Just Waiting to Be Asked: A Fresh Look at Attitudes on Public Engagement

Publication Date: March 2001

Publisher: Public Agenda Foundation

Author(s): Tony Foleno; Ann Duffett; Patrick Foley; Steve Farkas

Research Area: Education

Type: Report

Abstract:

School district leaders say they are eager for public engagement in educational decision making, but the venue they rely on most -- the school board meeting -- is primarily seen as a vehicle for the most vocal and disgruntled citizens. Teachers, of all the groups surveyed, feel the most ignored. Parents and the public would like to see more community involvement, but two-thirds say they're comfortable leaving decisions to the professionals. But those who rate their schools poorly are more likely to want to get directly involved