ELT Initiative

Many stakeholders will be interested in and affected by the redesigned and expanded school day and will therefore expect to be involved in discussions about any proposed changes. Welcoming and truly listening to the thoughts and opinions of all these stakeholders is critical to the success of any ELT planning process.

Those affected include the most directly impacted—teachers, students, and parents—to those in the broader community—after-school and child care businesses, business owners near the school, the media, elected leaders, and individuals interested in the life of their city or town. The success of your planning process hinges on clear and frequent communication with numerous audiences.

Communicate Early and Often

It is imperative that your planning and redesign team proactively AND repeatedly communicate with parents, teachers, community members, and the press as you explore the possibility of an expanded and redesigned school calendar. Open and honest communication will educate people about ELT, and good information helps to minimize rumors and backlash.

No one likes to feel left out when changes may occur, especially when the change is as significant as a completely redesigned and expanded school schedule. Informing the key impacted groups of the progress of the work of the ELT Exploration Committee is essential.

The Massachusetts 2020 Guide for Building Community Support for ELT compiles resources, talking points, and recommendations designed to support the communications efforts of  schools planning for ELT. It consists of the following sections:

• Identifying Stakeholders Critical to ELT’s Success
  
• Key Overarching Messages
• Proactive Communication to Stakeholders
• Working with the Local Press
• Organizing a Core Group of Allies to Increase Support for ELT and the Planning Process
• A Strategic Approach to Parent Meetings