More than 33,000 Round Rock ISD parents, guardians, students, and staff completed a survey responding to questions about challenges and successes of at-home learning during the COVID-19 school closures. The survey was distributed to families of English and Spanish-speaking households in late May. Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees heard a report on the survey findings at their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 28.

Collectively, survey groups cited lack of teacher/classmate/colleague interaction and collaboration as the biggest challenge of at-home learning. Other key takeaways:

  • Biggest challenges for parents were balancing their own work and helping their child, helping multiple children, and teaching like a teacher would.
  • Of the groups surveyed, parents had the strongest preference for scheduled/live online instruction.
  • At this time, 63% of parents say they would be comfortable with their students returning to campus.
  • Majority of students spent 1-3 hours a day on schoolwork.
  • Students adjusted well to using Google Classroom and Google Hangouts to meet with teachers.
  • Secondary students adjusted well to working independently, self-paced learning, and managing stress.
  • All students’ biggest adjustment was less interaction with their teachers and classmates.
  • Staff had the highest ratings of adapting well to school closure.
  • Staff also reported finding balancing work and children a challenge.
  • Staff had the strongest preference of groups surveyed for self-paced instruction with periodic check-ins.
  • At this time 60% of district-based and 68% of campus-based staff would be comfortable returning to campus.

During the summer months, the District will continue to keep families informed about the process and planning for the upcoming school year with a twice-monthly Summer E-newsletter. Stay connected with Round Rock ISD through our website, download the District App, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and opportunities to share your input and feedback with the District.