School And Community Relations

Front 1

Describe Grunig and Hunt's 4 Models of Public Relations.

Back 1

1. Press agentry-publicity: 1-way communication with propaganda as its purpose. Emphasis on the positive, silent on negative; intended to benefit the organization only. Ex: newsletter, handbooks, newspaper articles
2. Public Information: 1-way dissemination of truthful information. Information is neutral. Intended to benefit the organization and society. Ex: Journalist
3. Marketing/2-way asymmetric: gets feedback from public and then persuades the public to accept organization's view. Ex: Surveys from schools, town meetings, forums
4. Mutual Understanding/2-way symmetric: go-between for organization and public. Ex: Focus groups, access to facilities

Front 2

Asymmetrical Communication

Back 2

Asymmetrical communication benefits one side, the public or the organization.
One-way asymmetrical communication is exemplified by the communication of a Press Agency that benefits one side through only presenting positive information and remaining silent on the negative information (i.e., telling our good news).
Two-way Asymmetrical Communication may include dialogue. It includes listening to the public, gathering public input and using it to persuade the public as when promoting a bond issue.

Front 3

Symmetrical Communication

Back 3

Symmetrical communication benefits both the public and the organization.
One-way Symmetrical information may be exemplified by the role of a journalist in presenting public information they may want to know in a neutral manner.
Two-way Symmetrical involves really listening to the public, in a dialogue, not a monologue with an attitude of genuine give and take promoting the goals of mutual understanding and community engagement.

Front 4

What are the 9 ways in helping to understand your community?

Back 4

1. Customs and Traditions
2. Population Characteristics: demographics
3. Existing Communication Channels: tv, newspaper, social networking
4. Community Groups: churches, business organizations, civic groups, city planning groups.
5. Leadership
6. Economic Conditions
7. Political Structures
8. Social Tensions
9. Previous community efforts

Front 5

How do you improve confidence in your school?

Back 5

1. Do a good job = do a good job of educating kids.
2. Take discipline seriously = all feel safe; order is a function of safety.
3. Personalize the school experience = getting to know who your students are staff are; being visible.
4. Take staff morale seriously and make it better = "no voice, no choice, no commitment." Accountability.
5. Use words that make sense to normal people = avoid acronyms
6. Stop fighting within the organization = "when elephants fight, the grass suffers."
7. Work with the business community = partners in education
8. Work to get non-parents into the school = mentoring programs
9. Make sure communication is two-way.