Conference Calls – Tuesdays

Required Text:

Moore, E.H.., Bagin, D. & Gallagher, D. R., The School and Community Relations. (9 th Ed.)

A textbook is required for this course. All materials for this course can be found in the textbook, content materials and internet site for this course. All reading materials are contained in the body of the course and within the Library databases.

Course Description:

This course is an examination of school and community relations. Special emphasis is placed on parent involvement in schools as well as how parents view schools in general and their own school. Leadership roles, operational modes, and communication with regard to public school relations will be discussed.

Method of Instruction:

The instructional methods of this course will include but not be limited to:

• Online learning lessons
• Individual consultation with the instructor
• Chat room discussion groups (chat feature)
• Cooperative/collaborative learning activities
• Conference calls

Purpose of the Course:

The purpose of this course is for the student to examine those things that are considered present in schools considered to be excellent as well as many aspects of schools that are deemed by the public to be substandard. This course then seeks to identify certain characteristics and traits that can be implemented to improve the public perception of a school.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to

1. Discuss the underlying foundation of the public’s perception of public education.
2. Examine and reflect upon the social processes that result in public decisions about a school’s ­­­­perception among community members.
3. Identify and discuss the roles played by and specific policies and practices of school boards and superintendents, of building administrators, and of teachers as they promote excellence in school and community relations.
4. Examine policies and procedures and instruments designed to influence school and community relations in the geographical areas represented by the graduate students enrolled in this course.
5. Discuss how staff-administration relations affect school and community relations.
6. Identify and analyze guidelines for working with the press.
7. Explain basic considerations for using radio and television.

Course Assignments/Assessments:

In addition to the text students will be required to read and reflect on numerous articles and readings dealing with the topic relating to improving school and community relations. Additionally, students will be required to provide results of any assessments or surveys conducted by a local school or school district in their area. Finally, school improvement plans designed by the school or school district that are designed to improve student achievement will be submitted to each member of this class.

Course Participation:

Students will be graded on their ability to ask pertinent questions and critically discuss issues related to the learning activities of the class (online chat sessions, online discussions, study questions and reflective writing assignments). Class attendance will be checked. Please notify the instructor if you are to be absent from a chat session or conference call.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Each student’s grade will be based on the results of assigned readings as well as the text and topics covered during online discussions and conference calls. Since participation and attendance is mandatory grades may be penalized for nonattendance and nonparticipation.

Because this course focuses on school and community relations each student must develop the following items that will be submitted in their electronic portfolio:

• A press release developed by the student concerning a real or fictional school event.
• A monthly (only one month) calendar suitable for parental use that outlines real or fictional school events.
• A list of 20 questions that could be used for interviewing school personnel
• A 10- 20 question mini-survey that seeks to address parents’ perceptions concerning the school.
• A 5- 7 page community relations plan including community member analysis, appropriate community policy statements; appropriate communication goals, strategies and tactics for a school district.

Grading System:

A ten point grading system is used and is as follows;

90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D

Course Outline:

Technical Requirements:

Students are required to have a computer, e-mail and Internet access to enroll in this course. This course is delivered via online instruction. All materials with the exclusion of the textbook are delivered via the Internet.

Course Schedule:

A schedule of class communication dates (chat and conference calls) and assignment deadlines will be provided by the instructor.

Course Preparation:

Because this is an online course lasting only eight weeks it is imperative that students are prepared for each week’s class. This includes both reading the assigned chapters for the week and reading any assigned “outside” materials.

Policy on Instructional Modifications:

Students with disabilities, who need reasonable modifications to complete assignments successfully and otherwise satisfy course criteria, are encouraged to discuss services needed with the instructor as early in the course as possible to identify and plan specific accommodations. Students may be asked to supply a letter from their doctor or other documentation, which will assist in planning modification.