The following charts were derived from data collected by the Public Policy Research Lab at the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs, LSU. Audience members were given a survey before participating in the Louisiana Public Square program, and after the program. The charts compare the "Before" and "After" responses. The program, titled Education, Grades K - 12, aired August 18, 2004

Here are some of the highlights from this month’s surveys.

There was a clear increase in optimism about the future of the schools.

There was also an increase in the percent that believe charter schools would make a difference.

Support for technology went from 80% to 100%. All doubters disappeared.

There was an increase in support for the idea that pre-k will make a difference. Before the program, 60% felt pre-K programs made a difference; after, 80% felt that way.

There was a remarkable increase in the percent of respondents saying government should play role where parents are not doing what they should.

As in past programs, the number of participants who felt government paid attention to citizen opinions went up. Before the program, more than 40% felt the government paid “not much” attention; after, only 20% felt that way. Before the program, only 11 % thought government paid “a good deal” of attention; after, 30% had that opinion.

NOTE:
The respondents who showed up in the studio differed from the total sample recruited for the program in several ways. They were:

• More likely to say that the schools were worse than in other states in the region.

• A bit more likely to say "don't know" on some of these questions.

• More positive about the future of education in Louisiana.

• More likely to say funding levels were very important.

• Less likely to say testing teachings, buildings and technology were important.

• More likely to support additional taxes for local schools.

Q1. Would you say that that public education in Louisiana is better than, about the same, or worse than other Southern states?

Q7. Would you say that teacher quality in Louisiana public schools is very important, important, somewhat important, or not very important?

Q8. Would you say that increasing teacher pay in Louisiana public schools would make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or it would make thngs worse? 

Q9. Would you say that testing teachers to ensure they are qualified would make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or make things worse?

Q10. Would you say that having better buildings/facilities would make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or make things worse?

Q11. Would having more charter schools make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or make things worse?

Q12. Would having more technology in the classroom make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or make things worse?

Q13.  Would having more Pre-K programs make a big difference, some difference, little to no difference, or make things worse?

Q14. Would you support additional taxes to improve your local public schools?

Q15. Which of the following statements most closely matches your view concerning what government should do when parents do not get involved in their children's education:

Q16. Would you say the government is pretty much run by a few big interests looking out for themselves or that it is run for the benefit of all the people?

Q17. How much attention do you feel the government pays to what the people think when it decides what to do…a good deal, some, or not much?