A1: Cathy from Deerfield, IL. First big news story I remember was local - the death of Chicago mayor Richard Daley (the first Mayor Daley) in 1976. #K12PRChat
Shane Haggerty, Columbus OH. Owner & President of https://t.co/NzAVMxIiFO and the first major story I remember was the TWA Hijacking in 1985. #k12prchat
A0: Reagan’s election. Came into second grade class & Mrs. Rusynyk had written “Congratulations, President Reagan” on the chalkboard. In other news...I’m ancient. #K12PRchat
A0: Hillary C. Wright-Kaufman from Washington County Schools in Kentucky. First big news story I remember my parents discussing was the OJ Simpson trial verdict. #k12prchat
Hey friends - Ginain from Tampa! **Warning: totally dating myself*** The first big news story I remember has to be the Challenger disaster in 1986 😔I will never forget watching that on TV. Surreal and sad 😭 #K12PRChat
A0: Jon Bartelt from Illinois and I'm going with America's Bicentennial in 1976 (however, if Rankin Bass reported the news, I would have more to add.) #k12prchat
A1: We embrace change in #engage109! Example: approved full-day kindy in 3 months! But we support the change process with frequent, transparent, 2-way communication. Can't change w/out listening & responding to parents, community & staff. #K12PRChat
Dane, here from Pleasant Grove, Utah. Excited to have @kim_lear_ here today. First news story I remember was the Northridge quake or Princess Diana accident. #k12prchat
A0: Tom from Michigan, first big news story I really remember is the Nancy Kerrigan attack. Random I know, but I remember it cause it happen here in MI. #k12prchat
A1: Explain the WHY. Education isn't like tech. We can't just move fast, break things and hope for the best when it comes to education. Mistakes can result in major disruption to students. New ideas need to be properly vetted and fads can't constantly be chased. #k12prchat
A1: Seek to manage expectations by focusing on experiences. In doing so, allows us to highlight achievements in what can be considered a long process. Helps build brand when transparent too. #k12prchat
A1: Hmm...Have a lot of efforts going at once, I guess. One’s bound to get finished in order for me to check it off the to do list & get that rush of satisfaction. 😜#K12PRchat
A1: Don't accept things being "slow moving". It's okay to push people towards something that will ultimately benefit students & tell the stories in your district. #k12prchat
Even if education and the organization move slow, that doesn't mean that communications have to be slow. Have to meet expectations or risk becoming irrelevant. #k12prchat
We frequently mention that we can’t turn on a dime, but use social media to update even if that update is “no change.” Lets them know we’re in the game. #k12prchat
A1: Explain the WHY. Education isn't like tech. We can't just move fast, break things and hope for the best when it comes to education. Mistakes can result in major disruption to students. New ideas need to be properly vetted and fads can't constantly be chased. #k12prchat
I'm with you... tho I do cringe a little with "fads." It's become a slur against change in general. Change is fits and starts and experimentation. Some things will come and go, but that's the nature of change. #k12prchat
I believe there is a huge shift going on in education as we speak. Gone are the days of "slow moving". #SocialMedia and tech has changed the landscape. It's exciting! #K12prchat
This is hard! Focus on building trust -- positive investment that helps build benefit of the doubt. But also, communicate often and quickly. Ricky Bobby style. #k12PRchat
That's true. Instant gratification is not solely a Millennial trait. It's partially a product of our time. But when it comes to education, how do you communicate to every generation that change needs to be an evolution?
