Course Description
The focus of this course is building a sound school-community relations program that engages all stakeholders, including school leaders, teachers, parents, community, business, and government.
Athena Title
Sch Fam Comm Conn
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EDAP 8390
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students who successfully complete the course will: 1.Learn the major purposes of an effective school community relations program and the significant factors that are included in a comprehensive plan for district and school applications 2.Analyze community relations issues that impact schools such as educational goals, influence of special community groups, policy disagreement, and declining community interest in school needs and propose strategic solutions to those issues. 3.Identify groups and programs such as campaigns, crises, and internal and external publics for which special initiatives much be taken and analyze proposed solutions to those special needs in terms of feasibility and potential effectiveness. 4.Develop understanding of the role of community relations policy for schools and prepare plans that promote understanding and success of the school community relations program. 5.Examine emerging trends and activities in school community relations that include news media, use of the internet, and other communication channels to develop effective relationships with parents and the larger community, including business and government.
Topical Outline
1.The public character of school districts and the importance of school community relations to educational achievement 2.Assessing and understanding the nature of a community and its schools 3.Achieving schools: Key to establishing effective school community relationships 4.Policy, goals and strategic planning that clarify purposes, roles, and priorities for achievement 5.Communication: the lifeblood of the relationship 6.Developing a comprehensive school community program for schools 7.Developing a comprehensive school community program for school districts 8.Administering the program 9.Conducting campaigns 10.Working with community partners 11.Working with opposition groups 12.Alternative communication links in public relations - internet, iPod, and informal networks 13.Working with the press and the media 14.Evaluating school community program effectiveness 15.Current issues impacting school community relations development
Syllabus
Public CV