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Washington Unified presents SEAL survey data showing 96% participation and district actions to address student voice and equity gaps
Summary
District presenters said spring SEAL survey participation rose from 70% to 96% with overall favorability near 79%; district coaches will use Wayfinder and restorative-practices grants, run student focus groups, and target supports for groups (including African-American students) who continue to score below aggregate averages.
Washington Unified staff presented the district’s fall and spring SEAL (social-emotional and school climate) survey results and a suite of follow-up actions at the board meeting.
Presenters said participation climbed from 70% in the fall to 96% in spring after a district-wide accountability push; overall favorability (the share of positive responses across measured dimensions) was reported near 79%. The district’s highest-rated dimensions included "resources for coping" and culturally/linguistically responsive experiences, while the lowest-rated area was "opportunities for student voice and leadership." Presenters called out notable improvement among students who identify as African American, with sample size increasing and measured gains across several dimensions.
District SEAL coaches and site leaders described concrete responses: (1) weekly advisory lessons (Wayfinder/Second Step curricula), (2) student voice action cycles and class-level surveys with teacher-facilitated feedback loops, (3) targeted focus groups and empathy interviews to add qualitative context to survey scales, and (4) use of a new $100,000 restorative-practices grant and Elkhorn reach grant funds to deepen implementation.
Board members praised the progress but pressed for disaggregated targets and specific implementation timelines for schools with persistent disparities, particularly for African-American students and students with special needs. Presenters said they will continue to disaggregate data, convene student focus groups, expand professional learning for restorative practices and trauma-informed SEL, and use the SEAL coach team to translate site-level findings into interventions.
Why it matters: SEAL survey results are the district’s primary annual measure of student perception of safety, belonging and support. The jump in participation strengthens the validity of the findings and the district’s emphasis on restorative practices, student voice cycles, and targeted interventions aims to translate survey data into measurable improvements in equity.
