Last week the Bunker wrote a case study blog post for a college conducting graduate surveys. This blog post is a case study summary of an online graduate survey targeted to high school graduates.

Background: A local school district partnered with Research & Marketing Strategies (RMS) Inc. to conduct an online survey with recent graduates. The objective of the research was to obtain primary feedback from the past seven years worth of graduates regarding their current life state status (employment, enrollment into college, military, workforce, travel, etc.), evaluating how this “actuality” compares with their expectations. Secondary objectives of the research included determining how well the graduates felt their secondary school experience prepared them to meet the new life skill demands of the 21st Century, as well as obtaining their suggestions for program content enhancements and class offerings. In addition to the main survey content, the survey also collected the information of students willing to participate in a research panel that served as a ready contact database for future interaction and surveying.

Approach: In order to provide all students with an opportunity to participate, an introductory letter was sent from the superintendent office’s to each graduate’s last known mailing address. The introductory letter served as either a survey invitation for the graduate or as a way to collect the graduate’s current contact information from the graduate’s parents/guardians. Follow-up emails were sent to graduate’s whose information was submitted. Letters were sent to recent graduates (all available addresses). Additionally the survey link was published on the school’s website and social media pages. A total of 269 surveys were completed by graduates.

Results: Here were a few key takeaways from the study –

• 85% – Graduates that were satisfied (4 or 5) on a scale of 1 to 5 with the education they received at the district.
• 76% – Graduates that felt their education was better compared to other high schools.
• Reading (77%), teamwork and collaboration (71%), and writing skills (70%) were skills with the highest satisfaction. This used the same 1 to 5 scale.

• Personal finance (27%), public speaking and presentation (45%), and specializations related to careers (45%) were the three skills with the lowest satisfaction. This used the same 1 to 5 scale.

• 75% – Graduates that indicated they were prepared (4 or 5) on a scale of 1 to 5 for their post-high school plans.
• 67% – Graduates who stated they were math ready (4 or 5) on a scale of 1 to 5.
• 79% – Graduates who stated they were reading and writing ready (4 or 5) on a scale of 1 to 5.

Are you a college or school district interested in conducting an online graduate survey to obtain feedback from former attendees? Contact our Business Development Director Sandy Baker, at SandyB@RMSresults.com or our Business Development Associate Marc Bovenzi, at MarcB@RMSresults.com. Both can be reached at 1-866-567-5422.