2. Executive Summary
Survey Response
• 1,496 starts, 1,237 completed surveys
• Focus of the survey was on the satisfaction of programs in 2011-12 and
program priorities in 2012-13.
• 22% Decrease in response vs 2011 attributed to:
• District announced no pink slips or staff cuts for 2012-13
• May also be due to new Advocacy survey Jan 2012
• Representative sample by school and by grade.
• Non-donors again under-represented.
3. Executive Summary
Donation Attitudes
• Respondents expect all families to donate what they can afford, with
broad understanding that not all families are able to donate equally, or
even at the “ask”.
• Year 2 of LAEF’s $1,000 per student suggested donation amount.
• “District Counts on Me” remains the predominant sentiment for why
donors give
• Among respondents, 96% report they donate annually
4. Executive Summary
Program Satisfaction
• Overall satisfaction high across all grades & most programs
• Increased communication to improve parent understanding of program
curriculum needed for most programs
• Strong concern over class size in K-3 reflected in comments but satisfaction
levels indicate parents agree with LAEF’s funding for class size reduction
• Junior high overall satisfaction high across all LAEF-funded programs
5. Executive Summary
Pressure Points
• Class size increases in K-3 can cause smaller class sizes in 4-6 as cohorts
advance.
• This is a benefit to upper grade classes, but some K-3 parents feel they
are not benefiting as much as upper grade classes.
• Strong support for elementary Library, but dissatisfaction in comments
regarding lack of class time, libraries not open at recess and lunch.
• PE is missed by students, parents & teachers in grades 1-3.
6. Executive Summary
Board & Grant-Making
• Parents give LAEF Board good marks for communicating about funding
and reasons to give.
• Majority of parents believe LAEF grant is distributed equally between
schools and grade levels.
• Parents often unclear about how LAEF works with District to develop
LAEF grant & how funds are allocated.
7. Executive Summary
Funding & Fundraising
• Most parents remain committed to supporting high-quality, well-
rounded education (smaller class sizes, enrichment programs) with
private donations.
• While committed to high quality public education, parents recognize
changes need to be made to public education funding
• Ex: cost of health care, property tax inequities
• Parents expect fiscal responsibility, accounting for funds.
8. Executive Summary
Action Items
Communication:
• LAEF Board needs to remain visible on campus, improve outreach to
school communities.
• Increase communications about LAEF programs.
• Regular program updates from LAEF-funded staff would be greatly
appreciated by parents.
Investigate Program changes w/ District:
• Generally: Increase and be more innovative with Science & Technology
curriculum.
• Grades 1-3: improve delivery of PE and access to library.
• Grades 7-8: reevaluate elective choices, especially possibly more
sections of Spanish.
14. Which statement best represents your attitude
about donating to LAEF?
60%
45%
30%
15%
0%
Non Donor Tax Deduction Not High Priority Try Every Year Count on Me Every Family
2010 2011 2012 Advocacy 2012 Program
“Counts on Me” response captures strongest sense of community “greater good”
While respondent pool changes over time, attitudes are highly consistent
n = 1,443
15. Which statement best represents your attitude
about donating to LAEF?
Top Themes Comments Share
Everyone should give what they can 17 20%
Every family should give something 13 15%
Big supporter/You could go bigger 11 13%
Other Themes Comments Share
Structural issues with education funding 9 10%
Can’t afford it this year 7 8%
Concerns about how money is spent 6 7%
Want to donate to my campus/PTA 5 6%
n = 87
16. Which statement best represents your attitude
about donating to LAEF?
Everyone Should Give What They Can
I realize $1000 per student may be significant for some families, but we’re able to do it and sometimes a bit more because I know
that some families can’t.
Every family has its own financial priorities, I hope most families donate according to their means.
That any amount is appreciated needs to be messaged continually. I appreciate some families are not able to donate the suggested
amount.
Every Family Should Give Something
Many feel if they can't donate full $1000 than they don't donate at all.
Some families who could afford to donate a lot don’t give anything, but they still expect all the things LAEF supports.
Knowing that some families don’t donate anything is very discouraging. We’re all in this together.
