Note: Over the next few weeks, I’ll be reading Eric Scheninger‘s book, Digital Leadership. Eric was kind enough to send me a copy and I’ll be sharing my notes and thoughts as I work my way through it. I’m honored that Eric sent me a print copy to read and share my thoughts on. Comments in square brackets are mine, the rest is the author’s.
My Notes
- Digital leaderships demands that we reach our stakeholders through the use of tools and social spaces…it calls for a hybrid construct of communication techniques that blends the traditional methods mentioned with the systematic use of social media tools to create a dynamic, two-way system that will increase engagement with all stakeholders.
- Four key principles that lay a foundation for communicating effectively with parents:
- transparency
- honesty
- accessibility
- flexibility
- Strategies:
- Make your professional email/twitter accounts available.
- Create your own web site and include contact information, your availability to meet with or speak to parents, extra help hours, student assignments, press, etc.
- Hold training workshops for parents.
- Call home on both positive and negative issues.
- Share as many student and teacher accomplishments and success stories as possible.
- Setup a separate phone number for parents using GoogleVoice.
- Make resources readily available for parents using a social bookmarking service.
- Always return parent phone calls and emails in a timely fashion
- Invite parents into your classrooms and schools.
- Develop a school Facebook page to advertise events and provide up-to-date school info.
- Institute a positive referral policy and make parents aware when their child is recognized.
- Start a blog, let parents know about it, and encourage them to comment on your posts.
- Look for other means to reach stakeholders. Create a paperless environment using ZippSlip.com
- True home/school partnerships call for communication to include plenty of two-way options, not just one-way sharing.
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