RLIS District Coordinator Survey

RLIS District Coordinator Survey for the Evaluation of the

Implementation of the Rural and Low-Income Schools (RLIS) Program

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number.  The valid OMB control number for this information collection is xxxx-xxxx.  The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection.  If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651.  If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Erica Lee, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD), Policy and Program Studies Service, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202.

Responses to this data collection will be used only for statistical purposes. The reports prepared for this study will summarize findings across the sample and will not associate responses with a specific district/state or individual. We will not provide information that identifies you or your district/state to anyone outside the study team, except as required by law.

Your cooperation in completing this survey will help to make the results of this evaluation comprehensive, reliable, and timely.

1) In addition to the primary goal of making Adequate Yearly Progress, to what extent are the following a focus for your district's use of RLIS funds?

	Not a focus	Minimal focus	Moderate focus	Major focus
a. Increasing student achievement in a particular subject area				
b. Reducing the high school drop-out rate				
c. Improving the quality of instruction				
d. Improving the ability of English language learners to achieve proficiency in English and reach high academic standards				
e. Ensuring that all students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning				
f. Addressing issues specific to rural location, e.g., retaining teachers, providing distance learning opportunities, etc.				

2) In addition to the primary goal of making Adequate Yearly Progress and those listed above, are RLIS funds used to meet any other goals?

 No → Go to question 4

 Yes → Go to question 3

3) Please list any additional goals.

4) To what extent are the following activities a focus for your district's use of RLIS funds?

	Not a focus	Minimal focus	Moderate focus	Major focus
a. Teacher recruitment and retention, including the use of signing bonuses and other financial incentives				
b. Teacher professional development				
c. Educational technology, including software and hardware				
d. Parental involvement activities				
e. Activities authorized under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program				
f. Activities authorized under Title I, Part A				
g. Language instruction for ELL/LEP students				

5) Are there any other activities that are a focus for your district's use of RLIS funds?

 No → Go to question 7

 Yes → Go to question 6

6) Please list any other activities that are a focus for your district's use of RLIS funds.

7) To what extent do you feel your district has made progress toward its RLIS goals and objectives, including the goal of making Adequate Yearly Progress?

 No progress → Go to question 11

 Minimal progress → Go to question 8

 Moderate progress → Go to question 8

 Goals and objectives have been accomplished → Go to question 8

8) To what extent has the RLIS funding contributed to your district's progress towards its RLIS goals and objectives?

	No contribution	Minimal contribution	Moderate contribution	Major contribution
a. Making Adequate Yearly Progress				
b. Increasing student achievement in a particular subject area				
c. Reducing the high school drop-out rate				
d. Improving the quality of instruction				
e. Improving the ability of English language learners to achieve proficiency in English and reach high academic standards				
f. Ensuring that all students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning				
g. Addressing issues specific to rural location, e.g., retaining teachers, providing distance learning opportunities, etc.				

9) Has RLIS funding contributed to your district’s progress towards any other goals and objectives?

 No → Go to question 11

 Yes → Go to question 10

10) Please list the other RLIS goals and objectives.

11) Do you communicate with your State Education Agency specifically about the RLIS Program?

 No → Go to question 14

 Yes → Go to question 12

12) On what topics do you communicate? (Mark all that apply)

 Eligibility for RLIS funds

 RLIS application process

 Allowable costs

 Planning/developing RLIS-funded activities

 Other (please specify)

If you selected other, please specify:

13) How often do you communicate with your State Education Agency about the RLIS Program?

 Rarely (1-2 times per year)

 Occasionally (Monthly or every other month)

 Frequently (More than once a month)

14) To what extent have you received technical assistance or guidance from your State Education Agency for the RLIS Program?

 Not at all → Go to question 20

 To a minimal extent → Go to question 15

 To a moderate extent → Go to question 15

 To a great extent → Go to question 15

15) How did you use the information and/or technical assistance provided by your State Education Agency? (Mark all that apply)

 To complete our application or comprehensive plan for funds

 To learn about/check on appropriate use of funds

 To identify areas needing attention

 To come up with new ideas for spending RLIS funds

 Other (please specify)

If you selected other, please specify:

16) How helpful have you found the following forms of state technical assistance?

	Did not receive	Received, but not helpful	Minimally helpful	Moderately helpful	Very helpful
a. Handbook or guidelines in handbook on appropriate use of RLIS funds					
b. Conference or workshop presentations on RLIS program					
c. Information provided on RLIS program on state website					
d. Checklist on appropriate use of funds					
e. Workshops or conference sessions devoted to receipt of RLIS funds					
f. District budget review of RLIS fund appropriations					

17) Are there any other forms of state technical assistance that you have found to be helpful?

 No → Go to question 19

 Yes → Go to question 18

18) Please list the other forms of state technical assistance that you have found to be helpful.

19) Do you have any suggestions for other types of technical assistance or guidance that would be useful for you in your RLIS Program?

 No → Go to question 21

 Yes → Go to question 20

20) What kinds of technical assistance or guidance would you like to receive from your State Education Agency for the RLIS Program?  Please explain.

21) Do you have any suggestions for improvement of the RLIS Program?

 No → Go to question 23

 Yes → Go to question 22

22) What suggestions do you have for improvement of the RLIS program?  Please explain.

23) Is there anything else you think we should know about your district’s RLIS program?

 No → End of survey

 Yes → Go to question 24

24) What else should we know about your district's RLIS program?  Please explain.

Thank you for taking our survey and participating in this evaluation!

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