Participation from everyone, even a small donation, will motivate those who can afford to contribute more.
I’m a Big Supporter/You Could Go Bigger
We consider donations to LAEF critical for our high quality schools.
We usually donate more than asked for, and I think you should consider asking for more per student.
At first, I thought it was exorbitant but now that I know the benefits, I find it one of the better causes I support.
I fully support LAEF, I encourage other parents to donate.
18. Rate LAEF Board Members
The LAEF Board of Directors strives to create a balanced grant. Please
read the following statements and provide a rating that reflects your
thoughts/feelings about the LAEF grant.
n = 1,342
19. Rate LAEF Board Members
The LAEF Board of Directors strives to create a balanced grant. Please read
the following statements and provide a rating that reflects your thoughts/
feelings about the LAEF grant.
n = 1,342
21. Kindergarten Program Satisfaction
Below is the list of LAEF funded programs provided to your child in
Kindergarten. The total cost to deliver each program this year in
Kindergarten at all 7 elementary schools is indicated in parentheses.
How satisfied are you with these programs?
n = 1,342
22. Kindergarten Satisfaction Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
Class Size Reduction- classes are still too large 26 43%
Library 17 28%
Living Classroom 16 26%
Art Docents 13 21%
Other Themes Comments Share
I don’t know 8 13%
Want additional programs 6 7%
n = 61
23. Kindergarten Satisfaction Comments
Class Size Reduction
Would be willing to spend more to get class sizes smaller, 25 kindergartners in one class for one teacher and one teacher
helper is not enough, even with parents help.
Teacher hardly has anytime to assist student who needs extra help.
I believe that science was taken out this year... I would have preferred a larger class size and adding a helper rather than
adding an entire class.
Library
Libraries should be open everyday for the children. For some children this is the only place they feel comfortable as they are
not athletic or social.
Our library and librarian at Loyola is AMAZING and could teach the kids so much more if we had it each week instead of
Mondays and Fridays. It is NOT just checking out books. She teaches them to evaluate materials and how to "learn" in
different ways.
Living Classroom
Living Classroom is good, but it takes a lot of parent involvement.
The lessons from the living classroom program have resonated with my child.
Art Docents
I do not know if my child's class has had art docent or living classroom lessons. The teacher has not communicated that to
parents. If they have, it would be very helpful to know from a standpoint of knowing your LAEF dollars are at work.
I like the idea of the art docents, but quite honestly I don't see artwork coming home.
I don’t know
I didn't say "very satisfied" yet because I am still trying to see the results of these programs. I'd like a better understanding of
how that money is being spent.
24. Kindergarten Program
How is it going?
Last year the overwhelming response from Kindergarten parents was to
keep class sizes small. LAEF spent $900,000 (or 38% of its grant) on class
size reduction in grades K-3. How is it going?
n = 231
26. Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction
Below is the list of LAEF funded programs provided to your children in
Grades 1-3. The total cost to deliver each program this year to grades
1-3 at all 7 elementary schools is indicated in parentheses. How satisfied
are you with these programs?
n = 675
27. Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction
Comment Summary
Top Themes Comments Share
Library 46 37%
Class Size Reduction 44 35%
Art Docents 20 16%
Living Classroom 14 11%
Other Themes Comments Share
Science 6 5%
Tech/Computers 6 5%
Other 6 5%
n = 124
28. Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction
Comments
Library
Would like the library to be open at lunch every day. I feel this option is needed to reduce playground issues.
Would love to have the library more accessible to the kids -- any dissatisfaction is based on the limited hours, not the quality.
We have a great public library in Los Altos. I'd rather want to see the money spent on the reduction of class size.
Class Size Reduction
Class size is still too big. Every year, the max creeps up a little.
My son's class size is NOT 25 or less.
I wasn't previously aware reducing class size cost so much money and could be spent on many other things. I grew up in school
where average class size is >30 students.
Small size helps but seems to be draining too much financial resources
Art Docents
More integrated art helps students become more innovative.
Need Professional and Trained Art Teachers not volunteer parents. Not sure if my kids got a lot of art lessons.
