Iowa Youth Survey Results

by Jessica Harman and Toby Lorenzen

In October 2008, Central Lyon Schools collaborated with the Iowa Department of Public Health to conduct the Iowa Youth Survey. This is a survey that is conducted every three years, since 1975. It is taken by students in grade 6, 8 and 11 attending Iowa public and private schools. We gave the parents the option if they wanted their son or daughter to take the test, and only a small handful decided against it.

The objective of the survey is to help a variety of agencies at the local and state levels, along with school personnel. The results will help identify our youth’s needs, and help us better understand what makes them feel safe and secure in their communities, schools and families.

The 2008 Iowa Youth Survey contains 198 questions and is divided into seven sections (A-G).

Section A Demographic Characteristics (14 questions)
Section B Things I have tried or done and Things that have happened to me (74 questions)
Section C My Beliefs and Attitudes (24 questions)
Section D Peer Questions (12 questions)
Section E School Questions (30 questions)
Section F Family Questions (20 questions)
Section G Community Questions (24 questions)

The selection of specific survey questions was based on analysis of question and response data collected in previous Iowa Youth Surveys. The full 2008 Central Lyon Survey results can be viewed by clicking here.