Class sizes were identified as the top concern from survey respondents in the recently-released Albert Lea Area Schools community survey results. School officials said they are addressing the issue to help students.

The survey conducted through a program called Thoughtexchange late this spring included 397 parents and guardians, 128 staff members, 28 community members, three students and four other people.

The participants shared answers to open-ended questions, starred ideas they liked best and learned about ideas important to the group.

The district has established grade level class size targets at its elementary schools, including:

Kindergarten, first grade and second grade: targeted class sizes of 22 with maximum capacities of 24.

Third grade: targeted class size of 24 with a maximum capacity of 26.

Fourth and fifth grade: targeted class sizes of 26 and maximum capacity of 30.

Director of Secondary Programs Kathy Niebuhr said the optimal enrollment targets are looked at when the district sets classroom sizes in its elementary schools, noting the figures are also used as a guide when officials determine staffing.

“Since they are targets, we do take them into account as enrollment increases above those targets in guiding our decisions about changes or additions to grade levels,” she said.

One survey respondent stated: “I feel that in the elementary level, some students struggle with reading and writing because they are in a classroom of about 30. In our case, Sibley’s fifth-grade classes are larger and some of the students suffer because of it.”

Superintendent Mike Funk said though district officials always want class sizes to be smaller, a balance needs to be struck between having smaller class sizes and having effective and efficient operations, and between helping students and keeping taxes at a reasonable level.

He said interventionists are used to help students who are struggling so that students who need the help are given direction.

Funk acknowledged that some class sizes are larger — particularly at Albert Lea High School — depending on multiple factors.

He said the survey was used so the district can reach more people than it does through open forums and community discussions, noting the survey will continue over the next three years with different sets of questions being asked so the community can provide feedback.

According to Funk, respondents for the survey were reached through various outlets, such as emails, Facebook, the district’s website, Twitter and a couple of signs placed throughout the community.

Other top concerns and appreciated aspects of the district included:

 

Teacher and administration relationships

Teacher and administration relationships had the second highest stars for concern and second most stars as the most-appreciated aspect of the district in the survey.

One survey respondent stated: “Concern for intimidation and dictatorship environment. Perception is reality; definite mistrust of the leadership that needs to be addressed. If your staff doesn’t trust you, your community doesn’t trust you, the kids will suffer. If staff is afraid to speak — how can this be a nurturing environment.”

Funk disputed the respondent’s concern over the district’s culture, noting he thinks the survey — initiated by him — proves there is not an intimidating and dictatorial environment at the district and that he is welcome to suggestions.

He admitted relationships between the district’s teachers and administration are always something they can work on, but disputed that it was a serious problem.

Niebuhr said building administrators have very good relationships with building staff, noting her belief that there will always be problems with individuals at a district.

Another respondent stated, “As a community member, I am seeing that the school district is always trying new things: recruitment of teachers with coaching experience, new calendars, etc. Always thinking outside the box. Regardless if these are good or bad ideas, I appreciate all the new ideas; thinking outside the box.”

 

Retaining and
attracting teachers

Retaining and attracting teachers was also identified as the third-highest stars for concern from participants in the survey.

Funk said the issue is ongoing throughout the state, noting his belief that the more attractive Albert Lea becomes as a community in its housing and social activity, the more successful the district will be in retaining and attracting teachers.

 

Curriculum

The district’s curriculum was rated as having the fourth most stars for concern and fifth-most stars for most appreciated aspect of the district.

One survey respondent said, “Children are growing up in a time when skills that require hard work and dedication are being replaced with instant gratification. Thank you for providing these choices that can teach students that some things are worth the effort.”

Another survey respondent said, “Not enough time in the day to implement curricular requirements. Kids do not get brain breaks or quality morning meetings as examples. Day feels so rushed and busy. No time to implement interventions to individual kids.”

Funk said this year’s district testing results from Advanced Placement tests for juniors and seniors are below state average and need to be improved, noting his belief that this year’s early school start will allow for seven more days of instruction before the AP test.

Niebuhr said instructional planning kits have been introduced and another AP course has been added in English composition.

 

Teachers and staff rated most
appreciated aspect

Teachers and staff were rated the most appreciated aspect of the district in the survey with 81 stars.

One respondent stated, “The teachers work hard every day to help every child. They show up early and stay late. They plan extra activities like green eggs and ham breakfast. Sibley also provides opportunities for students who are doing well in math or reading to work beyond the class goals with another teacher.”

Another respondent said, “I appreciate everything that each of my childrens’ teachers have done for them. I feel that each teacher has contributed to the success of my children. Great teachers at Halverson.”

Funk said the appreciation is big for the district because teachers spend the most time with students on a daily basis, noting his belief that the result is an affirmation of the district’s positive direction.

 

Communication

Communication had the third-most stars for most appreciated aspect of the district by participants in the survey.

One respondent in the survey said, “It helps me stay involved with my child’s homework and grades, and keep up on what options are being chosen at the cafeteria.”

Another respondent stated, “I feel I have great communication with my children’s teachers. Between email, phone calls or notes, communication between school and home has been great.”

Funk said the district is helping foster communication through multiple formats.

 

Sports and extracurriculars

Sports and extracurricular had the fourth-most stars by respondents for most appreciated part of the district.

One respondent in the survey was thankful the district offers music, theater, newspaper, robotics, FFA and other activities that are not athletics.

“Not every child is an athlete, so it is nice to see other options,” the respondent said.

Funk said attendance for sporting events for all students is now free, noting his belief that offering free entry to games is helpful and district officials are doing what they can to encourage student participation in extracurricular activities.