Living Classroom
The Living Classroom program is a great value for the money! The kids are outside, lessons are taught by dedicated volunteers,
kids are engaged.
Living Classroom relies on parent volunteers. However there does seem to be enough parent volunteers to make this program
effective.
Other Themes
My kids miss having a real science teacher.
We need Computer education.
While I think all these lessons are very important, I receive no feedback about how they are implemented in my child's classroom.
29. Grade 1-3 Program
How is it going?
Last year the overwhelming response from Grade 1-3 parents was to
keep class sizes small. LAEF spent $900,000 (or 38% of its grant) on class
size reduction in grades K-3 In order to keep classes small, PE Specialists
were eliminated, Library hours were cut and Science Aides were
eliminated. How is it going?
n = 674
30. Is PE working?
The State mandates every Grade 1-3 student participates in 200 minutes
of Physical Education every 10 school days. Currently, the mandated
minutes are provided by your child's grade level teacher.
31. PE Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
CSR is important 34 26%
Teacher is not providing PE 22 17%
PE is important 17 13%
Our kids are active- do we need PE? 17 13%
Teachers need training/additional burden 13 10%
Other Themes Comments Share
Teacher PE is fine 12 9%
Raise more money 11 8%
Let volunteers teach PE 10 8%
n = 132
32. PE comments
Class Size is most important
Absolutely do not want to sacrifice class size for specialized PE.
PE is important
The kids need more balanced education - PE is an important part. I would prefer to have PE specialists, but I don't think it would be
worth going above 25 students per class to do it.
My child is not receiving 200 minutes
My son does not do PE with his teacher. He only gets PE through Principal PE on Fridays. I don't think that he gets 200 minutes
every 10 school days. I will donate more to have PE.
My third grade daughter said she had no PE except FIT this year. Based on my children's reports, they are not receiving much
physical education, and when they do go outside, it is mostly for free play. Someone needs to monitor that the mandated minutes
are met.
We have active Kids
While I really miss PE for my kids, at the end of the day I care much more about their classroom experience. I can and do
supplement with sports after school.
Teachers need training/additional burden
I'm sorry the teachers have to take this on instead of getting prep time.
I would provide the teachers with instructions and a some days training to learn more about PE.
Raise more money
I would be willing to donate more for weekly PE and keep the same class size.
Let volunteers teach PE
Is it possible to start volunteer programs (like the music docent) to have more PE time but run by parents?
34. Grades 4-6
Program satisfaction
Below is the list of LAEF funded programs provided to your children in
Grades 4-6. The total cost to deliver each program this year to grades
4-6 at all 7 elementary schools is indicated in parentheses. How satisfied
are you with these programs?
35. Grades 4-6
Program satisfaction
Top Themes Comments Share
PE 78 43%
Library 77 43%
Living Classroom 38 21%
Art Docents 36 20%
Other Themes Comments Share
Question the cost 41 23%
Don’t think their child has had this class 28 16%
n = 180
36. Grades 4-6
Program satisfaction Comments
PE
P.E. is a fabulous program and I would give it a "very satisfied" rating.
I feel it should be offered more frequently.
$280,000 for PE and only $9,000 for science docent? That's really unbalanced.
PE should be taught by the classroom teachers and the savings should be applied to areas where the
classroom teachers cannot teach it.
Library
I think Library is a very important part of an elementary school program. I would like to see it at least
maintained or hours increased.
I wish the library played a much more important role in the kids' lives ( # of visits/ week/ free choice
reading/ research/ introduction to new materials.
Living Classroom
Living classroom science docent lesson cannot replace enrichment to required science curriculum.
I would much rather see funding go into returning Science Specialists and hands-on Science Labs to
every school, rather than Living Classroom.
Art Docents
Art Docent Lessons are phenomenal, fun for kids, kids learn a lot, enjoy them, have wonderful
opportunities to experiment w/a wide variety of art forms and create unique pieces, and expose kids to
fabulous Art History lessons, too.
I think there is not enough "hands-on" with the art docent lessons.
