Marblehead receives results of parent survey

MARBLEHEAD – The Special Education Advisory Council of Marblehead (SEACOM) found few surprises in its first parent survey – the first systematic parent survey in the program’s history.The 42-question online survey was conducted May 1-July 31. Since the identities of special needs children are not released to the public, Director of Student Services Robert Bellucci publicized the survey through a mailer to parents, guaranteeing confidentiality.Responses came from 69 parents and guardians out of a pool of more than 500, about 13 percent of the total. There were 31 elementary parents, 18 middle school parents, 11 high school parents and nine pre-school parents.Overall, parents seemed satisfied with the program – especially the teachers – but there were exceptions.Most of the responding parents said they were included as equal partners in planning their child’s program, but they felt that follow-up communication was lacking, especially if services were interrupted or otherwise unavailable. Two parents in five were unaware of the role that school principals and curriculum directors have in delivering services.One parent in three felt that their child’s school did not provide all the services their child needed and the majority of parents were unaware of technological assistance.The majority of parents appeared to be unaware that their children could participate in elective courses and extra-curricular activities.The report, compiled by Nancy Norman, Jen Schaeffner and Chris Baylow, ends with the expectation that Bellucci and the school principals will work to improve communication and other areas of “relative weakness” uncovered by the survey. Principals are scheduled to attend a workshop with SEACOM parents Jan. 11 at Marblehead High at 7 p.m.Asked if there were any surprises, Schaeffner told the School Committee Thursday, “Not necessarily, these generally are the issues we hear from parents.”Committee member Amy Drinker pointed out the 13 percent response. “I think the points you’re making are correct but I wish the response was better,” she said.Baylow told her that response to other surveys was in the 10-15 percent range and the Marblehead response was “typical.”Superintendent of Schools Paul Dulac told the committee he wanted to know if the responses represent a trend or an isolated incident. Either way, he said his administration plans to present a game plan in January.