An article by Ron Koehler, APR, Assistant Superintendent, Organizational & Community Initiatives for Kent ISD, recently was featured in Communication Matters for Leading Superintendents, a newsletter by the National Public Relations Association (NSPRA). His article, “ Education Reform: Taking Control of the Agenda ” outlines the role of effective communication in the process of education reform.

Koehler writes:

“One of the continuing dilemmas of public education is the cacophony of opinion surrounding systemic reform and the persistent lack of support for change among school board members and the (involved) parents of high-performing students.

As the educational leader of your community, you’re faced with a Hobson’s choice. You know your high school – and maybe your entire district – is not meeting the needs of all students. And more than likely, you have a good handle on the changes you need to make. But the internal and external barriers are so great as to make the challenge of change and implementation one you may not survive. Some have said the only surer way to retirement or a pink slip is to fire a popular football coach.

Consistent and purposeful communication is the only tool to crack this conundrum.”

He goes on to outline some practical ideas for creating a vision and context for reform, as well as strategies for using research to shape your agenda. He offers an example from his own work, entitled “The Citizen’s Education” agenda developed by the Kent Intermediate School District in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Read Ron Koehler’s article… http://www.nspra.org/CMV4N4EducationReform.htm