I love hands-on art docent lessons but have seen some terrible art appreciation art docent lessons that
are totally uninspiring -- again, turns kids off to art appreciation.
37. Instrumental & Vocal Music
LAEF provided $400,000 for Instrumental and Vocal Music for students in
Grades 4-6 at all 7 elementary schools this year. How satisfied are you
with the LAEF funded Music Programs in Grades 4-6 this school year?
38. Instrumental & Vocal Music
Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
Neutral/I don’t know 39 27%
Positive 31 21%
Class sizes too big/not conducive to learning 29 20%
Other Themes Comments Share
Better quality & better communication needed 22 15%
Want non-music choices 19 13%
Money should be spent elsewhere 16 11%
n = 147
39. Instrumental & Vocal Music
Comments
Neutral/I don’t know
I don't really know anything about it; they didn't play instruments in the winter concert.
Students have only had recorder for a few weeks so I don't have much information yet but my child is enjoying it!
Postive
The combined school performance with Blach was a wonderful experience for my 6th grader. He was impressed by the sound
of the full ensemble and liked seeing his friends from other schools and be a part of something bigger.
My son really looked forward to starting to use the recorder.
I strongly believe in music education in school so I am very appreciative of these programs.
Classes too big
Not enough attention for child to progress at reasonable pace. If children are encouraged to play an instrument and spend the
money on the instrument, one-on-one instruction time should increase. Otherwise, the program should be eliminated.
Better quality & better communication needed
Not much information comes home about the music program, instead I have to rely on my child for information (and I get hardly
any). I do not know what the expectations are, other than how many minutes for practice.
I think we need new music teachers in the district. The program is very stagnant and the children are not excited to learn the music.
My student really is struggling with his instrument, and when we reached out to his music teacher for help, she didn't do anything
Other Comments
There are certainly students who are clearly not interested in either vocal music or instrumental music.
My child was forced to pick an instrument from a small set of instruments, picked the wrong one and was not allowed to change. I am
paying $30 a month to rent the instrument and as far as I can tell he has learned nothing and still can't play it.
I would focus more on getting a computer lab tech than on instruments.
40. Khan Academy & cSTEM
LAEF provided 2 Innovation in Education grants to the district this year. A
$100,000 Blended Learning Grant to train and coach 5th & 6th grade
teachers in how to use Khan Academy. A $25,000 to pilot cSTEM in the
6th grade. cSTEM brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
subjects to the students through the 3 C’s – Creativity, Collaboration and
Computer Science. How satisfied are you with these programs?
Khan n = 454
cSTEM n = 252
41. Khan Academy & cSTEM
Khan Academy Comments Share
Positive 42 41%
Negative 31 30%
Questioned Effectiveness/Expense 26 25%
Prefer Advanced Math 4 4%
cSTEM Comments Share
Positive 20 61%
Questioned Effectiveness 8 24%
Negative 6 18%
n = 133
42. Khan Academy & cSTEM
Khan Academy
I think these are both excellent programs and my son is greatly benefitting from them. I am very happy that LASD is including
the latest technology in our kids' education.
I thought my child's math skills would improve greatly with the Khan Academy program this year but have been greatly
disappointed to find that we are having to do a lot of tutoring at home for the first time in order to improve grades.
Very disappointed that Ms. Seyfarth, who taught the advanced math to the 6th grade, was let go. She is an AMAZING teacher.
There needs to be a separate class for advanced math kids in at least the 5th and 6th grade.
Who is following up with the teachers in 5th and 6th grade that have been trained in how to use Khan Academy to make
sure they are using it in the classroom to the best possible use?
I think this was money spent on a fad. This is a program not geared to slower learners. If you didn't understand it in class,
being told to go home and teach yourself on the computer is wrong.
I am worried the district is focusing too heavily on Khan Academy. It is a good supplemental tool, but should not take the
place of "live" teacher instruction.
cSTEM
These programs are lending edge, keep them going and up to date with the latest technology. Too many programs start off
great but do not keep up to all the changes due to the lack of funding.
cSTEM does not do enough, needs to be rethought out, reworked in its curriculum and in its presentation to the kids/training
for the kids in order to be a successful program. It is considered boring, not too useful.
