Brainerd Public Schools is participating in the Minnesota Student Survey for grades 5-11 in April. The Minnesota Student Survey is an anonymous statewide survey that has taken place every three years since 1989. The goal of the survey is to gain insights into the world of students and their experiences.
It is important to know that the survey is voluntary and students and families may choose not to participate in the survey at any time. All questions are optional, so students may choose to skip questions that they would like to decline to answer. The survey takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks students about their activities, opinions, behaviors, and experiences. Students respond to questions on school climate, bullying, out-of-school activities, healthy eating, emotional health, substance use, and connections with school and family. Questions about sexual behaviors are asked only of high school students. For families who wish to preview the questions, links to the survey can be found here:
This survey is important. Minnesota schools, organizations, and local and state governments request this data and use the data to make decisions about programs and policies that will be beneficial based on the survey data. For instance, the state increased assistance around youth vaping and mental health for schools after the 2019 survey results revealed needs in these areas. Crow Wing County requests this data to support county programming as well. This data is also helpful for the district when applying for grants to increase student programming and when doing strategic planning.
Again, the survey and its results are voluntary and anonymous. Students do not provide their names, student identification numbers, or other personal information. Please contact your child’s school if you would like to opt out of the survey.
Thank you for your continued partnership and collaboration.