Dealing with a Crisis

The first ten minutes of a crisis often determine how a community reacts to the challenge.  What are five or six steps that a school leader might take during this vital time-frame? Communication is a critical part of the aforesaid crisis response.  What characteristics and skills should be considered when choosing a spokesperson for a crisis?  What is the most important ability needed? 

External Communication

·         Very few teachers are prepared to deal with parents, especially those who assume the role of a critic.  As a building principal, what action might you take to help teachers deal effectively with parents on the telephone, at conferences and through email, social media or other communications? 

·         Following a recent Administrative Staff meeting, your superintendent shared her concerns regarding the morale of all district employees.  She cited a general tone of apathy and asked for your help in developing a plan for improving internal communications and morale.  As a school principal, what suggestions and rationale might you provide to her to improve human relations?  Be sure to address internal communications within your response.    

Big Ideas - Communication

      The play write George Bernard Shaw once quipped, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” As a school leader how could you utilize knowledge of the 5 elements of communication and the Lionberger study to enhance communication and acceptance of ideas among staff members? 

Educational Change Leadership

Educational Change Leadership

Educational Change Leadership

Educational Change Leadership

Instructional Leadership

Love him or hate him, Mike Schmoker really puts it all out there when he talks about his walk-though study and does so again with the piece about the Caryloa curriculum. Is he crazy or do his ideas about good instruction make sense? What are his ideas about teaching and learning and could they be applied at a school near you?