Analysis of Distance Learning Survey Open-Ended Comments
Common comments, themes, and concerns.
| Category of Comments | Num. of Comments | Examples of survey comments in category: |
| Positive, Supportive, Grateful | 48 | “I was very impressed with the work given and support offered by all 3 of my children's teachers.” “We are supportive, understanding, and are doing what we have to do at this time. Homeschooling is proving to be a surprisingly rewarding experience.” “The staff has done a great job of accommodating a new and untested situation. Kudos!” |
| Schedule of current or future learning, Return to work needs | 26 | “I think it’s important that students go to school at least 1 time a week.” “My husband and I have no problem with doing distance learning, it has been a great bonding experience and we could continue to do it if needed, however, I don't think it's healthiest for all kids overall. “ |
| Preference for more direct, video, or live Zoom instruction | 18 | “Math has been difficult without a visual lesson. Those who are providing a combination of videos, surveys, readings, experiments, etc. seem to be more interesting for my son. Either way, the school has done a good job with communication and connection.” “Distance learning quality would improve if we had regular, required online joining with the teachers for live AND recorded lessons.” |
| Impact of reduced in-person socialization | 15 | “Distance learning went well for our family over all. My student dearly missed the connection gained in the classroom.” “My son wants to go back to school. This has been very sad and a big loss for him and his friends.” |
| Category of Comments | Num. of Comments | Examples of survey comments in category: |
| Negative, Frustrated, Dissatisfied | 9 | “My wife and myself have had to cut our work hours in half to do home schooling. This is very stressful and could negatively effect our children’s future education if this persists.” “My child needs to be in school five days a week, period. Distance learning is not even close to a substitute for being in the classroom. I hope this "not five days a week" idea is a joke.” |
| Grading or feedback policies | 5 | “I do think the district should have established a “grading” system. I know there are a lot variables to that decision, but why have staff and students work so hard to just throw everything away. Knowing work is going to, in some form, be evaluated makes a difference to students and parents.” |
| Student equity issues | 5 | “I'm concerned about the kids who are learning (or not) at vastly different levels. How will that discrepancy will be handled once they start school again.” “Distance learning is not a long term solution as it is not well rounded, contains less content and disproportionately provides advantages to some kids over others.” |
| Internet connection challenges | 4 | “We have decent internet but so many people in our household use it at once so sometimes that presents a challenge…” “Our internet is spotty at best.” |
Other comment categories noted with less than 3 total comments: