Questionnaires for connecting with students and families

You can learn a lot about your students’ abilities from prior work, testing, and records. But records alone aren’t the best way to learn who your students are. One way to get to know your students is to gather information directly from students and their families. These questionnaires can help.

Download the student and family questionnaires

The student questionnaires can help you learn about students’ strengths, interests, and challenges.

The family questionnaires can help you begin a healthy partnership to support your students. As educators, we know families are the foremost experts on their kids. They know what brings their child joy and what causes frustration. These are insights you don’t have access to without asking.

How to administer the questionnaires

The best time to give out the questionnaires is at the beginning of the school year. This way you can start the year with as much information as possible.

There are two ways to use the questionnaires. The first way is to invite students and families to write their responses. Be sure to explain the purpose of the exercise. You can also offer a follow-up meeting or phone call to discuss the responses.

The second way is to schedule a time to ask the questions face-to-face. These discussions often provide you with better information. They also give you a chance to read the questionnaire with struggling students.

During these conversations, give students and family members time to talk more about their responses. Pause so they can share what’s on their mind or bring up other issues.

No matter how and when you use the questionnaires, be sure to let students and families know that the information will be kept private.

For teachers of English language learners

The Spanish version of the questionnaire can help you better understand Spanish-speaking families. This way, you can find more effective ways to teach English language learners in school.

No matter the home language, keep in mind that families from some cultures may not be comfortable speaking with you. This is especially true when discussing disabilities. You may want to use a word like challenges when referring to disabilities. This may help families be more open to discussing anything their child is struggling with.

Also, if the family prefers to speak in person or by phone, arrange to use translation services (such as a colleague or a translation tool), if necessary.

Learn more about partnering with families of English language learners.

How to use the information

The questionnaires are only as useful as what you do with the responses. Melissa Sandler, a third-grade teacher in Maryland and an Understood Teacher Fellow, shared these tips:

• Let students and families know you reviewed their responses carefully.

• Refer to the questionnaires as talking points during parent-teacher conferences and other communication.

• Offer ideas for how you’ll act on the information.

• Translate those ideas into classroom practice as soon as possible.

In what other ways do you gather information from students and families? Here are a few more printables to consider using:

• Parent-teacher conference worksheet

• 3×3 card to get to know students

• Back-to-school update