With surveys going out to families the week of September 27, the District is asking for 5 minutes of your time to help us get your thoughts on the program choices we offer students that allow them to explore their interests, support their strengths or get exposed to a career.
We are seeking feedback on how some of the options for students, called Programs of Choice, are working. All families and teachers in the District – along with all secondary students and some in Grade 6 and 7 – are receiving invitations to participate; click here to learn how. The surveys close at midnight on October 8.
What Programs Are the Surveys About
The surveys focus on Programs of Choice. While French Immersion is one of the most well-known, the District offers dozens of choices for students – many of which are put on in partnership with higher education institutions or industry.
Examples at the secondary level that are part of the survey include:
- AP Capstone
- Bringing Exceptional Thoughts Alive (BETA) Mini School
- French Immersion
- DigiPen Game Development Academy
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Mandarin Language at Burnaby Mountain
- Volleyball Academy
- Lacrosse Academy (not offered in the 2021-22 school year)
Examples at the elementary level that are part of the survey include:
- French Immersion (Early and Late)
- Mandarin Language Arts
- Multi-Age Cluster Class (MACC)
- Advanced Learning Challenge Program (not offered in the 2021-22 school year)
If your child is in one of the programs in the examples listed above, you will receive an additional invitation to complete a survey specific to that program – you need only complete the program-specific survey, as it also has an opportunity to provide general feedback.
What is Being Asked of People
Surveys will take about 5 minutes of your time and explore what is working well, what challenges there may be for students and families, as well as suggestions for improvement.
Some families may receive more than one survey as the District is:
- using a general survey sent to all parents and guardians to collect overarching thoughts on Programs of Choice, and
- sending additional surveys about some specific programs to families whose children are currently enrolled in those programs.
What you share in the survey is anonymous.
What Comes Next
The survey results – along with information from focus groups and information collected from staff and partners – will help to inform a report that is expected to go to the Burnaby Board of Education this December. The report will include key findings with a view to enhancing the services and supports for students.
Learn More About Programs of Choice
More information about Programs of Choice can be found here.
How to Include My Voice
Click here to learn how to participate in the survey.
Posted September 27, 2021