Effective Communication for District and School Administrators

Theodore J. Kowalski is Professor and the Kuntz Family Endowed Chair in Educational Administration at the University of Dayton. A former teacher, principal, superintendent, and college dean, he is the author of 31 books and approximately200 book chapters, journal articles, and research studies.

Ted Kowalski's book on communication has long set the standard in the field, and this newly updated edition should continue that tradition for years to come. It is clearly organized and crisply written, comprehensive without being encyclopedic. Given the profound changes in the way our schools and society have evolved in the last decade, this book is as timely as it is useful.

• PrefaceChapter 1: Communication BasicsIntroductionCommunication CharacteristicsFormFlowStatusActionSymmetryTheoretical PerspectivesClassical theoriesHuman relations theoriesSystems theoriesSynthesisReflective questionsChapter 2: Communicating CompetentlyIntroductionCommunicative behaviorInstitutional dimensionPersonal dimensionAvoiding common problemsInsufficient forethoughtOrganizational constraintsPersonal constraintsInadequate evaluationComplementary and Relational CommunicationCommunicative competenceSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 3: Leadership and RelationshipsIntroductionUnderstanding LeadershipLeadership, management, and administrationFormal versus informal leadershipImportance of RelationshipsCommunicative behavior and relationshipsRelationships matterSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 4: Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Critical ThinkingIntroductionProblem SolvingProblem framingStagesDecision MakingTypes of decisionsGroup decision makingCritical ThinkingLanguage and communicationReflectionSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 5: Organizational CommunicationIntroductionSchools as Loosely Coupled OrganizationsSchools and couplingAdvantages and disadvantages of loose couplingContemporary perspectiveCommunication NetworksFormal versus informal networksBridges or buffersBeneficial propertiesConstructing and applying evidenceEvaluating networksSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 6: School Governance and Democratic AdministrationIntroductionCitizen Involvement in School GovernanceDemocratic localismRepresentative democracyCurrent conditionsDemocratic AdministrationHistorical contextThe second coming Democratic administration and communicationSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 7: Climate, Culture, and the Learning OrganizationIntroductionSchool Climate Elements Closed and open climatesSchool CultureElementsEffectsCulture and communicationWhy culture change is difficultSchool as a Learning OrganizationOrganizational learningA learning cultureSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 8: Initiating and Sustaining Planned ChangeIntroductionContemporary School Reform1983-1989Post 1989Change ProcessesEmpirical-rationalPower-coerciveNormative-reeducativeProcess Issues: Involvement and CommunicationInclusivenessCommunicating appropriatelySynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 9: School PartnershipsIntroductionUnderstanding PartnershipsDefinitionLevels of AutonomyOperational CharacteristicsMotivesCommunity stakeholdersEducatorsCollaborating organizations/groupsWhy Partnerships Succeed or FailEffective PracticesPotential PitfallsSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 10: Managing ConflictIntroductionOrganizational ConflictDefining conflictConflict in schoolsSources, Types, and ContaminantsSources and typesContaminantsManagement System and StrategiesSystemStrategiesConflict Management and CommunicationSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 11: Conducting a Referendum CampaignIntroductionKey Administrative ResponsibilitiesVerifying the needMarketing Conducting the CampaignOrganizationProcessPotential pitfallsEvaluating outcomesImportance of CommunicationSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 12: Relationships with Media PersonnelIntroductionWorking with JournalistsPreparationMaking relationships positiveInitiating Media CoveragePress releasesPress conferencesElectronic Media InterviewsVideoAudioCrisis CommunicationBefore the crisisDuring the crisisAfter the crisisSynthesisReflective Questions