September 14, 2009 - The Class of 2009 has graduated, but Austin School District officials are reviewing their comments in the 2009 High School Exit Survey, administered to seniors in every AISD high school last Spring.

The seniors were asked to respond to questions in seven topic areas: Postsecondary Intentions and Family Support; High School Experiences, Campus Climate, and Civic Engagement; Instruction and Technology; Postsecondary Preparation and Advising; Final Thoughts; and Open-Ended Comments.  
 
The response rate among seniors was 78.8 percent, or 3,365 students. With ethnic and gender distribution of the survey sample closely resembling the senior class, results can be considered representative of the entire senior class.  
 
Some key findings of the 2009 High School Exit Survey:  

• Ninety-three percent of seniors said they plan to continue their education within a year after graduation.
• Eighty-six percent said they felt well-prepared to meet college and career goals.
• Students were flexible in the college destinations, with many applying to multiple types of institutions. Sixty-two percent said they had applied to a four-year college, 41 percent to a two-year college, and 13 percent to a business/technical/vocational school.
• Students planned to finance college through a combination of numerous options. Fifty-six percent said they planned to pay for postsecondary education with scholarships and/or grants; 49 percent said they would use family or personal savings; and 38 percent said they would use loans.
• Among those who weren’t planning postsecondary education, 33 percent said they can’t afford to attend school.
• The number who said they planned to enter military service was 3.9 percent.
• Seniors rated the quality of instruction they received in high school in writing, mathematics, science, foreign languages, social studies, computer/technology, and performing/fine arts. For each of these subject areas, at least 64 percent rated the quality of instruction as Good or Excellent.
• About 33 percent reported their parents used Parent Connection to monitor their grades.
• Approximately two-thirds of seniors worked during the summer and/or during their senior year. Among those employed, the majority worked 16 or more hours per week.

 
 
In the open-ended section of the survey, seniors criticized the conditions of campus restrooms, dress codes, lunch options, and technology and cell phone restrictions.  
 
Conversely, a common sentiment expressed was appreciation for the assistance and support of campus and district staff. One student wrote, "I’m grateful that there were teachers at my school who were available at all times to help me out when I needed it."  
 
AISD’s full 2009 High School Exit Survey is available online at: http://www.austinisd.org/inside/docs/ope_08-59_2009_HS_Exit_Survey_Report_20090909.pdf