Effective Communication is a two-way process, embracing both formal and informal structures. It prioritizes meeting the needs and reaching out to those farthest from opportunity. Intentional listening actively seeks out the good and positive aspects. By strengthening the school’s identity and reinforcing the shared vision for readiness, communication structures foster a cohesive and purposeful educational community.
Statements Depicting the Ideal Pursuit of a School
- Communication is bi-directional, encompassing both formal and informal structures.
- Communication structures prioritize meeting the needs of and reaching those furthest from opportunity.
- Intentional listening emphasizes what is good and positive.
- Communication structures strengthen the school’s identity and reinforce the shared vision for readiness.
Key Resources
Quotes
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” -Anthony Robbins
“I think for any relationship to be successful, there needs to be loving communication, appreciation, and understanding.” -Miranda Kerr
Reflection Prompts
- Which groups within your school community are contributing to regular communication at school?
- Who is listening and responding to communication? What groups currently are not represented in current communication? Who is not being served by current communication channels and why?
- What are the missed opportunities for students to own the message around the school’s vision for readiness and identity? How can students be given more opportunities to learn from and communicate with peers and families regularly?
All Toolkit Resources
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Future of Work: Leadership Language that Promotes Psychological Safety
Words matter. What we say and how we say it affects those around us in powerful ways. And while even with the best of intentions and practice, miscommunication and negative effects can occur, being mindful and intentional with our language can help reduce those instances. And you might just be surprised by what a positive…
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Foster Student SEL Competencies: Embed SEL Explanations Into Daily Check-Ins and Student Self-Management
Embedding social and emotional learning (SEL) into instruction is a powerful way to help students connect and engage in learning. Sharing with students the WHY behind SEL content, just as we do with academic content, is critical. Self-awareness and self-management exercises are great opportunities to explain why you are checking in.
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Strategies for Equitable Family Engagement: Meaningfully Involving and Engaging Families and Trusted Community Advocates
Trusted community advocates can help build connections between community members and school staff, as well as build knowledge around educational activities occurring outside of school. School and district leaders may consider the following strategies for meaningfully involving trusted community advocates to enhance family engagement.
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7 Strategies for Building Trust in Working Relationships: Survey and Reflect on Your Relationship-Building Skills
Use this resource to evaluate, survey, and reflect on your own relationship-building skills as a leader, and then commit to an action plan for self-improvement and growth.