Research and Evaluation
Seattle Public Schools Research and Evaluation
The Seattle Public Schools Research and Evaluation department supports the district in using evidence to understand student experiences and outcomes, measure progress, and continuously improve our schools.
Our work connects research, data, evaluation, and community voice to district and school improvement. We partner with district leaders, school leaders, educators, students, families, and external research partners to help SPS identify what is working, where improvement is needed, and how we can learn and improve as a system.
Our Work
Research and Evaluation supports several interconnected areas of district work, including:
- District strategic goals and performance measurement — helping define measures, establish benchmarks and targets, and monitor progress toward improved student outcomes.
- School improvement and accountability — supporting the development of SPS’s Great Schools system, which brings together school improvement plans, student and family feedback, performance data, and other evidence to strengthen continuous improvement.
- School surveys — designing and administering districtwide surveys of students, families, and staff to better understand school experiences and inform improvement.
- Program evaluation — supporting studies that help SPS better understand programs, policies, student outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.
- Research partnerships — collaborating with universities, government agencies, and other organizations on research that advances district priorities and contributes to broader learning.
Across this work, our goal is to make evidence useful by translating data, research, and community perspectives into information that supports decisions and improves experiences and outcomes for students.
Conducting Research in SPS
Seattle Public Schools welcomes research that can contribute to district priorities and educational knowledge while protecting students, families, and staff. Research and Evaluation manages the district’s review and approval process for external research proposals.
Conduct Research In Seattle Public Schools
School Surveys
SPS surveys students, families, and staff to understand their experiences in our schools and identify opportunities for improvement. Survey results are an important source of evidence for school and district planning and the emerging Great Schools improvement and accountability system.