School surveys are vital to understanding what's going on within your school and the wider community, but getting parents on board to take these surveys can be tricky. Time constraints, perception of impact, and survey style or format are a few reasons why it may be difficult.
Though challenging, with the right strategies, you can increase participation rates. Here are nine approaches to encourage parents to complete school surveys:
Clearly communicate the purpose and importance of the survey to parents. Explain how their feedback will directly contribute to improving the educational experience for their children. If available, provide them with an example of how prior parent feedback aided in change.
Utilize various communication channels to reach parents, such as emails, newsletters, text messages, social media platforms, and even traditional paper-based communication. Make sure the messages are concise, engaging, and easily understandable.
Consider the timing of the survey. Avoid busy periods such as holidays or around major school events. Send reminders before the survey deadline to encourage parents who may have overlooked the initial request.
Address parents individually and make the survey feel like a personalized request rather than a generic message. Personalize the communication by using the parent's name and highlighting the specific areas where their feedback is valued.
Inform parents that the survey is short, concise, and easy to complete. Then, let them know what happens after taking the survey or when to expect results.
If your school has a diverse population of parents who speak different languages, inform them there are survey translations to accommodate their needs.
Partner with parent-teacher associations (PTAs) or other parent organizations to help promote the survey and encourage participation. Leverage their networks and influence to spread the message effectively.
Involve teachers, administrators, and staff in promoting the survey. Please encourage them to discuss the importance of the survey during parent-teacher conferences, school events, and meetings.
Once the survey is completed, provide updates to parents regarding the results and the actions taken based on their feedback. This demonstrates transparency and reinforces the notion that their input is valued and leads to impactful change.
Remember, building trust and fostering a positive relationship with parents is paramount. When you implement these strategies and show parents how much their feedback matters, you'll be sure to see a boost in survey participation rates.