Mountain Brook Student Survey To Be Given October 22

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL - Feedback from students has been a proven way to gauge how well a school system's programs are working, and the Mountain Brook Board of Education will give out student surveys to students in grades 7-12 October 22 to get that feedback. The survey will focus on, among other issues, stress and suicide risk, substance abuse, safety and support.

Amanda Hood, director of student services, survey was designed to be a more focused alternative to the PRIDE survey, which was mandatory for all students in previous years, according to a report by Village Living. Because the PRIDE survey is no longer paid for by the state and school officials found some sections did not pertain to nor address concerns for Mountain Brook students, MBS developed a new online, district-specific survey.

Hood said 82 percent of students in grades 9-12 felt significant stress over the course of the previous year, according to last year's survey. The main concerns by students were academics, futures and college acceptances. In the coming year, Hood said, “helping differentiate what is normal and what is significant stress will be important for us.”

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Hood said alcohol “is probably our biggest issue,” but added that results from last year’s survey indicated usage has decreased over the years, although according to the survey, 44 percent of teens had consumed alcohol in the last month, compared to the national average of 33 percent.

Hood also said use of other substances have decreased over the years, but e-cigarettes are becoming more popular.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch