Communication plan For Kelsey Administration Oslynn Lewis The mission for Kelsey Unified School District is being “committed to working in partnership with the community to provide broad, comprehensive opportunities and a superior quality academic curriculum, individualized to allow students to realize their highest potential and gain a lifelong love for learning,” (General Information, 2011, p. 1). The mission has been tested by the decrease of federal funding. The decrease has put programs, which parents and students rely on, in jeopardy. A special faculty meeting was called to outline a plan and to eliminate rumors of how budget cuts would be handled. A communication plan has been designed to assist with communicating the need for the programs and faculty volunteers.

Communication Plan… Infuses need for change Enables individuals to understand Communicates changes Keeps people informed There are four major reasons to use a communication plan. The “four major reasons: (1) to infuse the need for change throughout the organization; (2) to enable individuals to understand the impact that the change will have on them; (3) to communicate any structural and job changes that will influence how things are done; and (4) to keep people informed about progress along the way. As the change unfolds, the focus of the communication plan shifts,” (Tupper F. Cawsey, 2012).

How To Launch Prechange approval Creating the need for change Midstream change and milestone communication Confirming/celebrating the change success A communication plan is launched in four steps. The steps are “prechange approval, creating the need for change, midstream change and milestone communication, and confirming/celebrating the change success” (Tupper F. Cawsey, 2012). Kelsey plans to outline the need for program by convincing the board and other faculty members of the importance of the program. The communication plan will enlighten individuals and assist them in understanding the impact of the change and how they anticipate the success, and how they are going to give necessary feedback on the progress of the program.

Scientific Calculators Technology Smart Board Tablets Wifi Educational Apps Scientific Calculators From generation Y to Nexters, technology is a great big part of their life. Every aspect of their lives is touched by technology is some way or another. Technology enhances the learning experience. Many technology devices make learning easier in the classroom. The smart board is a device that is interactive. It is a wonderful learning tool for those who are visual learners. Assist teachers in making lessons plans and activities easier to access from screen. Tablets are mini computers. They allow all students the same opportunities as their classmates. The good thing about tablets is that if a student is a slower learner they can continually access the same programs or materials over and over until they fully understand the material. Also, numerous apps can be added to a tablet, which fits the educational need of the student. Many apps work through wifi connections. For those students who are taking higher math classes a scientific calculator is an asset. State tests allow students to use the scientific calculator. These are some of the technology devices that will be used during the tutorials and after school program at Kelsey.

Measurement of student improvement Effectiveness Surveys Questionnaires Measurement of student improvement “Tuning is defined as small, relatively minor changes made on an ongoing basis in a deliberate attempt to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the organization,” (Tupper F. Cawsey, 2012, p. 15). In order for Kelsey to continue to follow the goals and objectives set up by its mission there needs to be some tuning. Administration has asked qualified teachers and administrators to volunteer so valuable programs such as tutorials and after school programs will not be lost in the budget cuts. A few tools have been set up to test the effectiveness of the program. Surveys will be done by teachers. This will give administration an idea of how effective the program is from an educator’s prospective. Questionnaires will be sent home, at the end of the program, so parents opinions will be measured. Parents will be able to give their opinion on how the program has affected their child in their home environment. For instance, are they more confident or have more understanding of homework. Parental opinions is very important. They can write their local congressman to inform them of the need. Another way effectiveness of the program can be measured is through student improvement. This is another way technology can be used. Apps and programs can measure and track student improvement. Educators can access the same apps and programs on the tablets and print reports tracking improvements. If the program proves to be effective, Kelsey administration will continue the program for the entire school year and outline a plan for the next school year. If the program does not prove to be effective the program will be discontinued. Management will review the feedback and decide the effectiveness of the program at the end of the first semester.

Continuous Improvement Weekly updates at faculty meetings Update feedback methods Cross training Rewards The coordinating administrator will give updates, positive and negative, to the effectiveness of programs. Reports, such as surveys, questionnaires, student improvement reports, etc. will be presented to back up coordinating administrator’s report. It is important to be in tune with those who are providing the feedback. Technology is a powerful tool. Many participants may prefer to give their feedback through technology versus through paper. If this is the case, changes need to be made to meet the participant’s needs. It would be necessary for a feedback website to be set up to provide necessary feedback. Cross training is another way to ensure continuous improvement. Through cross training, more employees will have the opportunity to participate. This has the capability to decrease the ratio of students to teachers, which can allow students a better learning experience. Another reason cross training would be effective is if a teacher or volunteer was out sick, in training, or took personal time, the program will not suffer. There will be educators available to take the place of the employee who was off. Rewards will ensure there will be plenty of participates from educators.

Negative Responses Understand concern Address each response Reply to individual of response Learn from the feedback It is important that personal feelings to not take part in the feedback process. Being able to effectively address negative responses mean that the negative response has to be understood. If administration does not fully understand the concern it cannot be addressed properly, which means the need will not be fixed. Each response has to be addressed no matter how small it may be. Addressing each negative response shows individuals that administration welcomes feedback and cares about what is thought of the project. The person who is in charge of feedback on the project committee will reply, in a positive manner, to each individual response. Just because a negative response was given does not give anyone to be negative or rude to anyone. It is important that all feedback in done in a truthful manner. This will ensure that necessary changes will be addressed and taken care of. Most importantly, feedback will be done in a learning manner. Meaning, negative feedback should be seen as a positive. A positive because it allows the flaws of the project to be seen. When this is done effectively, it ensures a success program and a better learning experience for all children involved.

Communication Plan Affect Shows what is changing and why Assists in identifying wanted results Shows impact of change and those affected Communication The communication plan encourages an organization to move in a common direction. This means that management and employees have a common understanding of necessary changes and everyone understands why change is needed. Effective communication also outlines the wanted results and shows the impact and who will be affected. Overall the communication plan can affect the organization in a positive manner. It gives a guideline of what is to come and how to get desired results.

References General Information. (2011). Retrieved Novmber 25, 2014, from Kelsey Unified School District Central Administration: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Education/CentAd m/CentAdmHome.asp Tupper F. Cawsey, G. D. (2012). Organizational Change: An Action- Oriented Toolkit. New York City: Sage Publications.