Small schools as seen by parents. The results of a survey conducted as part of the “Classi in rete” project

Abstract

This contribution is part of the "XYZ" project, which was created to address the challenges faced by small schools. The "XYZ" model is based on the idea of having several classes work together as a single Knowledge Building community, thanks to the opportunities offered by technology. During the pilot implementation of the model, which took place in Abruzzo during the 2020/21 school year, a qualitative survey was conducted, using focus groups, on the relationship between schools and parents. In the second instance of implementing the model, which occurred during the 2024/25 school year in Liguria and encompassed 15 comprehensive schools, 28 schools, 69 teachers, 448 students and 32 classes (17 multi-grade), a questionnaire was devised for the parents. The study's objectives were to understand parents' views on small schools and their expectations of the project. This contribution will present and discuss the main findings of this survey.