When asked to rate their level of agreement with a list of statements about Saskatoon Public Schools, respondents from the residential community generally gave high ratings for factors related to the quality of education provided by the school division.

The statement with which respondents from the residential community had the highest level of agreement (87%) was “Students in Saskatoon Public Schools receive a quality education.” Another statement that received a high level of agreement (83%) was “Saskatoon Public Schools make decisions that encourage growth, improvement, and innovation.” The statement with which these respondents had the lowest level of agreement (67%) was “Overall, the community has the appropriate level of input and involvement in Saskatoon Public Schools.”

When comparing 2007 results to those from 2005, there was substantial improvement for all survey items. In particular, the residential respondents were much more positive (22.8% improvement) regarding to financial decisions made in our Division. Another area that was rated higher (20% improvement) was extent to which we encourage growth, improvement, and innovation.

Respondent Comments - What are we doing well?

In response to the question, "What are we doing well?", respondents' comments followed three main themes

Provide an excellent education

  • “[SPS provides] good education as far as school subjects. I think they prepare them well for university and further.”
  • “I think [Saskatoon Public Schools’] level of education is comparable to most of Canada. It's a good level of education.”
  • “[SPS is doing a good job of] partnering with the community and the other school board. They are making the most of their money. Providing a quality education.”

Provide an interesting and exciting curriculum

  • “I'd say just offering alternate programs for kids that are beyond the traditional classes like before.”
  • “I like their new PWIM program…it is really good for the students…it causes the teachers to reassess the entire reading program.”
  • “In some [schools], the Arts are done quite well. I think that science and math are done quite well also. In community schools, they do a lot for kids who are marginalized.”

Provide valuable after-school activities

  • “They are trying to keep [students] busy, with community programs and extracurricular, [and] playgrounds for the young ones.”
  • “I think they are doing well in athletics and academics. [They provide] good football and basketball programs. The golf idea to start is good [too].”

Respondent comments - Where could we improve?

In response to the question, "Where could we improve?", respondents' comments followed three main themes

Effectiveness of the Curriculum

  • “Children need to have an appreciation of music and the arts. They need to stop cutting down on music and art.”
  • “Getting back to the basics. Like basic math and literature.”
  • “I believe there should be a physical education component to the student’s education that is not there.”
  • “I think some course should be offered like more economics or things that do prepare them a little better when they're out of school”

Increased involvement with the community and parents

  • “They need to communicate more with the public and let us know what their plan is.”
  • “Try and get the community more involved in the decisions they make about putting up new schools.”
  • “Give the public more information on what they are doing financially, and if they could tell us more about what is going on in the schools.”
  • “Educating the public about what they have to offer. What goals they have for the students.”

Increase discipline

  • “More student discipline. Work on getting rid of bullying.”
  • “There has to be more discipline in the school system. They have to teach the kids respect. It has to come from the schools as well as the families.”
  • “Discipline. Some problems are lack of responsibility to people’s property and bad language.”