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ST. george – The Utah Board of Education is seeking feedback on the Student Health and Risk Prevention Program after concerns were raised in a survey of the program earlier this summer.
The SHARP survey is a questionnaire given to each student that asks specific questions that highlight mental health issues and risk behaviors. The questions are intended to help teachers, education administrators, and health professionals identify and respond to the needs of students.
The SHARP survey is part of a federal program that collects data on students and helps provide funding to support initiatives and programs that benefit student health. The survey is administered at the state level by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
During the meeting, the board expressed concerns about the program after several Utah Department of Health and Human Services representatives presented the program and its 2023 plans. The final result asked the board to provide feedback to the 2023 SHARP Research Planning Committee.
The Board and several representatives of SHARP Surveys engaged in several rounds of concerns and debates, which did not lead to consensus.
The validity of the survey, particularly data collection and whether the survey was mandatory or rewarded students for participating, was raised.
Many trustees said they were concerned about applying the questionnaire to a certain age group of students, especially sixth graders, because the survey contained 120 questions.
“As someone who has given this test to students, the questions are mind-numbing,” District 3 Trustee Matt Hymas said at a previous board meeting. “You’re going to open some things up with some of the kids if they’re having trouble reading these questions to see if they missed them. Some of them are going to burn out.”
As a result, Hymas, among other trustees, said these students cannot truly answer, skip or tick boxes without reading the questions and answers.
“I’m sure every question is important to you, but not to a sixth grader,” Hymas said.
He then recommended reducing the SHARP survey to 50 questions.
“I’m 42 years old, and it was hard for me to go through it,” Hymas said.
Trustee Laura Belknap added she was concerned the questions were “leading” and mentally guiding children to answer certain answers. She also said she was concerned that parents were not properly informed that their children would not be required to participate in the survey and that they could opt out.
The issues raised by the board ranged from the number of questions to the quality of the questions. The wording of the questions and the use of certain words raised concerns from many trustees.
According to a media release issued by the Utah Board of Education, despite concerns expressed by board administrators, ” USBE staff have been asked to convene a working group to investigate the issues raised. USBE will reconsider whether to provide management support for the 2023 SHARP survey during its October meeting. “
As part of this, the staff is seeking input and feedback on, but not limited to, the SHARP survey. SHARP survey questions, methods used to administer SHARP, ways an organization uses SHARP survey data and other feedback. And feedback should be as detailed and detailed as possible.
They also seek input from organizations such as human service nonprofits and others. If they are responding to an organization, they will ask the representative to report if they are authorized to speak on behalf of the organization.
The move has left many counselors, school staff and parents frustrated that the SHARP program has not received state board support.
Steven Dunham, director of communications and foundations for the Washington County School District, said it’s important to note that the state board is not in the process of discontinuing the SHARP survey.
“Instead, they’re analyzing the use and success of this survey and the data it’s providing to school districts and states,” he said.
A school district counselor, Ryan Stephenson, told St. George News that he supports the SHARP program and the survey.
“The main reason we support the SHARP survey is because it gives us a baseline of our students’ behavior and where our counseling efforts are headed,” Stephens said. “We look at that data and decide which classroom instruction activities are warranted.”
Dunham said the Washington County School District supports the SHARP program.
“For us, we and our board are very supportive of the SHARP survey and the valuable information it provides,” he said, adding that they cannot get this information anywhere else.
The survey will allow the district to measure the needs of local students by comparing data to state and national results, he said.
“This information is shared with our supporting partners at Southwest Behavioral and Mental Health and our drug prevention programs,” he said. “This information is used heavily when applying for state and federal grants to help prevent substance abuse, suicide, and other at-risk behaviors. These grants total more than $2 million and provide staff, resources, and educational and emotional support to students.
According to their media release, the state board emphasized two specific facts about the SHARP survey.
- Participation in SHARP is a local decision for each school district or charter. The state board position does not prevent local education agencies from participating in SHARP.
- USB does not provide financial support for the administration of the SHARP study. No funding is affected by the USE decision, and SHARP participation will still be free for all participating schools.
To provide input or feedback on a SHARP survey; Click here.
Copyright Saint George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.
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