Communication in School Environments

Communication is a cycle of active listening and responsiveness.  Cliche and true, it is a 2 way street and the key to successful relationships.  Why do we make this so difficult in education?  I'll tell you why... we are too busy trying to get our message across to others without regard for their readiness to receive it; ability to comprehend another perspective or willingness to be present in the realm of communication (face to face, e-mail, letter home, phone call, etc.)  The message then gets lost and the relationship takes a hit. Whether it is school-home, school-school, parent-teacher, teacher-student, or parent-student we should never enter a conversation with preconceived notions. Parents do not have the right to attack educators, nor educators the right to disrespect parents or students based on limited information, external factors, or previous relationships.  Steven Covey noted it best, seek first to understand then to be understood.

School communications are about the success and well being of students. Parents, teachers, Principals working together to educate and guide students through years of growth and learning, to facilitate their progression to adulthood. The communication amongst this group should be with the intent to support that movement. Social, intellectual, physical, and emotional are at the core of all school conversations in different forms. When you choose to make contact here are questions to ask yourself before doing so:

1. What information do you need to deliver/gather (intent)? Your intent will determine who you contact. Contacting the wrong person for a response will sometimes build frustration. Use positive statements.  I will share some of these in isolated blog posts.
2. What is the best mode of communication for your intent? Some information is meant to be communicated verbally. If you need a written record of the conversation send an e-mail or letter summarizing the discussion. I prefer written communication because I like to have the record; however, written communication can sometimes be misinterpreted. Whichever mode you select also consider the preferred mode of the recipient. 
3. What outcome are you expecting? Your expected outcome should not overpower your intent. Your expectation may be on limited information. Engage with an expected outcome, but be prepared for something different. Know the chain of command. If an agreed upon outcome is not reached, you should contact the next higher role. 

As I delve into this topic, I will approach it from different school relationships. Meanwhile, here is a message to ponder: sticks and stones may break your bones, but words forever hurt. Choose them wisely!  Stop telling people words don't hurt!