I believe that cStem has been very effective in getting my daughter to work on all the subjects in a very positive and
interactive way. Currently she is working on a scratch math video for the film festival. If she didn't have this opportunity at
school I doubt she would be doing it.
44. Junior High
Program Satisfaction
Each year LAEF designates 22% of its grant to the 2 Junior Highs who
represent 22% of the district students. Below is a list of Junior High
programs with LAEF's contribution is indicated in parentheses. How
satisfied are you with these programs for this school year?
45. Junior High
Program Satisfaction
Top Themes Comments Share
Library 20 25%
CSR- ClassSize Reduction 15 19%
Elective issues 14 18%
Eco Action elective 10 13%
Other Themes Comments Share
Spanish 7 9%
Cooking 5 6%
Satisfied/Thank you 5 6%
Math 3 4%
n = 80
46. Junior High Program Comments
Library
Library important to have available and also very important to have a study hall option.
Library: not clear on what LAEF funds in terms of library. A librarian? Is it part of the study hall elective?
I understand that the library is only open at lunch and a three periods a day. :(
Class Size Reduction
The class size reductions in junior high are essential and help maintain our excellent junior high schools!
More funds should go to Math and Science class reduction. Bigger English and Social Studies class sizes don't interfere with
learning nearly as much. (Who makes these decisions? Teachers? LAEF? whimsy?)
Elective Issues
It is extremely important to me to have the electives, especially music.
STOP funding choral music.
I think electives need to be re-evaluated every year. Like the ones that are there, but there should be an annual discussion of
whether they are the right ones to offer.
Eco Action
Biggest concerns among parents at Blach: - many students request Spanish 1A but don't get in - 98% of students who are
assigned to Eco Action didn't request it and don't want to take it. I hope LAEF is not paying for the "Eco Action" class.
Spanish
There aren't enough sections for impacted electives like Spanish.
Cooking
Foods and other non-academic electives are needed, not just study hall. Cooking is missed.
I would like...
...more money for Science/Engineering/Computer Science. ...Chinese. ...stronger English program.
47. Did your Junior High Student receive
one of their top 3 electives choices?
n = 373
48. Junior High Elective Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
Spanish 10 36%
Yes, but... 8 29%
More choices needed 6 21%
Other Themes Comments Share
Music 2 7%
Study Hall 2 7%
Eco Action 1 4%
n = 28
49. Junior High Elective Comments
Spanish
Spanish was his first choice and he didn't get it. We'd urge LAEF to work with the School Board and think about how to
provide greater access to languages in middle school, foreign language should be a requirement at this age. We got the
Spanish class that we were hoping our student would love, but it has been a bad experience.
Yes, but...
It was disappointing to not get Spanish at all when it was listed as his second choice elective. He did not get spanish
Instead they put him in french.
Yes, but one of them appears to be a waste of time (which is probably a school issue and not a LAEF issue).
Yes, but it would be interesting to have the Video Production class evaluated.
More Choices needed
The elective choices are varied and interesting but there's not enough space in the popular classes. Is there a way to
increase space in some electives and reduce space in others? Or drop unpopular electives altogether?
Music
The band instructor is phenomenal. My daughter has really blossomed in her love of music and love of performing quality
music with a full band.
Study Hall
Study hall seems to be very popular, so would like to see more teachers available to hold study hall and help kids.
Eco Action
Eco-action was not listed by him and yet he was assigned to it. The teacher told us at the open house that only one child
had signed up for it.
54. Action Items
Communications:
• LAEF Board members need to continue to be visible on
campus and reach out to their school communities. Each
campus should create their own action plan.
• Increased communications about LAEF programs from LAEF.
• Program updates directly from the staff which LAEF funds
would be greatly appreciated by the parents.
• Stress participation message.
55. Action Items
Investigate Program changes w/ District:
• Generally: Increase and be more innovative with Science &
Technology curriculum.
• Grades 1-3: improve delivery of PE and access to library.
• Grades 7-8: reevaluate elective choices, especially possibly
more sections of Spanish.
