Difficulties in paying for college and in maintaining good academic performance are two major hurdles to college graduation for low-income students. In recent years, state and federal budgets for postsecondary education have been cut significantly, limiting the options policymakers, education leaders, and communities have to improve rates of…

This report examines the process behind setting up and implementing a "capital campaign": a program for raising money for new or renovated facilities at private K-12 schools. The report covers tax information regarding gifts to institutions then offers advice for setting up a comprehensive development program, including fundraising software and…

Schools have found religion when it comes to solutions designed to deliver critical information to the campus community in a timely fashion. And the vendor community is now offering a multitude of routes to the Promised Land. The question is: Will the "right" technology solution solve all the mass communication problems? Those who have weathered…

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Three purposes are listed for this paper: (1) to share the results of a national survey of vocational education exemplary projects; (2) to emphasize the importance of a project director's communication with five clientele audiences; and (3) to suggest specific actions likely to result in institutionalization of a demonstration project. A brief…

A special report that guides organizers through the steps of cooperative planning--a process that is adaptable to a variety of situations ranging from diverse community activities to institutional reorganization. (Author/MLF)

In a survey, clients and consultants agreed that actions fostering success are the following: agreeing on objectives and evaluation measures, providing flexible approaches, gaining commitment, and preparing the consultant. Both cited unclear/unrealistic objectives as a pitfall. To improve client/consultant success, guidelines can identify the…

This booklet presents a step-by-step system for planning and carrying out an effective public communication campaign. In his discussion, the author concentrates on various planning processes rather than on the mechanics of writing, designing, photographing, or editing. However, while the booklet's emphasis is definitely on planning, many specific…

Tips are provided for planning a year-round program to improve public relations (PR) and organizational communication. Beginning with a list of 12 essential factors for PR, the calendar presents a variety of PR ideas for each month of the year. At the beginning and end of the calendar, guidelines are offered for: (1) creating an effective staff…

This booklet is intended to aid leaders of local education associations in developing a continuing public relations (PR) program aimed at establishing and maintaining a favorable public image for teachers. Although it offers useful guidelines for developing a PR program, the booklet does not contain lists of specific things to do. Instead, it…

Discusses how to improve the effectiveness of staff meetings. Suggests important considerations: determining whether a meeting is needed, determining its purpose and objectives, developing the agenda, timing, facilitating group discussion, keeping and distributing minutes, and evaluating effectiveness. (CSS)

This book is designed as a basic guide to the development of effective school public relations programs. The author provides guidelines for setting up effective communication strategies and presents ideas for spreading good news as well as for dealing with problems. One chapter focuses specifically on the difficult communication problems presented…

Schools can be marked by intense isolation among teachers, between teachers and administrators, and between parents and teachers. This research brief presents information about successful organizations and schools, where everyone understands and agrees on common goals. A clear vision, expressed through specific goals and high expectations, guides…

This booklet discusses the importance of involving members of the community in public school programs and activities and presents brief profiles of current school programs and policies that are attempting to do so. The author examines in detail the kinds and extent of parent and community interaction with the schools and describes what different…

Basically a means by which a group of people can come together and share their experiences of a common set of events, this processing technique provides a mechanism that can be used for various purposes, including information sharing, informal assessment of ongoing projects, overcoming language problems, and staff development. Among those programs…