1. FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS Valley Center USD 262 Final Report Prepared by Dr. Gene George 2/13/2007

2. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Review of Research Plan Conduct 2 focus group sessions to gather patron input General perception of schools Important skills and abilities for high school graduates Priorities Extent of support for school improvements

3. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Value of focus groups Gain in-depth understanding of views from a cross-section of patrons Identify patterns of thought and opinion regarding schools – what people think matters Use input to shape improvement strategies Engage patrons in the process

4. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Review of sessions 2 sessions – Jan. 22 and Feb. 7, Valley Center city offices 27 participants total Gathering further input is critical  Opinions are dynamic – the discussion doesn’t end with the focus group  Feedback to patrons and further input to shape strategies critical  Some views may not be well represented in findings

5. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Participant profile Constraint of 2 sessions made it difficult to clarify context of responses and seek deeper perspectives Participants tended to over-represent wealthier patrons

6. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Key Themes Community Quality Skills Expectations

7. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Key Themes COMMUNITY Small town environment – safe Small schools a value Growth zone Close to city Schools have good reputation

8. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Key Themes QUALITY Good teachers – care about students Small schools Important that many VC graduates go to college Administration takes holistic approach  Proactive  Promote communication

9. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Key Themes EXPECTATIONS Small schools, small classes Provide VC graduates high-end academic skills coupled with life skills Planning is critical  Anticipate change – growth, staff turnover, need for additional staff  Maintain communication – be transparent  Formalize planning – define timetables, objectives  Manage growth but keep small town environment

10. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Key Themes EXTENT of SUPPORT Support for continuous improvement of schools Superintendent’s goal cited by many participants Board appears to have strong foundation for planning – as long as it  Keeps process formal, transparent  Can build on current successes (communication, quality of learning)  Successfully anticipates change

11. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Questions – and further input What comes to mind when you hear the phrase Valley Center public schools? What have you heard about the schools that make you glad they are a part of the community? What have you heard about the schools that make you unhappy they are part of the community?

12. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Questions – and further input What contributions to the community have they made? What contributions don’t they make that they should? What are the priorities over next 5 years?

13. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Questions – and further input What skills and abilities should high school graduates have when they leave? What needs are emerging in the future? When current H.S. nears capacity – build onto existing building or build 2 nd school?

14. USD 262 Report - Dr. Gene George Questions – and further input Was this session worthwhile?