Yorba Linda High School begins second decade with high marks from students, staff, parents

Yorba Linda High School begins a second decade of serving the community this year with high marks from students, parents and staff for offering strong programs in a safe campus environment.

That's the gist of evaluations gleaned from a survey of stakeholders released in the closing days of the school's 10^th anniversary year. The survey is significant due to a high response rate from students (62%) and staff (72%), though returns from parents (21%) lagged.

Nine of 20 questions were common to all three groups, and 11 were unique to each group. The survey has become an annual tradition, with results closely analyzed by school leaders.

The “agree” and “strongly agree” responses to 19 questions far exceeded the “neutral” and “disagree” responses, with the highest percentage of “agrees” on a query about opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities (83% of students, 89% of parents and 97% of staff).

Other “agrees” from students and parents were about providing services for students' academic, personal or health problems (52% and 65%), and other “agrees” from staff were about rules and policies “fairly, consistently and effectively” enforced (70%). The latter had “agrees” from 55% of students and 68% of parents.

The campus as a “positive learning environment” had “agrees” from 61% of students, 78% of parents and 96% of staff, while students feeling “supported, welcomed and valued” by campus adults garnered “agrees” from 58% of students, 75% of parents and 96% of staff.

Students feeling safe at school had “agrees” from 71% of students, 84% of parents and 96% of staff.

The most “agrees” on a student question was for providing enough books, supplies and equipment (79%), while the lowest was for using the information “learned in one class to complete work in another class” (35%).

One interesting student question had 75% “agrees”: “I am often asked to show understanding in ways other than printed tests,” such as projects, presentations, group discussions, writing assignments and oral tests.

Highest parent “agrees” were for clearly communicating behavioral expectations and attendance policies (86%). Lowest were for “satisfaction” with teachers offering support to students to ensure academic success (64%).

Highest staff “agrees” were for school leaders making decisions and initiating programs to help all students achieve the school's mission (92%). Lowest were for “productive and meaningful” late-start days (54%).

Each group was asked what they “liked best” about the school, with oft-mentioned answers including overall quality of teaching, positive staff, spirit, activities and a safe, clean campus.

Among common “what would you improve” answers: More tutoring, counseling and assistance for struggling students; consistent application of school rules and policies, including dress code and bullying; and too much class paperwork and homework (from students and parents).