2. Executive Summary
Survey Response
• Focus: Program satisfaction in 2014-15 and priorities for 2015-16
• Survey offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese languages
• 1,772 starts and 1,482 completed surveys
• Representative sample across schools and grades
• Non-donors are under-represented
• Tried tweaking program satisfaction rating scale choices to obtain
additional qualitative data
• Survey responses similar to 2013-14
• Parents satisfied overall with funded programs, continue to desire
small class sizes and more PE
• Strong support for continuing the Innovation Grant
3. Executive Summary
Year 5 of $1,000 per student suggested donation level
Donation Attitudes
• Respondents expect all families to donate what they can afford, with broad
understanding that not all families are able to donate at the “ask”
• “District Counts on Me” remains the predominant reason that donors give
• Among respondents, 92% report they donate annually
4. Program Satisfaction
•Parents remain satisfied with programs
- Some shift from “Satisfied” to “Neutral”, possibly due to question
wording or complacency with established programs
- No significant change in “Dissatisfied” ratings
• Parents continue to value K-3 class student:teacher ratio reduction, and
would like even smaller class sizes
• Overall satisfaction at Jr. Highs is high for core class size reduction and
electives offered
- Parents still want to fund both
Executive Summary
5. Pressure Points
Class Sizes - Parents continue to desire small classes and many would like even
smaller classes, especially in TK-3
PE - Parents continue to ask for more PE in all grades
Jr. High Electives - Parents would like to have expanded elective offerings and
more flexibility in choosing electives, question need for library
Executive Summary
6. Executive Summary
Board & Grant-Making
• Majority of parents give LAEF Board good rating on communication about
funding and reasons to give
• Majority of parents believe LAEF grant is distributed fairly between
schools and grade levels
• Parents are still unclear about how LAEF works with District to develop
LAEF grant and how funds are allocated
Funding & Fundraising
• Most parents remain committed to supporting high-quality, well-rounded
education (smaller class sizes, enrichment programs) via donations
•While committed to high quality public education, parents still desire
changes to public education funding
7. Action Items
Communication
As in previous years, many comments indicate lack of information about
LAEF programs and funding
• Ongoing challenge for LAEF Board to remain visible on campus, improve
outreach to school communities
Investigate Program changes with District:
• PE - Consider increasing PE time in all elementary grades
• Jr. High - Consider offering additional electives in Cooking/Home
Economics and Drama/Arts, more flexibility in choosing electives
13. Which statement best represents your attitude
about donating to LAEF?
0%
13%
25%
38%
50%
Non Donor Tax Deduction Not High Priority Try Every Year Count on Me Every Family
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
n = 1,576
“Counts on Me” response captures strongest sense of community “greater good”
While respondent pool changes over time, attitudes are highly consistent
14. Which statement best represents your attitude
about donating to LAEF?
Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
We Donate Every Year 16 18%
Every Family Should Contribute 16 18%
More Important Causes 11 12%
n = 104
16. Rate LAEF Board Members
n = 1,527
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
The LAEF Board of Directors strives to represent all of the families in
our school district. Please read the following statements and provide a
rating that reflects your thoughts/feelings about LAEF.
LAEF Board members are parents
like me who are interested in
keeping our schools strong.
LAEF Board members at my school
are accessible and open to hearing
my input.
LAEF Board members effectively
communicate with the parent
community on funding issues.
17. Top Themes Comments Share
Compliment 13 18%
Don’t Know LAEF Representatives 10 14%
Improve Communication 8 11%
n = 72
Rate LAEF Board Members Comments
18. LAEF Grant Attitudes
n = 1,496
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
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.
LAEF grants are spread fairly across
all the SCHOOLS in our district.
LAEF grants are spread fairly across
all GRADES in the district so that all
students benefit equally.
LAEF's current level of fund raising
and funding to the school district is
about right.
19. Top Themes Comments Share
Raise More 11 9%
Trust Board 7 6%
Lack Visibility 7 6%
n = 123
LAEF Grant Attitudes Comments
Most comments (49) restated “I don’t know.”
