School Communications Plan
Given today’s technologies, the face of communication has changed. This is true both personally and professionally within public school systems. The use of media has created the need for schools to be equipped with a school-wide community relations plan that works to keep everyone comprised in what is occurring and is overseen by a public relations person. This person is responsible for developing and executing the communications that will occur using a variety of mediums, including print, electronic, media, and face-to-face communication. As noted in the book, The Human Factor, school leaders must recognize the immense need to create an accurate picture of the attitudes, concerns, and other perceptions that are present in the community, (Johnson 2013).
A school-wide community relations plan creates structure and organization, as well as establishing guidelines for systematic protocol in the use of communication processes, which greatly enhances the internal and external communications processes. Given the reality that many people are just waiting for schools to slip up and make a mistake, school-wide public relations plans are designed to defuse negative situations through positive news that promotes the achievement and recognition of students and staff (Bonk 1999). In maintaining a proactive approach, the positive can counteract the negative that often gets highlighted. The beauty of having a school-wide community plan in place is that positive communication within the school will encourage those invested in the school and the community to recognize all of the “good” that is occurring, thus positively impacting the school’s population.
As previously noted, technology has reduced the number of face-to-face meetings that occur in public schools; these have been largely replaced with technology-based correspondence. The communications process can be significantly enhanced and eased by the use of social media devices. While many schools see the negative aspects of social media forums, these processes can assist in communicating with wide, varied audiences based on specific circumstances, (Larkin 2013). As noted by Gordon (2012), public school districts are equipped with technology, but it is often not used to harness the full power of today’s communication devices.
Which of the following accurately denotes the author’s opinion regarding school communication?
