by Mr. Guy Johnson
Every year, the SD Department of Education collects a variety of data points for all of the schools in South Dakota. As a measure of school climate, the Department of Education uses attendance data as an indicator of a healthy school environment. The state not only collects data on the average daily attendance rate, they also collect data on students who are “chronically absent,” meaning those who have missed more than ten percent of the school days in a year. For the 23-24 school year, the Garretson School District tallied a 96% daily attendance rate, compared to the State average of 87%. The District also had 9% of students who were identified as chronically absent, a rate considerably better than the 21% rate statewide.
Attendance is definitely a critical aspect of schooling. It’s difficult for our teachers to reach students who simply are not here. We also know that students learn best in an environment in which they feel well supported and cared for. Students who feel like they are safe, cared for and that their teachers believe in them all contribute directly to our students being able to learn well. The district collected survey data from our students regarding their own perceptions of our school’s climate. While we do not have statewide data to compare it to, we do believe that collecting data from students in grades 3-12 is an important marker for our environment.
Students responded to a variety of statements and rated their level of agreement, whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree with the statement. Eighty eight percent (88%) of our students agree or strongly agree that our school is a safe place for all students. Ninety three percent (93%) of our students agree or strongly agree with the statement, “my teachers care about me as a person.” A high percentage of our students also agree or strongly agree that their teachers believe in them (92%), and our teachers have high expectations for our students (93%).
Of course, our goal is that each and every one of the students in our school feel cared for and supported. We know that kids learn best when they know that they are valued and the school staff believe in them. As a staff, we have looked at the overall survey data, and are actively making plans that we believe will help us to create an environment in which each and every kid knows very well that we believe in them and that they matter here. Our Climate serves as the foundation for students learning well here in the schoolhouse, and we take it seriously.
