Superintendents: Digital Access Surveys for Families and School Employees Due May 14
As school closures continue and as the state develops plans to direct resources to the areas of greatest need, the MDE has prepared two brief surveys for districts to circulate: one to their families, the other to their teachers, administers and other staff who are/will be working from home. The surveys focus on devices at home, home internet access, and the quality/reliability of that connection.
Aggregated results from districts will be shared with the governor’s office for planning purposes. Because of the critical nature of these questions – and how the results will shape state policy to address the internet connectivity challenges across the state – please do your best to reach as many families as possible and to achieve as high as response rate as possible.
Below are links to the surveys. The MDE prepared two different formats of the surveys, so that you can choose the approach best suited to your district. If you have any questions, please contact MDE’s Chief Information Officer, John Kraman at jkraman@mdek12.org.
Option 1: Fillable PDF Survey
You can print the surveys and distribute them as hard copies, you can email them and collect them electronically, or you can cut and paste the questions into a different survey method your district prefers.
- Please email your compiled results using this response spreadsheet by 5PM on Thursday, May 14, to survey@mdek12.org
- This approach will require you to collect and tally the results. The spreadsheet has one tab for family results and second for teacher results.
- While using the fillable PDF (or the questions from it) will require the extra step of compiling responses, you will be able to monitor results and help your families and teachers complete it.
- Family Survey (PDF Version)
- Teacher Survey (PDF Version)
Option 2: Web-based Survey
You can send the links to your families and teachers for them to fill out using a computer or smart phone. Responses will go directly to the MDE.
- Please ask your families and teachers to complete the survey by 5PM on Thursday, May 14.
- This approach will leave the compiling of responses to the MDE.
- While using the web-based survey will save you the step of compiling results, you will not have the ability to monitor results and help your families and teachers complete it.
- Family Survey (Web Version)
- Teacher Survey (Web Version)
Please Participate: May 1st-3rd Nationwide 2020 Census Awareness Campaign
As of April 27th, Mississippi’s self-response rate is 49.7%, and the national average is 53.4%. Mississippi currently ranks 36th in response rates by state. You can view self-response rates for your community here: https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html
*Action item: The Census Bureau is encouraging us to participate May 1st-3rd in a nationwide 2020 Census awareness campaign. Over May 1st – 3rd, please share the following information through emails and social media channels to your networks. Please try to participate in at least one of the following ideas:
- Encourage recipients to see how their community is doing with census response rates https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html
- Remind recipients that census counts impact dollars that come to our state for education, health, and community services.
- Encourage recipients to spread the word reminding everyone that it is easy and quick to respond to the census.
- A few specific posts to share on social media:
- “What is the current census response rate of your county? Find out here https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html. The more your community is counted, the more dollars your community will receive for education and services. #2020Census”
- “The 2020 Census website is live! Remember, it’s quick and easy to respond, and all responses are safe, secure, and confidential. https://my2020census.gov/ #2020Census”
- Share information about this video contest:
- “Get Out the Count Video Prize Challenge: help get the word out about the 2020 Census through a short format video for a chance to win up to $30,000! Deadline May 7th! All skill levels and ages welcome. Learn more here: https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/2020-census-get-out-the-count-video-challenge/”
Suicide Prevention Mobile App
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s Shatter the Silence: Suicide—The Secret You Shouldn’t Keep mobile app is available for download from the Google Play and Apple stores at no cost. The app provides suicide prevention information including:
- Facts about suicide
- Warning Signs
- Risk Factors
- How to Help
- What Not to Do
- Resources to Help
Do You Have Questions for MDE?
Please check the MDE COVID-19 Information webpage before emailing your questions to MDE staff. The answers to most of the questions we receive are addressed on the webpage. We also regularly add guidance, answers to new questions and links to our daily update email on this webpage. Daily updates are posted in the Administrator News section of the EdUpdate.