Alaska adults not making the grade

MAT-SU -- A survey conducted by the Association of Alaska School Boards has found that while most Alaska adults agree on the importance of adult support for healthy youth development, many did not follow through on providing such support.

The results from the statewide survey "Grading Grownups -- Alaska Style" pointed out a gap between what Alaska adults say is important to do for youth, and what they actually do.

"We do a lot of surveying and testing to determine how Alaska youth are doing, but this is one of the first surveys to look at the role adults are (or are not) playing in creating a supportive environment in which Alaska youth can thrive," said Debbie Ossiander, an AASB board of directors member.

The Anchorage School District, Municipality of Anchorage and United Way of Anchorage joined AASB in releasing the survey results. AASB hopes the results will shed some light throughout Alaska on how parents and other adults can help children succeed.

"This survey is yet another reminder to the community that parental involvement and community support will be essential in our ability to help kids succeed in school and in life," said Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau.

The purpose of the survey was to identify and measure:

What adults believe are the most important behaviors for adults to do to help children and youth be successful.

To what extent they believe adults in their community act on those beliefs.

General perception adults have of youth, local schools and media reporting.

Settings where adults currently get to know and support youth.

Ivan Moore Research conducted the telephone survey. It surveyed 391 Alaska adults statewide, yielding a 5 percent margin of error.

The following are highlights from the survey:

Ninety-one percent of adults believe it is very important to encourage youth to take school seriously and to do their best in school, yet only 47 percent of adults do it.

Ninety-one percent of adults believe it is very important to teach youth respect for all people regardless of race, culture or religion, yet only 35 percent of adults do it.

Ninety percent of adults believe it is very important to teach youth basic values like honesty, respect, cooperation and responsibility, yet only 26 percent of adults do it.

Ossiander said the association purposely chose to release the survey around the holidays.

"We wanted to remind everyone that it's not the presents under the tree that count -- it's your presence and genuine interest in the lives of kids that are important," she said.