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Good Communication Skills for Educators | Harold S.Wright, Jr., Ph.D.

Program Description

This program provides skills on improving written and oral communications with school staff, parents, and the community. Different types of communication will be explored and communication will be defined. In this program, participants will focus on written communication through e-mails, letters to parents, and letters to the community. In addition, through oral communication skills, participants will learn techniques for better parent conferences, small- and large-group presentations, and what to say to difficult parents.

Virginia Standard(s) Addressed

Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)

Program Goals and Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will learn about different types of communication, define communication in the school-community setting, develop strategies for holding better parent conferences, present small- and large-group presentations, and role-play scenarios which deal with difficult parents.

Program Format

This program will open with a discussion of various types of communication and participants will define communication. Participants will write sample e-mails, letters to parents and the business community with critique by peers and the presenter. Through pre-determined scenarios, participants will role-play parent conferences, presentations, and what to say to difficult parents. Working in small groups and using provided test data, participants will try to convince a mythical school board that more funds are needed to improve student achievement.

Target Audience

School-based or central office administrators, aspiring administrators, teacher leaders and teachers.

Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division

No/yes.

Duration of Program

• One full day of 6-8 hours or two half-days of 3-4 hours each
• Your own private session for collaboration, consensus-building, and strategic planning

Outcomes Measured

Participant analysis of role-play scenarios and writing samples.

Program Evaluation

Participant evaluation forms.

Contact Information

Harold S. Wright, Jr., Ph.D.
8057 Willow Brook Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: 804-559-6865
Email: hwright@umw.edu