Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

What is the AIM survey?

 

AIM, which stands for the Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism, is designed to evaluate diversity, multiculturalism, equity, and justice in independent schools.  It was developed by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). 

 

What do we mean by “diversity” and “inclusion?”

 

Our definitions of diversity and inclusion go beyond race and ethnicity.  We’re defining diversity as all differences – both visible and invisible – that define who we are, including differences in thought, style, background and approach.

 

For us, inclusion refers to a culture that embraces, respects and celebrates all types of differences in our community.

 

Why are we conducting this survey?

 

The issues of diversity and multiculturalism were identified through the Brunswick School accreditation process as areas our community wanted to advance.  The information gathered in this survey will assist in addressing a major goal in our strategic planning to build and sustain a more inclusive school community.

 

Additionally, we want to know how all of our community members feel about their personal experience with the School, and to help us identify specific actions we can take to make our school an even better place for everyone.

 

Is the survey in response to a specific incident at the school?

 

No.  We’re taking a strategic, proactive approach to strengthen our school and community.

 

Who reads the completed surveys?

 

Your individual surveys are collected by an outside vendor, Insightlink, contracted by NAIS.  No individual surveys are shared with the School.  Group results are reported, i.e., all faculty, students, etc. 

 

Written comments are reported verbatim, but are not assigned to an individual.

 

Administrators will read the overall survey analysis for the community and the overall survey results and comments for their division.

 

 

 

Will the School know who takes the survey and who does not?

 

No.

 

What if I have concerns that aren’t answered in the survey?

 

You will have the option to add comments.  However, please be aware that comments are reported exactly as they are written. 

 

Who will be invited to participate?

 

Almost everyone in our community

 

When will the students take the survey?

 

The link for the survey will be sent through the student’s first class email for the student to complete at home.  For middle school students who would like the use of a computer at school, they may take the survey in the computer lab.

 

What if I fall into 2 categories, i.e., a trustee and a parent?

 

Choose the first category suggested that describes your constituency, i.e., Trustee, Administrator, Faculty, Staff, Parent/Guardian, Alum – in that order, and then answer the rest of the survey questions based on that affiliation.

 

What if I have children at more than one school location? 

 

Select the school location that you feel is most important to get your feedback.  Then, include feedback about the other school location in your comments.

 

How is the data analyzed?

 

The external vendor, Insightlink, will provide an overall summary that gives us participation rates by constituent group, i.e., parents, students, etc.; and overall favorable scores vs. “high-priority concerns.”  We will review written comments to add to the analysis.

 

 

 

 

How will we use the results?

 

To inform our Strategic Plan and fulfill a major objective in our accreditation action plan –  “Increase and support diversity.”  There is an understanding that in order to increase the diversity of the student body, families and faculty, that growth in inclusion and support structures must be enhanced through all aspects of the school environment. To do  this, we must first know where we are  now. We expect that the survey will help us understand the current experience of our community members, allow us to identify tangible initiatives that will advance our objective and potentially enhance the Brunswick School community experience for everyone.

 

The AIM Steering Committee will report back to the Administration and the individual school’s diversity committees, all who will share in taking leadership in developing  initiatives. Most likely, we will identify key initiatives, which will have the most impact for the school community.