Communications Evaluation and Improvements
Summary: National School Public Relations Association conducted a survey and focus groups to help SPS strengthen communications.
SPS Communications Evaluation and Improvements
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to strengthening communication and community engagement.
A communications and engagement audit was conducted through the Office of Internal Audit. National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) conducted the survey, focus groups, and preparing the analysis and report.
Results and Continuous Improvements
The information collected in this project will help develop a set of recommendations for SPS to strengthen our communications with our school community.
The Office of Internal Audit hired the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) to conduct an audit the Seattle Public School’s communications and engagement functions.
NSPRA presented the results of their audit at the March 2023 quarterly Seattle School Board Audit Committee meeting.
NSPRA 2023 Communications Audit ReportThe final report was presented to the Seattle School Board Audit Committee in March 2023.
About the Audit Methods
Communication Survey
Families, staff and community partners are invited to participate in the districtwide survey called SCoPE (School Communication Performance Evaluation). The survey was open until Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
Virtual Focus Groups
This project included focus groups with students, families, staff and community members.
Participants met virtually with an independent (not SPS) auditor through a secure Zoom meeting. Participants joined on a computer, smartphone or other mobile device from a quiet, private location of their choosing.
The focus groups took place November 29 – December 13 and included sessions with interpreters for our multilingual families.
The auditor asked focus groups attendees a set of open-ended questions about the communication efforts of our school district and perceptions of its current image and future challenges. Each of the focus groups were asked a similar set of questions.