A1: It’s not a secret that I have to be put into a generational box so I have trouble with this topic. That being said, I feel like I need to say that if you believe education is slow-moving, you may be doing it wrong. 🤷🏻♀️ #k12prchat#backtomymtg
Jumping in late. Ben from NC. A1: Ss need to know the reality of progress. The NFL player they want to be did not get there overnight. Learning is the same #k12prchat
A1: Prep work, have all that you can ready and fill in the details as they happen. Going to an event, write the recap story prior and plug is quotes and such. Also Tweet while at the event. #k12prchat
A2. 1. In person conversation is still critical. Giving people an opportunity to come together, voice their opinions and ask their questions can go a long way. 2. Position change as evolution rather than revolution. #k12prchat
A2: Facebook and newspapers. There is a wide gap between social media adopters and local news supporters. We seek continuity in messaging while still adhering to platforms standards. #k12prchat
Great point, Jeremy and I agree. I just see how the tech industry has changed all of our perceptions around speed. When it comes to education, there naturally needs to be a bit more caution simply because there's more at stake than profit. #k12prchat
Goals drive what we do. Everything needs to be researched properly and a plan needs to develop from there. If you want to rush the project, the results will indicate that. #k12prchat
A2 Always show results. Boomers and Traditionalists need lots of proof to understand that new methods work, and if you can combine tradition with teach, even better :) #k12prchat
A2: By getting students involved in the community and reaching out with projects and research that contributes, showing the relevance of change to traditionalists
#k12PRchat#AP3040
A1: It’s not a secret that I hate to be put into a generational box, so I have trouble with this topic. That being said, I feel like I need to say that if you believe education is slow-moving, you may be doing it wrong. 🤷🏻♀️ #k12prchat#backtomymtg
Agree totally, even non-traditionalists oppose change, they just don't have anything big or traditional to change. Iterative (evolve) is usually better unless something is flat broken, it creates unity. #k12prchat
A2. 1. In person conversation is still critical. Giving people an opportunity to come together, voice their opinions and ask their questions can go a long way. 2. Position change as evolution rather than revolution. #k12prchat
Yes! When they see the way it benefits them, the value it brings to their experience, it's a much easier transition. (That goes for anyone, any age, any change.) #k12PRchat
A2: If you’re communicating change, you need to sell the why. Why is whatever the issue is a problem and communicate that. Platform is irrelevant if you don’t lay the foundation. #k12prchat
A2: In my experience, boomers and traditionalists like newspapers, flyers, phone calls and Facebook. They are not too keen on texts, and using our website as much. #k12prchat
I think I liked life before email 🧐I think the system of education is slow moving (or can be many times). #SchoolPR is anything but slow moving. IMHO. #K12PRChat
We also talk about being good stewards of tax dollars. This helps slow down people who are rushing willy nilly. Nobody is going to say "hurry up and waste our money!" #k12PRchat
I think I liked life before email 🧐I think the system of education is slow moving (or can be many times). #SchoolPR is anything but slow moving. IMHO. #K12PRChat
A2: Communicating change almost means we have to ignore results of a communications audit. For “regular” comms, reach me this way. But if you’re moving my cheese, bring me in to listen, learn, and give feedback F2F. #K12PRChat
A3: I truly believe Gen X parents - like me - want what *they* want. To say one form works over another with all of us is as far from us as you can get. Personalized to me, my kids. #k12prchat
School districts are unique in that their employees span generations more than most organizations, that can be leveraged when communicating, think about the messenger and the receiver and align them. #k12prchat
A2: If you’re communicating change, you need to sell the why. Why is whatever the issue is a problem and communicate that. Platform is irrelevant if you don’t lay the foundation. #k12prchat
100% -- messages should be about my child. Not all children. There's actually data that shows this to be true across demo groups. (No surprise, really!) #k12PRchat
A3: I truly believe Gen X parents - like me - want what *they* want. To say one form works over another with all of us is as far from us as you can get. Personalized to me, my kids. #k12prchat
A3: Anticipate the skepticism. Gen Xers are typically skeptical of institutions, education among them. What are the genuine reasons for a parent to have skepticism around your school district? How are you planning to address that? Don't get defensive, be prepared. #k12prchat
A3: Focus on experiences. Always better for this group to see and visualize as we seek to build trust. Visuals in other platforms then have to reinforce experience. Main reason for https://t.co/wSXijSC25u. #k12prchat
A3: I truly believe Gen X parents - like me - want what *they* want. To say one form works over another with all of us is as far from us as you can get. Personalized to me, my kids. #k12prchat
A3. Consistent message is the key. Parents want to hear the same things from the teacher, principal, comms, Supt and Board. That will help ease the skepticism #k12prchat
A3 When in doubt, ask them, and again, provide results. Make sure you are keeping parents, teachers, etc. in the loop and involved, and the rest will fall into place. #K12PRchat
A3: Skeptics come in all ages. Build trust by being consistent. Ask for input, report on results, take action on what you learn, and share the stories of those actions. Over and over. Again. #k12prchat
A3: I fully believe you walk your talk and your talk must be trustworthy! In fact, truth and transparency build trust over time - no matter the generation or the issue #k12prchat
Preparation really is the best move for dealing with skepticism. Being defensive only forces them to become more offensive. But by being well researched and fighting with knowledge, one can take a strong stance.