21. Elementary Satisfaction Ratings
2014 2015
Teacher:Student Ratio 5.4% 2.9% 4.3% 2.7% 4.7%
Library 0.8% 2.6% 2.9% 2.2% 1.9% 2.2% 3.3%
Art Docents 2.9% 3.9% 3.4% 2.2% 1.5% 3.5% 5.1%
Living Classroom 3.3% 2.2% 3.9%
PE 6.2% 6.0% 0.0% 6.1% 5.8% 5.4%
Small Group 2.8% 3.5%
STEM 2.5% 4.0% 3.6% 2.2% 5.0% 2.9% 2.7%
Music 7.5% 8.2%
cSTEM 6th Grade 0.0% 3.9%
Program K 1-3 4-6 TK K 1-3 4-6
Teacher:Student Ratio 88.0% 90.9% 76.1% 87.5% 84.1%
Library 89.6% 89.5% 86.1% 64.4% 82.5% 78.8% 73.1%
Art Docents 77.3% 78.3% 79.0% 50.0% 55.4% 63.0% 61.6%
Living Classroom 74.2% 78.9% 75.3%
PE 79.1% 82.5% 65.2% 59.8% 72.0% 77.6%
Small Group 82.7% 61.5%
STEM 80.4% 86.0% 84.7% 71.7% 71.6% 85.9% 84.2%
Music 77.9% 71.1%
cSTEM 6th Grade 80.9% 71.3%
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Observed overall shift in ratings from “Satisfied” to Neutral/
Don’t Know, likely due to change in ratings categories
22. Jr. High Satisfaction Ratings
Program 2014 2015
Science CSR 88.6% 68.6%
Math CSR 87.9% 72.9%
Soc. Studies CSR 86.1% 61.1%
English CSR 88.7% 66.4%
Library 76.0% 48.5%
Electives 81.8% 73.6%
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Similar shift in ratings from “Satisfied” to Neutral/
Don’t Know, likely due to change in wording of
ratings categories
Science CSR 3.3% 2.9%
Math CSR 3.6% 3.1%
Soc. Studies CSR 2.5% 2.3%
English CSR 3.4% 4.3%
Library 4.8% 3.6%
Electives 5.2% 3.4%
24. “Perfect Day”
If you could design your student’s perfect elementary school day, which enrichment
programs would it include (beyond the core curriculum of math, reading/writing,
social studies and science)?
0
22.5
45
67.5
90
Music STEM PE Language Visual Arts Computer Dance Drama
TK/Kinder Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6 Jr High
n=322 n=761 n=810 n=476
25. Grade # Comments Top Categories
Transitional Kinder 2 #1 - Social-Emotional Development
Kindergarten 25 #1 - Social-Emotional Development
#2 - Spanish/Language
#3 - Speaking Skills
Grades 1-3 54 #1 - Speaking Skills
#2 - Social-Emotional Development
Grades 4-6 73 #1 - Foreign Language
#2 - Differentiation
#3 - Emotional Health
Junior High 64 #1 - Home Economics
#2 - Existing Program
#3 - Speaking Skills
Perfect Day “Other”
27. Transitional Kindergarten Program
Ranking
n = 47
Please rank the following LAEF-funded Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten
programs in importance to your family. **The cost to deliver each program to
every Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten student at all 7 elementary
schools is listed in parentheses.**
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
1
Most Important
2 3 4 5
Least Important
Reduce Class Size Art Docent Lessons Library Physical Education Specialist STEM
28. Top Themes Comments Share
Smaller Classes/More Aides 5 63%
More PE 2 25%
STEM 2 25%
n = 8
TK Program Ranking Comments
29. Transitional Kindergarten Program
Satisfaction
n = 47
How satisfied are you with the following LAEF-funded Transitional
Kindergarten programs?
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
Reduce Class Size from 30 to 25
or less
Art Docent Lessons
Library
Physical Education Specialist - 1x
week
STEM (Science/Technology/
Engineering/Math)
30. Top Themes Comments Share
Smaller Class Sizes 2 29%
STEM 2 29%
n = 7
Transitional Kindergarten Satisfaction
Comments
31. n = 47
TK Student:Teacher Ratio Reduction
LAEF spent $480,000 (or 16% of its grant) on reducing student:teacher
ratios in grades K-3.To reduce class size from 30 to 25 or less costs
$120,000 for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten.
