High Response Rates Through Collaborative Survey Practices: Lessons from Alaska's Trauma-Engaged Schools Partnership

In 2019, Alaska released Transforming Schools: A Framework for Trauma-Engaged Practice in Alaska to better equip educators in supporting students experiencing trauma. Since its release, the Transforming Schools Framework and its suite of supporting resources have been disseminated statewide. However, like many frameworks and initiatives, little was known about its use or impact. REL Northwest and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development partnered to develop and administer a statewide school-level survey to better understand the implementation of trauma-engaged practices and policies across the state. Through collaborative survey practices, this effort led to a response rate of nearly 60 percent of public schools in Alaska.

The process relied on four key steps:

• Identify needs and bring together key players.
• Collaborate to develop and refine the survey.
• Craft an administration plan.
• Encourage and monitor responses.

This handout, High Response Rates Through Collaborative Survey Practices: Lessons from Alaska's Trauma-Engage Schools Partnership, features an explanation of each step, lessons learned, and questions to consider for other districts and states.