The Hawaii State Department of Education is encouraging parents to complete a survey to help schools set priorities for improving programs and services.

Beginning in February, schools will mail or ask students to bring the surveys home. Parents whose children are enrolled in grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 will be asked to complete the survey and return it to the school in a prepaid envelope by no later than March 30.

“Parental feedback is critical for schools and complex areas to measure the effectiveness of their programs, refine services and make adjustments to meet the needs of all students,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.

Survey results offer schools data on everything ranging from parent satisfaction with course offerings, support services and availability to discuss their child’s progress to whether students feel safe and are meeting their goals. Teachers and students from the selected grades will fill out separate surveys at school. School personnel also will be asked to complete similar surveys.

Individual survey responses are confidential. Overall survey results for each school should be available at the schools by the end of the academic year. The reports will also be posted on the internet at http://arch.k12.hi.us.

To view an informational video, please visit: http://vimeo.com/36363881. Questions about the survey may be emailed to sqs@notes.k12.hi.us. Parents may also call 808-733-4008 (Oahu) or 1-855-276-5801 (toll-free Neighbor Islands) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.