One way that our system has sought feedback about our schools is by surveying its community. Initially, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) disseminated the Parent Report Card in an effort to learn more about what parents thought about our schools. In 1999, DoDEA released the Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS), adapted from the Phi Delta Kappan/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward Schools, to give parents, students, and teachers an opportunity to rate schools on items ranging from school climate and computer technology to teachers and the school counseling program.

     The results indicated that our parents were quite satisfied with their children’s teachers, with computer technology, and with the school administration. Students reported their greatest satisfaction with their teachers and computer technology, while teachers were most satisfied with their careers, the school atmosphere, and various levels of school administration. The results also indicated areas for improvement. Such surveys have been used by our system to improve planning efforts.

     The November 2002 Customer Satisfaction Survey has also been adapted from the Phi Delta Kappan/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward Schools so that a national comparison can be made between the DoD schools and the public schools in the states. Besides having a national comparison, the results will also be useful to DoDEA to identify areas for improvement.

     These surveys give our shareholders a chance to voice their opinion about our schools. At this time, the Customer Satisfaction Survey has been extended through February 28, 2003, to offer parents, students, and teachers every opportunity to participate in the survey. By giving us feedback, members of our school community can help us make our schools even better. For those who have completed the CSS, please accept my sincere thanks. Public opinion and perception are important to us. I deeply appreciate all of your efforts to participate in this year’s survey.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific