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May 31, 2002--About one-third of Delaware citizens do not believe they have enough information to give the state’s public schools a grade, according to the annual Statewide Poll on the Condition of Education in Delaware, conducted by University of Delaware researchers. Those who thought they did have enough information gave public schools in Delaware a “B” or “C” and were more likely to give a higher grade to elementary schools.
According to the survey, about three fourths of Delaware citizens get most of their information about the public schools from the newspaper or word of mouth. Only 13 percent get most of their information directly from the school or district and most say they agree with statements written in local newspapers about public schools. More than half, for example, said they agreed with the newspaper quote that read, “School reform here in Delaware is more lip service than significant results.” Only about 30 percent of Delawareans said they saw school ratings published last November.
Parents, however, find it easy to be involved in their children’s schools. Eighty-three percent stated that schools make it easy to be involved. In addition, nearly all parents said they believed their child’s teachers are usually available and willing to talk with them about how their child is doing in school.
About two-thirds of the parents said their child’s school does an excellent or good job of alerting them to problems such as tardiness, absences, academic or behavioral problems. Two-thirds also said they believe their child’s school does an excellent or good job of providing them information about how to help their children with their homework.
The majority of parents also said they believe the responsibility for helping their children learn to read, write and do math should be shared equally between parents and schools.
Other topics covered in the poll include quality of education, accountability, early care and education, parent involvement, neighborhood and charter schools and informed citizens.
The telephone poll, conducted from Jan. 31 through April 11, surveyed 1,152 citizens throughout the state. For complete results of the poll visit www.rdc.udel.edu.
Article by Beth Thomas
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