Long Beach : Schools Get High Marks in District Survey of Parents

Long Beach Unified School District officials got a morale boost recently when a survey of parents showed most are pleased with the quality of care and education their children are receiving, officials said.

Of the 862 parents telephoned earlier this year, 78% gave the school system an overall rating of A or B, 80% believe their children were safe at school and 62% believe that teachers are outstanding, district officials said. The district has about 75,000 students.

The survey was conducted by Management Analysis and Planning Associates, a consulting firm based in Berkeley.

“We’re obviously happy with the great percentage of people who are happy with the schools,” said Linda Moore, research project manager. “But we see areas that we want to work on, and find out what we can do about fixing them.”

Overcrowded classes appeared to be the parents’ strongest complaint, she said.

More than half of the parents surveyed believe classes are too large, and are concerned that their children aren’t receiving enough individual attention. According to 88% of those surveyed, the top priority at the district’s 59 elementary, 14 middle and six high schools should be improving student achievement.