Southwest, Houston

Alief Independent School District

The district
More than 47,000 students. 80 languages spoken. 86% of students on free-and-reduced-price lunch.

The challenge
Despite an exemplary reputation for quality teaching and learning, Alief ISD was losing students to increased competition from charter schools and other alternatives. Some 2% of the district’s overall population left in the fall of 2016. School leaders wanted a way to engage their community, establish a reputation as school system that listens and cares to its community, and win families back.

The solution
In partnering with K12 Insight, district leaders rolled out Let’s Talk!, a custom community engagement solution that helps school leaders listen to family concerns and respond accurately in less time. Officials also worked with K12 Insight to conduct community-based surveys, which it used to understand community concerns, improve school programs, and create interventions to keep families from choosing out.

Today, Alief ISD:

• Reports that many of the families who left in 2016 have returned to the district
• Has a reputation as a school district that listens to its customers
• Uses community feedback to customize its educational programs
• Has established itself as a district of first choice for students and families

In their words
“We often make assumptions about what we think the customer wants. You have to listen. You have to be open to hearing what they want. K12 Insight helps us do that.” -Kimberly N. Smith, director of public relations, Alief ISD

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