After completing the selected-response portion of the strategic planning survey, respondents had an opportunity to share their thoughts in greater detail by answering the following open-ended questions:

• What other issues/trends does the district need to pay attention to as we plan for the future?

• What is the single most pressing issue the district must address in the next five years?

• What suggestion(s) might you make to help address this issue?

• What hopes or dreams do you have for Vancouver Public Schools?

Several broad themes were identified from the respondents’ input:

• Personalize learning for all students, from low to high performing

• Program and service options
• Multiple teaching methods
• Technology
• Student-teacher ratio

• Move beyond the WASL (too narrow)
• Incorporate the academic, social, emotional, and physical aspects of learning

• Post-secondary plans and transitions
• Higher education and/or careers in the global marketplace

• Emulate or replicate successful models

• Teach critical and creative thinking skills

• Engage students in learning that is fun, relevant, interactive, collaborative, and hands-on

• Ensure clear guidelines and expectations for student behavior

• Respect for authority
• Responsibility for learning
• Accountability

• Provide up-to-date technology

• Ensure equity among schools

• Integrate technology into teaching practices

• Help students develop essential technology skills

• Provide necessary training for staff

• Acknowledge students’ diverse backgrounds and needs

• Help all students achieve beyond their home situations and present economic circumstances

• Support students and families that are dealing with poverty, disability, and mental health issues

• Create a safety net for students and staff members in need

• Plan for population growth in impacted areas of the community

• Develop ways to deal with disruptive influences in schools (e.g., discipline, gangs, drugs)

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