ThoughtExchanges and surveys are two powerful tools that can help districts collect diverse perspectives, but their effectiveness depends on thoughtful design and execution. Below, we explore best practices to ensure your ThoughtExchange discussions and surveys generate insightful, actionable feedback:
Survey and Exchange Best Practices
Exchange Best Practices
Create a Compelling Introduction
The success of an Exchange starts with how you set the stage. Use an engaging introduction to provide context, outline the importance of participation, and highlight how the feedback will be used. Consider linking or uploading a short video, infographic, or document to make your introduction more dynamic and accessible.
Use Superlatives to Encourage Thoughtful Responses
Framing questions with superlatives like “most impactful,” “biggest challenge,” or “best opportunity” prompts respondents to prioritize their answers and provide deeper insights. For example, asking “What is the biggest barrier to student success in our district?” yields more actionable data than simply asking, “What challenges do you see?”
Monitor and Engage Throughout
Don’t just launch an Exchange—stay involved. Monitor responses to identify emerging themes, address concerns, catch inappropriate thoughts and encourage further participation. If engagement starts to decline, send a reminder highlighting early insights and reinforcing the value of continued contributions.
Include Demographic Questions
Including demographic questions (e.g., role in the district, grade level of child, school attended, etc.) allows for a more nuanced analysis of responses as well as the ability to filter by these responses later on. Understanding how perspectives vary across different groups can help tailor solutions more effectively.
Survey Best Practices
Use Accessible Language
Write survey questions in clear, simple language that all participants—parents, teachers, and students—can easily understand. This is especially important for multilingual communities, as straightforward wording translates better for those using translation tools.
State How Long It Takes
Clearly communicate the estimated time required to complete the survey (e.g., “This survey will take approximately 5 minutes”). Transparency about time commitment encourages higher participation rates.
Offer Balanced Response Options
Use a mix of question types—multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended—to capture a well-rounded view of opinions and experiences. This variety prevents survey fatigue and allows participants to express themselves in different ways.
Survey and Exchange Best Practices
Keep the Survey Open for Two Weeks and Send Reminders
Give respondents at least two weeks to participate and send periodic reminders through multiple channels (email, social media, newsletters). A well-timed reminder can significantly boost completion rates, ensuring a more representative sample.
Analyze and Share Results Transparently
Once the Exchange or survey concludes, communicate key takeaways and next steps. Summarize findings using advisor, link the results as slides, or for full transparency share a dynamic weblink. Making results visible builds trust and reinforces that participants' voices are valued and drive meaningful change.
By following these best practices, your district can maximize the effectiveness of ThoughtExchange discussions and surveys, leading to richer insights and more informed decision-making.