December 17, 2025 Newsletter
In This Edition:
1. APS Surveys
2. APE Survey Results
Your Voice is APS Data - Please Take the Surveys
Over the summer, many of you told us that your concerns about APS student-issued devices along with time spent on academics and student well-being are among the most important issues facing APS, as reflected in the survey results below. APS now has several surveys open that directly address these same priorities, including a dedicated survey on student-issued devices, as well as surveys on emergency preparedness and elective and CTE course offerings. This is a rare opportunity for parent input to become official APS data that will be used to guide decision-making.
Call To Action: Please take a few minutes to complete the open APS surveys and make sure your voice—especially on student-issued devices—is heard.
Student-issued devices and Emergency Preparedness
Elective and CTE Courses
APE Survey Results Are In!
Repost of our article from September 2025 newsletter
What’s Happening: APE recently conducted a survey of its newsletter readers, Facebook forum members and X followers. The results paint a clear picture of your priorities for learning, teaching and student well-being in Arlington Public Schools.
What You Said:
Instructional quality and rigor topped the list. Respondents consistently pointed to the need for stronger reading, writing and math instruction, along with more advanced coursework and higher expectations for all students. Many framed academic excellence as foundational to both equity and opportunity.
Technology in schools drew consistent attention. A large share of respondents called for reduced screen time, fewer iPads in elementary classrooms, and a return to paper-based learning. Others emphasized the need for effective use of technology, particularly in secondary grades, to ensure it enhances rather than replaces instruction.
Teacher workforce concerns appeared frequently. Respondents stressed the importance of higher pay, stronger retention and reduction of administrative burdens so teachers can stay focused on students.
Class size and staffing surfaced repeatedly. Respondents urged APS to prioritize more teachers and smaller groups in early grades, highlighting the linkages between class size, individual attention and student outcomes.
Student well-being and safety also emerged, including some calls for mental health support, outdoor time and stronger school safety measures.
Equity & inclusion was emphasized by a significant group of respondents, who stressed the importance of protecting and affirming vulnerable student populations. Many framed equity-driven supports as essential for closing opportunity gaps.
Bottom Line: Families want APS to deliver on the fundamentals - literacy, numeracy, and strong teaching. Across topic areas, there is a consistent theme: parents want APS to focus its resources on what happens inside classrooms, where learning and relationships take root.
What’s Next:
APE will continue sharing parent perspectives with district leaders to ensure that our voices are included in conversations about APS’ strategic priorities, resource allocation and classroom practices.
Side Note: Some respondents reminded us that not every perspective always feels heard. We want to make sure you know your voice matters. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us by email at arlingtonparentsforeducation@gmail.com, drop us a note on our Facebook page, or start a conversation in our Facebook Forum. Hearing from a range of experiences helps us all learn and better support our students.
