To: Parents/guardians

From: Superintendent Darwin Lehmann

Re: Students in grades 5-12 to take Iowa Department of Education Conditions of Learning survey on May 9

Our students in grades 5-12 will take a survey designed to measure their engagement in school, safety and overall learning environment on May 9. Our schools are required to administer this survey, called Conditions for Learning, annually as part of Iowa's plan to meet the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA recently replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, and Iowa’s plan serves as the foundation for our state’s system of school accountability and support.

Conditions for Learning is one of up to seven measures used to determine accountability scores for schools. We embrace the Conditions for Learning measure because it takes our accountability focus beyond test scores and looks at student performance more holistically.

Results from the Conditions for Learning survey also will serve as a great tool to help our schools, teachers, and parents identify areas of strength, as well as areas that may need attention or support.

Our students’ participation in the survey is very important to our school because results can help us build an action plan to improve the learning environment. A high rate of completion means getting the best data possible.

For students, the survey is an important opportunity to be heard and to be part of efforts to improve their learning environment. We appreciate the community’s support in communicating to students about this great opportunity.

Survey results are completely anonymous. No names are recorded, and no identifying information will be attached to specific responses. While our students will be encouraged to answer as many questions as possible, they will not be required to answer any questions that make them feel uncomfortable.

Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you!

Sincerely,

Darwin Lehmann