Highlights from the NOLA-PS Stakeholder Survey: A Look into Reopening Our Schools
To better understand how to help students, parents, and teachers feel safe and supported when returning to school
in the fall, New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS) launched a community stakeholder survey. The survey launched on
May 27, 2020 and closed on June 8, 2020. During this time, 7,227 individuals responded. Of those, 66% were parents,
21% were educators, 8% were students and 5% were members of the community. Of the parents who responded,
65% have children in Pre-K - 4th grade, 45% have children in 5th – 8th grade, 33% have children in high school and 2.5%
have children in post-secondary.
The goal of the survey was to gather feedback on the initial distance learning experience for the NOLA-PS community
as well as to discover what different stakeholders are prioritizing as they consider returning to school for the 20202021 school year.
KEY FINDINGS:
Finding #1: The overwhelming majority of students, parents and educators reported feeling well supported by their
schools during the transition to distance learning this spring.
Finding #2: All respondents prioritize the health and safety of students and teachers when considering a return to
school in August.
Finding #3: Parents are uncertain about sending students to school in August and many, along with educators, want
to ensure that there are options for how students remain engaged and learn.
STUDENTS
Overwhelmingly, students felt supported while learning remotely this spring.
o More than 70% of students strongly agree or agree that they received appropriate levels of support from
schools this past spring.
Students benefited from direct engagement with teachers and peers while distance learning.
o 41% of students said direct engagement with teachers was helpful to them.
o 17% said peer accountability and engagement was helpful.
When considering returning to school, students want to minimize health risks.
o 66% of students said minimizing health risks was a top priority to them for reopening planning.
PARENTS
Parents overwhelmingly agree they had access to key supports in the transition to distance learning
o 86% strongly agree or agree their child had reliable access to a device to communicate with teachers.
o 86% strongly agree or agree their child had reliable access to internet.
o 85% strongly agree or agree their school kept them regularly informed about important updates.
o 77% strongly agree or agree they were support by teachers and schools in implementing remote learning.
More than half of parents would like a distance learning option for the 2020-2021 school year.
o 56% of parents would like their school to offer distance learning as an option next year.
o 46% of parents are open to sending their children back to school if schools reopen.

 More than half of parents are open to a staggered schedule, so students could return to school.
o 64% would be able to do every other day at the school.
o 50% would be able to do AM/PM at the school.
o 37% would be able to do alternating weeks.
o 19% would not be able to do any of these options.
o Among parents with students at different schools, 86% would prefer their students attend school on the
same day.
Parents are prioritizing safety when considering a return to school for students.
o 80% of parents said minimizing health risks was a top priority to them for reopening planning.
o 63% of parents said students and staff must regularly wash their hands.
o 62% of parents said that hand sanitizer would need to be in every classroom.
o 59% of parents said that there would need to be staff training on preventing Covid-19 spread.
o 51% of parents said schools must be cleaned at least once a day.
Parents expressed the need for clear guidance from teachers about how to keep students on track.
o 88% of parents said it would be helpful to have summaries of what their children were required to learn to be
at grade level.
o 87% of parents said that it would be helpful to receive guidance on which tasks/assignments to prioritize
each day.
o 85% of parents said it would be helpful to have someone to help when questions arise.
EDUCATORS
Educators overwhelming felt supported by their schools during the transition to distance learning this spring.
o 84% reported that their school kept them informed.
o 79% reported feeling supported.
Educators are concerned about their own safety and their emotional well-being as well as their students’
moving into the school year, and training is needed to support them in implementing distance learning.
o 63% cite wanting resources on mental health in advance of the school year.
o 28% cite that they did not receive development on distance learning this past spring.
o 49% cite that they would not feel safe if they had to return to work right now.
When considering a return to school, educators are even more supportive of precautionary measures that support
cleanliness and hygiene than parents.
o 82% said minimizing health risks was a top priority to them for reopening planning.
o 66% said hand sanitizer must be in place in order for them to feel comfortable returning to work.
o 56% said they need the school to be cleaned at least once a day to feel comfortable returning to work.
o 56% said staff must be trained on CDC guidance to feel comfortable returning to work.