George W. Hewlett High SchoolGraduate Survey

A Report to the Board of Education

Prepared By :

Dina Anzalone, Director of Curriculum and Assessment

Thomas Russo, Principal, GWHHS

Thomas Kenny, Chairperson, PPS

INTRODUCTION

Graduate survey created to track seniors’ perceptions of their experiences in HWPS.

Surveys administered to the graduating classes of 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Conducted a separate 18-month post-graduate follow-up survey - Class of 2009.

Purposes of the Study

To examine high school seniors’ perceptions of the effectiveness of selected resources and experiences at HWPS and GWHHS.

To supply district with data for further examination.

BackgroundThe survey instrument is a questionnaire Number of respondents:

Class of 2009: 261 responsesClass of 2010: 177 responsesClass of 2011: 244 responses

Surveys were administered to:Class of 2009 in June during Physical Education

ClassClass of 2010 in June during Physical Education

ClassClass of 2011 in April during English Class

RESULTS OVER THREE YEARS

Did you have a positive and meaningful learning experience at GWHHS?

2009 2010 2011

NoYes

Did HWPS prepare you to deal with advancing technology in the world beyond high school?

2009 2010 2011

NoYes

Observations: What changed from 2009-2011?

Tablet PC ProgramProfessional Development in Technology

IntegrationIncreased teacher usage of the tablets

and associated software Inquiry-based Interdisciplinary Research

PaperInteractive White Board Technology

Were school counselors helpful in selecting courses to meet your needs, interests and future goals?

2009 2010 2011

NoYes

Observations: What changed between 2009-2011?

Open enrollment replaced over-ride practice

Individualized student scheduling and planning

Course recommendation processIncreased collaboration between school

counselors and college admissions staff

Do you believe that Hewlett High School provides a safe and positive climate for learning?

2009 2010 2011

NoYes

Observations: What changed between 2009-2011?

Expansion of wellness programProactive disciplineAnti-Bullying programsIncreased safety measures

How would you rate staff members’ caring attitude and responsiveness to your learning needs?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

To what degree did Hewlett High School provide you with a strong foundation in conducting research and writing academic papers?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations: What happened? What is happening?

Past: ELA/Social Studies Inquiry-Based Research Project

Present: English 12R and Government and Economics 12 piloting hybrid course

Future: Exploring other opportunities in these areas including Senior Experience and Senior Project

How prepared do you feel for the transition to life after high school?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations:

How can we further increase “preparedness” for transition to life after high school?

How would you rate the value of your Senior Project/Senior Experience?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations: What is happening as a result?

GWHHS has developed an Educating the Future for the Future Committee to review options for Senior Experience and Senior Project.

Entrance criteria into Senior Experience has changed.

Expanded participation

To what degree did elective classes offered at Hewlett High School help you to explore different career opportunities?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovmentBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations:

Choice provides students with increased opportunities to explore areas of interest

Continue to evaluate and explore course offerings

How well did the Library/Media Center support you in your academic studies at Hewlett High School?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations: What is happening as a result?

The library is now open periods 1-11, including lunch periods

The addition of the Internet Café, which is adjacent to Library

How well did Hewlett High School prepare you in critical thinking skills, such as creativity, innovation, decision making, and problem solving?

2009 2010 2011

Needs ImprovementBelow AverageAverageExcellent/Good

Observations: What changed between 2009-2011?

Focus on Policy #0001: 4 A’s and 4 C’sYouth Leadership Forum’s focus on 21st

Century skillsWorld Cafés on 21st Century skills5th, 8th, and 11th Grade Inquiry-based

Interdisciplinary ResearchPerformance-based assessments

Our Longer-Term Survey

18-month post-graduate163 respondents

Overview of results:

Remained

Constant

• Technology Preparation

• Safe and Caring Environment

Positive Response Increase

• Senior Experience• Response to learning

needs• Life after HS• Research• Critical Thinking

What’s Next?Select areas

for further study

Gather addition

al informat

ion in targeted

areas

Use the data to inform

decision making

See if future

surveys reflect

improvement