Do you agree that this is the best use of your donation?
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
32. Top Themes Comments Share
Smaller Classes/More Aides 4 100%
n = 4
TK Student:Teacher Ratio Reduction
Comments
33. TK Additional Modifications
What other suggestions or modifications would you like to see in your child’s
school day?
Top Categories Comments Share
Smaller Classes/More Aides 3 38%
More PE/Movement 3 38%
More Play 2 25%
n = 8
34. Kindergarten Program Ranking
n = 268
Please rank the following LAEF-funded Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten
programs in importance to your family. **The cost to deliver each program to
every Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten student at all 7 elementary
schools is listed in parentheses.**
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
1
Most Important
2 3 4 5
Least Important
Reduce Class Size Art Docent Lessons Library Physical Education Specialist STEM
35. Top Themes Comments Share
Smaller Classes/More Aides 5 24%
More PE/Better PE 4 19%
STEM is Important 2 10%
Library Not Needed 2 10%
n = 21
Kindergarten Program Ranking
Comments
36. Kindergarten Program Satisfaction
n = 265
How satisfied are you with the following LAEF funded Kindergarten
programs?
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
Reduce Class Size from 30 to 25
or less
Art Docent Lessons
Library
Physical Education Specialist - 1x
week
STEM (Science/Technology/
Engineering/Math)
37. Top Themes Comments Share
Improve PE 7 28%
Smaller Classes/More Aides 5 20%
STEM Not Important 4 16%
STEM is Important 2 8%
n = 25
Kindergarten Program Satisfaction
Comments
38. n = 267
Kindergarten Student:Teacher Ratio
Reduction
LAEF spent $480,000 (or 16% of its grant) on reducing student:teacher
ratios in grades K-3.To reduce class size from 30 to 25 or less costs
$120,000 for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten.
Do you agree that this is the best use of your donation?
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
39. Top Themes Comments Share
Smaller Classes/More Aides 9 45%
Happy with Small Class Size 6 30%
n = 20
Student:Teacher Ratio Reduction
Comments
40. Kinder Additional Modifications
What other suggestions or modifications would you like to see in your child’s
school day?
Top Categories Comments Share
More Play 5 10%
More Recess/Breaks 5 10%
Smaller Classes/More Aides 4 8%
Differentiation 4 8%
Project Cornerstone 4 8%
n = 49
42. Grade 1-3 Program Ranking
n = 749
Please rank the following LAEF-funded grade 1-3 programs in importance to your
family. **The cost of to deliver each program to every grade 1-3 student at all 7
elementary schools is listed in parentheses.**
0%
17.5%
35%
52.5%
70%
1
Most Important
2 3 4 5 6
Least Important
Reduce Class Size Art Docent Lessons Library
Physical Education Specialist Small Group Instruction STEM
43. Top Themes Comments Share
All Are Important 25 39%
Class Size Most Important 13 20%
Art 10 16%
n = 64
Grade 1-3 Program Ranking
Comments
44. Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction
n = 733
Small Group = 491
How satisfied are you with the following LAEF-funded programs provided
to your child(ren) in grades 1-3.
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
Reduce Class Size from 30 to 25
or less
Art Docent Lessons
Library
Physical Education
Small Group Instruction Time,
Grades 1 & 2
STEM (Science/Technology/
Engineering/Math)
45. Top Themes Comments Share
More PE 19 24%
Smaller Class Sizes 11 14%
STEM 11 14%
Grade 1-3 Program Satisfaction
Comments
n = 78
46. n = 740
Grade 1-3 Student:Teacher Ratio
Reduction
LAEF spent $480,000 (or 16% of its grant) on reducing student:teacher
ratios in grades K-3.To reduce class size from 30 to 25 or less in grades
1-3 costs $360,000.
Do you agree that this is the best use of your donation?