#k12prchat#Ap3040
A3: I fully believe you walk your talk and your talk must be trustworthy! In fact, truth and transparency build trust over time - no matter the generation or the issue #k12prchat
A3: We are very open with our parents whenever something happens and probably over communicate about things. We are now noticing less questions when stuff happens and more positive reactions. #k12prchat
#k12prchat A3: They just want you to be honest with them. Whether that’s in your office or in the parent pick-up line, they appreciate honesty even if they don’t agree with you.
Transparency and create a culture where everyone can be on message. The consistency matters. Think of @SouthwestAir vs @United. Honest mistakes can be forgiven, but trying to hide them cannot. #k12prchat
Skeptics absolutely come in all ages. We do find that Traditionalists and Boomers typically had more faith in institutions than Gen Xers. But that's a much longer conversation :) #k12prchat
A3: Skeptics come in all ages. Build trust by being consistent. Ask for input, report on results, take action on what you learn, and share the stories of those actions. Over and over. Again. #k12prchat
Gain trust by emulating those who they trust in general. Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, etc. People who are real and tell it like they see it. Be authentic. #k12prchat
A3 GenX parent here -- just tell me what's up. Why it matters to my kids, why it matters to me. Don't dance around -- kind + direct = trust. #k12prchat
Proof is in the pudding. Have to let them see, experience for themselves. Gen X analytical, requires proof of success/effectiveness. Not interested in the “feeling” assoc. w/ current mktg tactics in #schoolpr; they want results #k12prchat
A3) Hey, that's me! I didn't know I was skeptical.
Communicate, communicate, communicate. And use different methods, as we straddle between paper sticklers and millennial social media mavens. #k12prchat
Analytical data and hard numbered facts are easily going to be some of the best tools against skeptics. By giving them data, they will have a more difficult time trying to develop a contrary opinion.
