Focus groups are a technique originally developed as a market research tool. The purpose of the tool is to dig deeper into the “why” of how specific groups feel about ideas, trends, or questions. The Durand-Arkansaw School District Administrator, Greg Doverspike, approached representatives of the UniverCity Year project in progress in Pepin County. He had questions regarding the community’s attitude regarding the role of the school district in community. Extension personnel met with him, and agreed to do three focus groups that included recently graduated students, business leaders, and current students. The following questions were developed for the groups:
A) When you think of the Durand School District what comes to mind?
B) What are we doing well? What could we do better?
C) Where do you see the school district going in the future?
D) What role could we/do we play in the community? In the County?