What Do RUSD Middle School Parents and Teachers Want Most?

RACINE COUNTY -- Being notified immediately in the event their son or daughter is not following school rules was the number one discipline concern for Racine Unified School District parents of middle school children, according to the results of a survey conducted by the district.

Among teachers and staff, finding an alternative setting where troubled students can get extra help was their top concern in the same category.

District and Community-wide Survey

Over the month of September, the district surveyed parents of middle school students as well as staff and community members on a variety of topics important to their educational experience.

In total, 1,472 people responded to the survey, including 864 parents, 474 staff members, 96 community members and 14 students.

In total, 3,743 insights were recorded. Participants in the survey were able to rank each of these insights based on importance, resulting in 148,976 specific rankings.

Desired Characteristics

Based on the survey, the most important characteristics sought by survey participants pertained to student behavior and discipline, creating a safe learning environment, effective classroom management, student emotional and mental health support, and better facilities.

When it came to student behavior and discipline, the survey stated that "Many urban schools are at a loss of how to change negative behaviors. Consequences are not working to change the behavior of those students who are repeat offenders. More options need to be available for these students other than a suspension or conference with a principal."

And when it came to emotional and mental health support, the survey indicated, "Mental health is just as important as physical health. Maybe there could be lessons on ways to deal with anxiety? Perhaps lessons on coping with sadness and anger?"

The Racine Unified School District compiled all results from its survey into an online report, which is viewable here. You can see each of the categories, and which topics/insights were most important to the survey participants.

Here are the individual categories:

• Safe Environment
• Student Behavior and Discipline
• Character Development
• Class Size
• Student Accountability
• Classroom Management
• Teachers and Staff
• Student Engagement
• Academics and Curriculum
• Fine Arts, Music and Sports
• High School and Career Prep
• Technology and Resources
• Leadership
• Parent Involvement
• Hands-on and Life Skills
• Accelerated/Advanced Programs
• Diversity and Inclusive Environment
• Enrichment Programs
• Academic Support and Mentoring
• Facilities

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