Summary
The use of communication or messaging tools has been shown to increase student achievement, especially at the secondary level.
- A planned messaging or communication strategy that is academically focused is rarely used in schools, especially at the secondary level.
- Studies have shown a correlation between regular, scripted messaging and student performance.
- Positive messaging leads to increased student achievement, but messaging that focuses on what students could improve yields even greater results.
- Planned messaging using communication tools is relatively inexpensive and less labor and time intensive.
- The use of planned, scripted messaging can often aid schools in a variety of home settings.
Considerations
- Regular, personalized messaging may be a mind shift at the secondary level.
- Time, albeit a small barrier.
- Multiple messaging apps can create strain on families.
- Staff fear of engagement, especially new staff.
Suggestions
- Start with a pilot if not all staff are on board.
- Provide training to staff prior to rolling out this initiative.
- Create time in a teacher’s day for messaging.
- Develop standards of practice, communicate expectations, and monitor implementation.
- Offer scripts for staff to follow until they become comfortable.
- Evaluate the impact.
- Use multi channel communication such as letters home, school assembly, local news, social media, mobile apps, school websites, alerts/call/text.
Resources
The Underutilized Potential of Teacher-to-Parent Communication
Text messages, Toiletries, and Backpacks
Divorced Dads Often Dissed by Schools
Best Messaging Apps & Websites
School Communication Channels
One Size Does Not Fit All: Analyzing Different Approaches to Family-School Communication
