K-12 education is in the midst of a dynamic transformation, presenting exciting opportunities and formidable challenges. To get a pulse on these changes and understand how we are transforming K-12, the Frontline Research and Learning Institute surveyed nearly 700 K-12 administrators. The insights from this report, “K-12 Lens: A Survey Report from Frontline Education,” spotlight key areas where districts can sharpen their operations and significantly enhance outcomes for both students and staff.
Eye-Opening Insights
Empowering Educators
- 67% of districts reported increased difficulty in staffing over the past year.
- 41% of districts maintained a staff retention rate between 81% and 90%.
- Over 96% believe that professional development will boost staff engagement and retention.
Championing Student Well-Being
- 52% of districts monitor early warning indicators (EWI) for grades 1-5, including attendance, behavior, and coursework.
- 50% can pinpoint which students receive interventions based on EWI data.
- 33% know the percentage of students who are chronically absent.
- 84% of public schools reported a decline in students’ behavioral development.
- 87% observed a negative impact on students’ social-emotional development during the 2021-22 school year.
Securing Our Future
- 25% of districts are not confident in their ability to budget for future technology needs.
- 45% experienced funding cuts due to changes in legislative measures.
- 88% of district business leaders found their budget predictions to be “somewhat, fairly, or very accurate.”
- Cyber-attacks on K-12 organizations spiked by 275% in 2023.
Smart Strategies for Success
Based on the survey results, here are some smart moves to tackle the challenges head-on:
For Empowering Educators
- Invest in comprehensive professional development programs to supercharge teacher engagement and retention.
- Automate HR processes to streamline recruitment, onboarding, and payroll, freeing HR staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Foster a supportive and vibrant work environment to attract and retain top-notch teachers.
- Tailor recruiting strategies to address localized shortages and boost candidate quality.
For Championing Student Well-Being
- Develop robust mental health and social-emotional learning programs to uplift students’ overall well-being.
- Use data-driven approaches to identify and support at-risk students, ensuring timely interventions.
- Equip educators with the resources and training needed to address diverse student needs effectively.
- Regularly screen students for mental health issues and track their progress with specialized software tools.
For Securing Our Future
- Allocate sufficient funds for technology upgrades and cybersecurity measures to protect district assets, a crucial aspect of transforming K-12.
- Implement effective asset management systems to track and maintain technology resources.
- Anticipate legislative impacts on funding and adapt budget strategies accordingly.
- Develop comprehensive cybersecurity plans and prepare for potential cyber-attacks with adequate budgeting.
Path to Transformation
The Frontline Research and Learning Institute’s survey offers a treasure trove of insights into how K-12 districts can elevate their operations. By focusing on empowering educators, championing student well-being, and securing our future, school leaders can create a resilient and effective educational environment. Implementing these smart strategies will help districts overcome current challenges and pave the way for brighter outcomes for both students and staff.
The findings from this survey are not just data points but a roadmap for transforming K-12. The potential to revolutionize education is within reach—embrace these strategies and watch your district thrive.
