and the business community regarding their perspectives on how well the schools are doing in preparing students to eventually enter the work world. The survey information is being analyzed to help KEAC develop a strategic plan.

Statistical results give a measure of how our schools are doing. There was no overwhelming agreement that Kahuku Complex schools are doing a better than average job of preparing our students for either immediate careers or further education.

But, the anecdotal comments made by teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents help to pinpoint where the strengths and weaknesses are. Respondents made these comments regarding the most important thing a school does:

• Expose students to wide variety of experiences, cultures, ideas to create a well-rounded individual.
• Encourage students to solve problems, think critically, analyze. Learn how to learn.
• Help students master basic skills.
• Help students grow as social beings and make them aware of their responsibilities to society.
• Provide a safe, nurturing leaning environment.

In response to a question regarding their one wish for schools, these central themes emerged in the replies:

• Smaller class sizes.
• More resources.
• Better facilities.
• Upgraded technology.
• More parental and community involvement.
• Need for cooperative spirit among school personnel.
• Relevant learning.
• More stress on vocational education.
• That everyone value education.

From the information gathered from this survey, KEAC will begin to develop programs to address the concerns expressed. KEAC plans to work more closely with businesses to create experiences for students that will help them better understand what is expected of them in the work world.

Click here to take the survey.