School district to unveil results of survey

Sisters community members are invited to hear results of a survey of residents of Sisters School District at an April 28 evening meeting.

The town hall meeting will also include time for attendees to comment on new proposed mission, vision and goals statements. These documents, once finalized, will guide school policy for the next ten years.

The survey, conducted in January and February, gathered input on three key questions: what school stakeholders think students need to learn to be successful in the 21st century; what learning experiences and opportunities schools should provide; and how the district can best communicate with the community.

Over 900 school stakeholders were contacted and invited to participate, with well over 200 respondents completing the survey. A key objective was to involve everyone with a stake in Sisters schools in setting priorities. Survey participants included staff, parents, students, the school board, businesspeople, retirees and others not directly connected with local schools. Respondents represented all areas and ages in the Sisters country.

Respondents said that critical thinking, technology and literacy are top priorities for the skills students need to succeed in the 21st Century workplace. They also think Sisters schools should provide experiential, hands-on learning, academic rigor and career exploration/preparation as opportunities for students.

The town hall meeting will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m., April 28, at the school district offices, 525 E. Cascade Ave. (across from City Hall). Survey results will be covered, followed by presentation of the 10-year goal statements. Then attendees will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions.