AGC Family Survey Results Show Confidence, Some Confusion

Prior to spring break, the Academic Giving Campaign committee surveyed NBE families on the importance of AGC programs and benefit to their children of Saxon Math, Art, Music, Tutoring and Journalism. We received 87 responses. This 34% return rate is a large enough sample to be representative of the 254 families in our community.

Principal Bowers engages this information and teacher feedback to set priorities and to improve or modify programming. We expect all the programs to continue and be strengthened through the 2008-2009 year!

The results show strong community consensus on the importance of the Saxon, Music and Art programs (92%, 94%, 93% "strongly agree"
respectively). 94% of respondents "strongly agree" that their child benefits from Saxon. While families feel less strongly, they "agree,"
that their child benefits from Music and Art.

However, the survey also helped bring to light that families are a bit confused about Journalism and Tutoring. NBE families need help understanding how all children benefit from the tutoring program – even those who do not receive tutoring, but benefit from smaller class size. Families also need help recognizing how journalism is integrated into the larger learning objectives or reinforces other parts of the curriculum. Over half the families "agree" that Journalism and Tutoring (63% and 66% respectively) are important, but they are "not sure" or only "agree"(43% and 35% respectively) that their child benefits.The AGC committee has asked teachers and Ms. Bowers to dedicate a few lines in a weekly class newsletter or the Beachcomber to illuminate these issues.

Thanks to those who participated! Please contact Robin Craggs (Owen and Anders Keith's mom) robin.craggs@gmail.com with questions or concerns about the survey or any AGC member to discuss the AGC program.

Thank you.

Survey Results (PDF file)
 

Our annual Academic Giving Campaign has funded Resident Specialists for North Beach Elementary since its implementation during the 2002/2003 school year.  Because of the generosity of North Beach families we are able to provide our children with instruction in Saxon Math, art, music, journalism, environmental education, tutoring and academic upgrades.

Musician -in-Residence: Our musician-in-residence brings music to the students of North Beach.  He works with all the students to put on four music concerts a year.

Artist-in-Residence: Our artist works with all grades in exposing them to various mediums for artistic expression and enhanced learning.

Journalist-in-Residence: Focused on the third, fourth and fifth grades the journalism program increases students writing skills by providing an exciting writing outlet.  The journalist helps prepare the student published NORTH BEACH CHRONICLE.

Tutoring: The tutoring program provides one-on-one academic coaching to help all our students get the most out of their North Beach academic experience. 

Saxon Math: The Saxon Math curriculum teaches math mastering through the incremental build-up of concepts and continual reinforcement of previously taught lessons.