Community Leadership: Communication Strategies

Question 1

Effective Communication means listening well to others as well as sharing ______, _______, and _______. It is essential for success that everyone in a school system communicates well, including admin, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members. You may have to educate them on how to communicate effectively.

Answer 1

ideas, goals, and feedback

Question 2

Communicating with Students: (7)

Answer 2

1. Learn names and
2. ask about their goals and interests,
3. recognize their accomplishments and positive attributes,
4. be friendly and approachable,
5. communicate at an appropriate level,
6. know when to communicate publically and when to talk one-on-one,
7. try to see things from each student’s perspective and take their thoughts and concerns seriously.

Question 3

Communicating with Parents: (8)

Answer 3

1. send parents updates regularly about what is
2. happening at the school (be proactive),
3. provide ways for parents to get involved,
4. let them know how they can support the school’s efforts with their child,
5. work to schedule parent meetings at times when they can attend or find alternative arrangements for those who can’t (phone meetings or other tech),
6. understand that parents may have diverse backgrounds and beliefs,
7. be respectful and collaborate with them,
   make a genuine effort to address complaints and concerns (must address it even if you think it is ridiculous),
8. be approachable and let parents know how they can reach you if they wish to communicate further outside the regularly scheduled/structured communications.

Question 4

Communicating with Teachers: (5)

Answer 4

1. give genuine praise and give it often,
2. if you need to address an area for improvement then be sure to also highlight what the teacher is doing well and to provide specific and actionable and realistic steps the teacher can take to improve in the area of concern (link strength to weakness),
3. encourage parents and students to share their positive feedback with teachers,
4. teachers have a difficult and tremendously important job so treat them with the respect and admiration they deserve,
5. make sure teachers know that you will support them in difficult situations with parents and students and make the time to follow through on this commitment.

Question 5

Communicating with the Community: (4)

Answer 5

1. communicate in a way that is clear and easy to understand, avoid educational jargon,
2. seek to understand the needs and opportunities the community presents and ask for community input about how the school can improve,
3. look for ways to partner with the community and encourage community involvement,
4. be prepared to share good news about the school’s accomplishments as well as what it is doing to improve in areas of concern, share both proactively.