Engaging Families in Two-Way Conversation

In today's world of seemingly unlimited ways for a school district to communicate with families, engaging with them and receiving feedback is very important.

In fact, the Kent School District (KSD) has set a goal to provide a method for parents and community members to provide feedback in order to gauge satisfaction with specific educational programs and initiatives taking place in our schools.

We use a communications tool called ThoughtExchange. It allows the sharing thoughts confidentially to ensure all voices are heard and all divergent views can come to light around a shared topic of interest or concern.

ThoughtExchange is not a survey tool, rather, it engages interaction as people respond anonymously with other participants.

1. A broad question is posed and people are invited to respond.
2. Thoughts are shared anonymously with others participating in the exchange.
3. Participants rate (using 1-5 stars) their agreement with each thought.
4. Data is gathered for analysis and used as input for decision-making.

Information learned through ThoughtExchange will be used to gauge parent and community participation and understanding in interactions with school staff and administrators. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in an exchange?

View open exchanges.

Why do you ask for my email address?

ThoughtExchange tracks your email address so you can come back into the same exchange to add more thoughts or change your stars, even after you’ve switched devices or web browsers. Find more information about privacy and confidentiality on the ThoughtExchange website.

What if I forgot my password?

Use the "forgot password" link on the ThoughtExchange login screen. Learn more about resetting your password on the ThoughtExchange website.

Why are the questions so open-ended?

We’re truly curious about what you think, and want to give you the opportunity to share a wide range of thoughts about a topic.

If the questions are too detailed or specific, we would miss out on some really great ideas. Questions are broad so that you and the rest of the community can shape the conversation, and they are open-ended to avoid steering the conversation in a predetermined direction.

So go for it! Add your thoughts and see where the conversation goes.

Are my thoughts anonymous? 

Your name will never be publicly linked to your thoughts or ratings, so please share openly. Your identity (your name and email address) is kept confidential.

• Other people will see your thoughts and ratings and you will see others' thoughts and ratings without names attached.
• Exchange leaders are not able to see who has participated in an exchange.

The information you provide to create your login will remain solely with ThoughtExchange, and will never be given or sold to another party - ever.

The ThoughtExchange Terms of Use and Privacy Policy ensures identity data is kept confidential, including not publicly linking your identity to the thoughts you shared or how you rated thoughts.

Watch a quick video on YouTube to learn more.