Department of Education Asks Kids to Critique Schools

By Tracy Eddy, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.

Jun. 2–ANY STUDENT interested in filling out the online student survey may do so at http://wvde.state.wv.us.

The state Department of Education is asking students to get online and critique their schools, and is offering them a chance to win an iPod for their troubles.

Last week, the department launched an online student survey, asking students to log on and give their opinions on the state’s 21st century learning initiative and what they expect from it.

The 21st century learning initiative integrates problem solving, critical thinking, communication skills and new technology into basic subjects already taught in the classrooms, such as math, science and English.

Dr. Steven Paine, the state superintendent of schools, traveled to four different locations in January, meeting with students who represented each of the county school systems.

One of the meetings was held at the Monongalia County Technical Education Center, and students from about 21 counties, including Monongalia, Preston and Marion, participated.

“We heard from students in their own words about what is working in our schools and what we can improve,” Paine said. “I look forward to the online survey so that we can gather more input from a wider audience.”

The online survey is open to students in the state’s middle and high schools, according to the department.

The survey responses are being kept confidential, the department said, and students will only be allowed to submit one survey.

Students who wish to take the survey must provide their full names, their e-mail addresses, the counties they live in, the schools they attend, their grade levels and their West Virginia Education Information System student numbers.

The Web site is requesting the student numbers to keep those who aren’t students from participating in the survey.

Students are asked to describe their ideal school, and talk about the things their schools do and don’t do well.

There are sample answers that students can check after each question, but the students are also given an opportunity to type in their own answers.

After a student completes the survey, he or she will automatically be entered into a drawing to win an iPod touch.

According to the state Department of Education Web site, eight iPods will be given away.

Paine said the student responses from the online survey, as well as all the forums, will be compiled and then presented to the governor, the state’s legislators and the state Board of Education.

Frank Devono, superintendent of Monongalia County Schools, said the school system plans to encourage Mon County students to take the survey.

Devono said he needs to review the information with his staff to decide how the survey will be promoted to the students.

“We want our kids to be able to participate in their education as much as possible,” Devono said.

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