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Stongly Agree
47. Top Themes Comments Share
Small Classes a High Priority 61 75%
Reduce Class Sizes More 23 28%
Differentiated Learning 18 22%
Student:Teacher Ratio Reduction
Comments
n = 49
48. Grade 1-3 Additional Modifications
What other suggestions or modifications would you like to see in your child’s
school day?
Top Categories Comments Share
PE/Movement 18 14%
Language 18 14%
Art 13 10%
Longer Day 11 9%
n = 125
50. Grade 4-6 Program Ranking
n = 749
Please rank the following LAEF-funded grade 4-6 programs in importance to your
family. **The cost of to deliver each program to every grade 4-6 student at all 7
elementary schools is listed in parentheses.**
0%
15%
30%
45%
60%
1
Most Important
2 3 4 5 6
Least Important
Physical Education Specialist Library Art Docent Lessons
Instrumental &Vocal Music STEM cSTEM
51. Top Themes Comments Share
All Are Important 20 23%
Art 17 19%
Music 14 16%
n = 88
Grade 4-6 Program Ranking
Comments
52. Grades 4-6
Program Satisfaction
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
Physical Education Specialist - 2x week
Library
Art Docent Lessons
Instrumental and Vocal Music
STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/
Math)
cSTEM- grade 6
How satisfied are you with the LAEF-funded programs provided to your
children in grades 4-6?
n = 793
n = 258 cSTEM
54. Instrumental &Vocal Music
LAEF provided $315,000 for Instrumental andVocal 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?
n = 558 - 621
4th grade - Weekly Vocal Music (Fall) /
Recorder (Spring)
5th grade - Twice weekly Instrumental Music
(1st semester Vocal and Instrumental, 2nd
semester Instrumental)
5th grade - Twice weekly Vocal Music (if
your student is not in Instrumental Music)
6th grade - Twice weekly Instrumental Music
6th grade - Twice weekly Vocal Music (if
your student is not in Instrumental Music)
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
56. Grade 4-6 Additional Modifications
What other suggestions or modifications would you like to see in your child’s
school day?
Top Categories Comments Share
Foreign Language 9 12%
Differentiation 8 11%
Emotional Health 7 10%
n = 73
58. Jr. High Program Ranking
n = 464
Please rank the following LAEF funded Junior High programs in importance to your
family. **The cost of to deliver each program to every Junior High student at Blach
and Egan is listed in parentheses.**
0%
15%
30%
45%
60%
1
Most Important
2 3 4 5 6
Least Important
Science CSR Math CSR Social Studies CSR English CSR Library
Electives
59. Top Themes Comments Share
Class Size Reduction 18 53%
Library 7 21%
Teacher Quality 4 12%
n = 34
Jr. High Program Ranking Comments
60. Jr. High Program Satisfaction
Each year LAEF designates 20% of its grant to the 2 Junior Highs, which
represent 20% of the district students. How satisfied are you with these
LAEF-funded programs for this school year?
n = 452
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Dissatisfied: Don't need it Dissatisfied: Needs Overhaul Not Familiar with Program
Neutral Satisfied: Like it, but could be improved Satisfied: Love it! Great value
Science CSR
Math CSR
Social Studies CSR
English CSR
Library
Electives
61. Top Themes Comments Share
Electives 23 44%
Teacher Quality 11 21%
Class Size 8 15%
n = 52
Junior High
Program Satisfaction Comments
62. Did your Junior High Student receive
one of their top 3 electives choices?
n = 470
0
75
150
225
300
Blach Egan
No I don’t know Yes
63. n = 29
Junior High Elective Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
Elective Process 14 48%
Received Elective Not Requested 5 17%
64. Junior High Additional Electives
n = 119
Are there additional electives that you would like to see offered?
Top Themes Comments Share
Programming/Coding/STEM 39 33%
Cooking/Home Economics 30 25%
Drama/Arts 18 15%
65. LAEF Funding to Jr. High
n = 1485
Would you prefer your LAEF donation be spent on core class size
reduction, a greater selection of electives, or a combination of both?
0%
17.5%
35%
52.5%
70%
Core Class Sizes Electives Both
66. Top Themes Comments Share
Electives 13 54%
Class Size Reduction 9 38%
n = 24
LAEF Jr. High Funding Comments
67. Jr. High Additional Modifications
What other suggestions or modifications would you like to see in your child’s
school day?
