SamTastic Weekly Tip - 5/31/22: Try a Few Exit Interviews with Students
May 31, 2022
Today’s Tip: Try a few exit interviews with students
Last week we shared how SAM leaders can conduct exit interviews with retiring teachers and support staff. This can be a great way to learn how to improve your work improving teaching practice and relationships.
Why not try exit interviews with students? Many SAM principals make a point of talking with students who are leaving the school to hear their ideas: what they liked, didn’t like and would change. These principals learn a lot and often can use the information to better support teaching and learning.
You can interview randomly selected students who are finishing their time at your school or every student. You could do this with a survey… but will likely learn more conversing with students.
Here’s a few sample questions…but most anything will work as long as it is open ended.
“We are going to miss you. Can you tell me what you enjoyed most about attending our school?”
“Are there staff members you will miss?”
“Which adults were most helpful?”
“Are there things you didn’t like about attending our school?”
“If you were principal, what would you change?
Exit interviews can be instructive and fun. Leaders who use end of year exit interviews report they learn a lot from hearing about school from the student’s point of view.