Effective Communication for District and School Administrators

The book is a unique and necessary contribution to the literature on school administration. Research, theory, and practice were melded to produce a book that can be used as a primary or supplemental text or as professional growth resource for practitioners. Communication scholars, especially since 1990, have concluded that competence must be defined and studied in the context of professions. As such, a growing number of medical schools, law schools, and business schools have integrated communication into their curricula. This book provides a resource for such integration into the study and practice of district and school administration.

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., In this time of an information saturated society, effective communication is essential for all school leaders. This book considers not only the basics of communication but also how communication affects relationships, organizations, partnerships, and school reform. While this text is grounded in research, Kowalski squarely addresses communication within the context of practice for school leaders, including issues of media relations, social media, conflict resolution, organizational climate, and tax referendum campaigns., Communication has always been important to organizational life. Advents in electronic communication, adaptive leadership styles, and organizational structure increase needs for effective and efficient communication. This text conveys the essence of communication as it relates to conventional and emergent organizational needs., The 2nd edition of Effective Communication for School Administrators is unique in that it applies communication perspectives to school tax referendum campaigns, media relations, social media, partnerships and conflict management. The author also offers crucial insights into the ongoing process of educational reform, clarifies its dilemmas and presents possibilities for improving outcomes through excellent communication. The highly relevant material, syntheses and reflective questions make this book indispensable to veteran and aspiring leaders focused on making systemic, long-term changes in their organizations.

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.