Focus Group Preparation and Considerations
Preparation
Watch this video to prepare for the focus groups.
Considerations
Roles and Power
Consider roles and power when organizing each focus group. For example, a teacher likely won’t make candid remarks in a group where his or her principal is also a participant. It is important that all participants in the focus group should be comfortable with one another to maximize disclosure.
Therefore, conduct separate focus groups based on roles and power to maximize the data collection.
Affinity Groups
Forming affinity groups based on race and/or gender may provide for more open discussion.
Group Size
Each focus group should include six to 10 participants and be led by a skilled moderator.
Participants
The district team should ensure that feedback is collected from a diverse set of stakeholders in the district (e.g., teachers, support staff, leaders, students, families).
Establishing Feedback Opportunities
When your district is ready to recruit participants for focus groups, use the email template found in your resource folder. A copy of your email can be submitted as evidence of efforts to establish feedback opportunities with participants.