Top Categories Comments Share
More Choice 12 16%
Homework 10 13%
Electives 10 13%
Language 8 11%
n = 75
69. Innovation Grant Awareness
n = 1606
The Los Altos School District is a recognized leader in education. This year, LAEF allocated $820,000
towards an Innovation Grant, which funds innovative learning and interactive classrooms. This includes:
* STEM Teachers at each elementary school
* STEM Coach to bring more Science, Engineering,Technology and Math to all K-8 classrooms
* Technology Integration Coach to assist in designing the iLearn professional development
program and support teachers integrating technology in all K-8 classrooms
* cSTEM weekly lessons for 6th graders that introduce them to computer programming and a
variety of computer applications
Which statement best describes your awareness of these programs:
0
275
550
825
1100
Not Aware Somewhat Aware Very Aware
70. Top Themes Comments Share
Need More Information 26 24%
Innovation Grant is Great 24 22%
Aware/Somewhat Aware 21 20%
cSTEM 13 12%
n = 107
Innovation Grant Awareness
Comments
71. Innovation Grant Continuation
n = 1592
Programs like those funded by the Innovation Grant typically require the
investment of resources over several years to realize measurable results.
While exposure to these programs will vary based on your child's grade,
how important is it to continue funding our Innovation in Education Grant?
0
275
550
825
1100
Not Important Somewhat Important Extremely Important
72. n = 82
Innovation Grant Continuation
Comments
Top Themes Comments Share
Very Important 37 45%
Not Enough Information/Too Soon to Tell 29 35%
Spending Balance 14 17%
73. Contribute More to Future
Innovation Grants?
n = 1483
Would you be willing to make an additional donation to seed
the development of future Innovation Grants?
0
275
550
825
1100
No Depends on the Grant Yes
74. Top Themes Comments Share
Depends on the Grant 23 34%
$1000 is Enough—Maxed Out Already 15 9%
Prefer Non-Technology Programs 9 5%
n = 67
Contribute More for Future
Innovation Grant Comments
75. Innovation Grant Evidence
n = 1585
Have you seen/heard evidence of innovative teaching approaches
being utilized in your student's classroom?
0
225
450
675
900
No I Don't Know Yes
76. Top Themes Comments Share
Technology Examples 30 19%
Application/Online Examples 24 15%
Don’t Know 20 12%
Responsive Classroom 16 10%
n = 162
Innovation Grant Evidence Comments
77. Innovation Grant Impact
n = 1577
Have these innovative teaching approaches in the classroom
improved your student's engagement and depth of learning?
0
225
450
675
900
No I Don't Know Yes
78. Top Themes Comments Share
Yes, See Benefits Already 45 40%
Don’t Know/Too Soon To Tell 33 29%
No Impact or Negative Impact 11 10%
n = 113
Innovation Grant Impact Comments
79. Future Innovation Grants
n = 162
Are there other areas that you would like to see addressed in
future Innovation Grants?
Top Themes Comments Share
Technology/Computer Skills 25 15%
Math 18 11%
Music & Arts 15 9%
Differentiated Learning/GATE 15 9%
Hands-on/Project-Based Learning 15 9%
81. 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
• Continue efforts to deliver consistent communications
about LAEF programs at all schools; try new ways to
increase visibility of programs and their benefits
• Consider using a different approach to communicate with
our multi-lingual community
• Stress participation message
82. Action Items
Investigate Program changes with District:
• PE - Consider increasing PE time in all elementary grades
• Jr. High Electives - Consider offering Cooking/Home Economics and
Drama/Arts electives, more flexibility in choosing electives
83. ThankYou!
Thank you for taking the time to read our survey results!
Please note that although a lot of time and energy was put into
making this the best survey possible, we are volunteers and this is
not our field of expertise! The statistical accuracy of this survey has
not been verified by a professional. In many cases the sample size
from a particular question/school/grade level may be too small to
draw conclusions from. All these factors should be taken into
account as you read the results.
-The volunteers of the LAEF Board
