School Days In Iowa
--A Profile of Literacy

The following survey was developed and used to interview 61 Iowans who represented grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents, friends, parents' co-workers, siblings, neighbors, and teachers. The age of those interviewed ranged from 80 years of age to 21. All attended school in Iowa.

  1. Did you go to school in the city or country?

    City Small town Country
    39 2 19


  2. What is the highest grade that you completed?

    Of 61 surveys the following are the results compiled from those responding:

    8th 9th 10th 11th 12th GED 13th 14th 15th 16th Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree Registered Nurse degree
    2 4 3 8 23 1 8 6 2 - 4 1


  3. At what age did you start school?

    Age two Age four Age five Age six Age nine
    1 10 40 9 1


  4. At what age did you stop going to school?

    According to the responses most were in school yet at age 18, and some were still attending school at age 30.

    Number of
    Responses    		 Age Number of
    Responses    		 Age
    1 15 4 21
    6 16 4 22
    7 17 2 23
    17 18 1 24
    9 19 1 26
    2 20 1 30


  5. How many grades were in one classroom?

    Those surveyed indicated that their schools had everything from one to eight grades were in each classroom.


  6. Did you attend preschool?

    14 answered yes.


  7. Did you attend kindergarten?

    55 answered yes.


  8. How did you get to school?

    Rode a horse Walked Rode in cars Rode buses
    1 35 9 28


  9. How far away was your elementary school?

    The distance from home to school was less than a block for some students and as much as 25 miles. The average distance students traveled was three and one-half miles.


  10. In what grade did you learn to read?

    Before first grade In first grade In second grade In third grade
    6 34 12 1


  11. In what grade did you learn to write?

    Before first grade In first grade In second grade In third grade In fourth grade
    13 28 9 5 1


  12. What was the average number of students in your class?

    23 was the average number of students per class.


--Survey developed and compiled by Kiria, Stephanie, James, Amanda A., Josie, Dayna, Amanda H., and Jovanna from Mrs. Greif's class.

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©Copyright 1996, 1999, 2000 by 150 Years of Literacy in Iowa -- All Rights Reserved
These pages initially developed by Sharron L. McElmeel and students attending Harrison Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The pages are maintained by Sharron L. McElmeel and hosted by the Grant Wood Area Education Agency.