Authentic Feedback

 

Craig Hockenberry Superintendent: Authentic Feedback, Student Advisory to the Superintendent

 

By Craig Hockenberry Superintendent

When I was the Superintendent of Schools at Three Rivers Local in Hamilton County we were able to receive a tremendous amount of feedback from our Faith Advisory, Parent Advisory, real estate forum, teachers, administrators, business advisory, Kiwanis Club, and many others.  They would give us advice on everything from school start times to how we should handle daily operations.  These groups had answers to everything we did.  While some of the feedback was really good and we were able to implement it other ideas they had were not possible. 

After reflecting on all the meetings, groups, and forums that I facilitated over the years I had an idea to start a monthly Student Advisory Group.  I asked each principal to identify seven kids from their school to serve on our districts first student advisory group.  After they identified the kids we planned for them to come to central office.  We set the room up and prepared to have lunch brought in for them while they participated in the group.  When arrived at first they were quiet and fairly reserved, however as soon as we broke them into groups of 5-6 and spread them throughout central office the work began and you could just feel the engagement.  

 

We gave them twenty minutes to discuss a specific topic that we needed feedback around from a student’s point of view and then broke them into groups of 5-6.  Then we brought them together and asked them to report out on the topic.  The conversation was incredible!  The feedback was exactly what we were looking for as everything they said had meaning because they were living it every day on campus.   We took perfect notes, shared the feedback with the principals, key leaders, and the board of education.  We implemented many of their ideas.  The group met once a month and we changed the theme each time.  They continued to give us incredible feedback.  If you are looking for authentic feedback ask your students!

Craig Hockenberry

 

 

 

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