Activity: Iowa Youth Survey
Dates: Spring (Administered every two years. Will not be administered during the 2022-2023 school year.)
Grades: 6, 8, and 11
Summary: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) directs the Iowa Youth Survey. The purpose of the survey is to collect information from Iowa youth so we can better understand their beliefs, values, and decisions about what makes them feel secure, strong, and safe in their communities, schools, and families. In addition, information is collected about their experiences with and ideas about alcohol, tobacco, drugs, bullying and harassment, and violence prevention. The information collected helps state planning agencies, schools, and local community task forces put together valuable future programming. It is important to ask children to tell us what is good and working about their lives in Iowa and what needs improvement.
Some areas on the questionnaire will have sensitive questions about tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and thoughts on violence and safety. It is important to remember that our school children do not live in identical environments. All children and families do not have the same beliefs, attitudes, or values. Your child/children may make very different life choices than other children. If we are going to plan programming that keeps all children safe and connected to their families, schools, and communities, we need to know what all Iowa children are thinking, saying, and doing.
The behavioral health portion of the survey asks questions about mental health, bullying, and adult student relationships. The information collected will help the district educate youth about mental health issues, including available resources. The survey asks questions about mental health, bullying, and adult student relationships. The information collected will help the district educate youth about mental health issues, including available resources.