For the first time, the annual "customer satisfaction" survey used scientific methods to establish a random sample of military parents whose responses are representative of the whole population of military parents in Hawaii (5 percent margin of error). Student surveys were also completed, but had a lower response rate and are less representative.

The project collected 1,806 completed questionnaires from parents at 39 schools (26 elementary, 6 middle/intermediate, 7 high) that have enrollments with 100 or more military dependents.

The survey was conducted under contract to the University of Hawaii's Curriculum Research and Development Group. Kathleen Berg, Ph.D., was the principal investigator.

Survey results will be used by the Joint Venture Education Forum, which is a partnership between the DOE and Hawaii's military communities, to guide JVEF activities and expenditure decisions that address the educational needs of the school system's military families. Approximately 14,500 military dependents attend public schools in Hawaii, or about 8 percent of the total enrollment. The surveyed schools enroll 11,100 of those students.

Results show general satisfaction, with more positive responses at the elementary level than the secondary level. The highest positive responses relate to issues pertaining to tolerance, safety, students enjoying school, and teachers caring for children. Low responses related to facilities, school appearance, access to a broad and challenging curriculum, and comparisons with previous schools. Overall, parents were most concerned with curriculum and academics, while students were most concerned with friendships and a sense of belonging.