What parents think about masks, vaccinations, education – the Rhode Island Educational Survey

The Bryant University Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership conducted a survey of Rhode Island parents and their feelings about their children’s education, safety and concerns. The Rhode Island Educational Survey was executed by Fleming & Associates.

Here are the overall findings. Gary Sasse, founding director of the Institute, has said that this study reveals a broad finding that parents don’t feel as though they are being listened to and the state should use this to revamp their approach to school issues surrounding COVID moving forward.

While over 80% of parents support children wearing masks in school, it’s 50/50 on whether or not they support vaccinating their children.

The full study can be accessed, below, after the Highlights of Findings.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS

o Almost 7 out of 10 parents of public school children are very or somewhat concerned that their child has fallen behind as a result of school disruptions caused by the Coronavirus.

o Three-fourths of urban parents believe their child has fallen behind as a result of school disruptions caused by the Coronavirus, 73% are concerned with their child getting exposed to Covid-19 at school and 35% are concerned about the safety of their child at school.

o Two-thirds of parents believe that if the state goes back to virtual learning their child will fall behind in school.

o Seventy-seven percent of parents are very or somewhat satisfied with the steps their child’s school is taking to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

o Sixty-four percent of parents are very or somewhat concerned with their child getting exposed to Covid-19 at school.

o Almost 80% of parents support students wearing masks as school

o Fifty-two percent of parents oppose requiring all students over the age of 5 to get vaccinated in order to attend school while 39% support it.

o Forty-two percent of parents think at this time their child’s school is not adequately staffed with teachers and 42% said they are also not adequately staffed with substitute teachers.

o Eighty-five percent of parents are very or somewhat satisfied with the quality of education their child is receiving.

o Seventy-seven percent of parents said that most teachers at their local schools are doing an excellent or good job.

o Parents are divided on if their voice is being heard in determining the educational policies and programs in their community.

o Six out of 10 parents said that they do not trust that state standardized test results give an accurate picture of their child.

o One out of four parents said they are concerned about the safety of their child at school

About the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership

To provide public official and others involved in the development, management, and execution of public policy with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and manage responsive organizations in order to lead effectively.

Originally the Bryant Institute for Public Leadership, the Hassenfeld Institute was founded in 2010 through generous financial support from Alan G. Hassenfeld, former Bryant trustee and chair of the Executive Committee of Hasbro, Inc.

The Institute is currently led by Founding Director Gary Sasse, whose long career in public service includes roles as Director of Rhode Island’s Department of Revenue and Administration as well as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council.

Since launching, the Institute’s customized programs have enabled state and local leaders to access university-level training in topics such as design thinking, communications, strategic planning, and leadership. Through Bryant University’s distinguished, interdisciplinary faculty, the Hassenfeld Institute provides practical, relevant skills to public and non-profit organizations.

The first leadership development seminar in 2010 brought together newly elected Mayoral teams to effectively prepare them for the transition from campaigning to governing. Now the Institute’s signature program, the biennial Newly Elected Leaders Orientation welcomes over 100 municipal and education officials from all 39 cities and towns to prepare new public leaders for their first term in office.

Today, the Institute provides a broad range of services, including public opinion surveys, policy briefs, and case studies. As a non-partisan organization, the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership also serves as a neutral third party for working group facilitation.