#k12prchat#ap3040
A4: They are much more willing to collaborate on solution and crave access to information. Great opportunities to collaborate and build new approach to public education. #k12prchat
A4: 1. Sky high expectations for transparency, individualization and convenience. Scheduling school tours online, customized learning options, and two-way communication with the school are musts. 2. More egalitarian marriages have resulted in more hands-on fathers #k12prchat
A4 Milennial parents are quick to blame the teacher whereas I feel older parents are quick to blame the student. Finding a good balance in actively teaching as well as actively learning helps solve this gap. #K12PRchat
Although... I do want to know about the school as a whole and ask my kids' teachers how they think their classes are going overall. Our kids don't learn in isolation, and we also care about the greater good. #k12prchat
I’m finding many equate transparency with exposing every detail. Many times we can’t “tell all” in order to maintain confidentiality. It’s critical #SchoolPR starts to communicate the difference between the two. #K12PRChat
There is sometimes a tendency to believe that their Facebooked and tweeted concerns can be resolved over social media. Due to FERPA, we can't always respond. #k12prchat
I’m finding many equate transparency with exposing every detail. Many times we can’t “tell all” in order to maintain confidentiality. It’s critical #SchoolPR starts to communicate the difference between the two. #K12PRChat
If I can't digest it, then it isn't transparent. It's being clear and honest. But not dumping a billion pages of information. That's faking transparency. #k12prchat
I’m finding many equate transparency with exposing every detail. Many times we can’t “tell all” in order to maintain confidentiality. It’s critical #SchoolPR starts to communicate the difference between the two. #K12PRChat
#millennialparents much more aspirational. They want to dream with, for their kids; driven by creativity; prefer customization/personalization; innovation founded on studies, research—what’s new, trendy #K12prchat
A3: Transparency and not being afraid of making changes when something isn’t working. Too often we are stubborn to a fault when our plan doesn’t work. #k12prchat
A4 More than anything the expect convenience. Ex: We try to design our web pages so that you either don’t have to scroll, or minimize it. And an almost manic need to get a text message. #k12prchat
#millennialparents much more aspirational. They want to dream with, for their kids; driven by creativity; prefer customization/personalization; innovation founded on studies, research—what’s new, trendy #K12prchat
There is sometimes a tendency to believe that their Facebooked and tweeted concerns can be resolved over social media. Due to FERPA, we can't always respond. #k12prchat
They’re more accepting on social issues, but I think when they have children they start shifting and want their kids to thrive. Whats best for their child #k12prchat
A4: They are the smartest most educated parents with high hopes for amazing opportunities and future for their kids - they expect great things and hold you to that when educating their children; you cannot communicate too much with them! #k12prchat
#millennialparents much more aspirational. They want to dream with, for their kids; driven by creativity; prefer customization/personalization; innovation founded on studies, research—what’s new, trendy #K12prchat
There is sometimes a tendency to believe that their Facebooked and tweeted concerns can be resolved over social media. Due to FERPA, we can't always respond. #k12prchat
I think they are more accepting on social issues, but having kids has shifted whats best for “THEIR” child. Why seeing shift to private and charter schools #k12prchat
A5: Student information system integration with email, phone, and text. Opens up ongoing conversations with parents. Great one way conversation that now morphs to social media with latest generations. #k12prchat
1. Parent Facebook groups have revolutionized where parents go for information and who they trust. 2. Video has transformed how schools can showcase student stories within the community #k12prchat
How about the Internet just overall and then mobile technology. Next schools will have to deal with parents sending the drone in to drop off Tommy's forgotten homework or something. #K12PRChat
We didn't grow up with a great sense of community. Have not had any major wars/tragedies in our lives to unite us with communtiy. More closed off to neighbors, community. Probably we are more selfish because of that. Yikes! #k12prchat
A4: They are the smartest most educated parents with high hopes for amazing opportunities and future for their kids - they expect great things and hold you to that when educating their children; you cannot communicate too much with them! #k12prchat
Automated email, texting; social media esp live broadcast features. Parent love to be “in the now” and live broadcasts bring them into the environment and creates a level of transparency, accessibility we’ve rec’d some pos feedback on. #K12prchat
I think they are more accepting on social issues, but having kids has shifted whats best for “THEIR” child. Why seeing shift to private and charter schools #k12prchat
A5. Mobile phones. Our students and parents carry more processing power in one pocket than we had in my entire mid-80s middle school. Now we communicate with each other from anywhere. And with gifs! #k12PRchat
I think they are more accepting on social issues, but having kids has shifted whats best for “THEIR” child. Why seeing shift to private and charter schools #k12prchat
Social media, text messaging, Google search and mobile. By far they have changed expectations for everything. People expect it fast, they expect to be able to find anything too. #k12prchat
A5: mobile messaging and tech apps are creating drastic impact -
But I go back to our initial ability to reach all parents at once via “Connect-Ed” @BlackboardK12#K12PRchat
Our millennial parents seem to be more connected more of the time. They contact us via social media frequently, which is great. Sometimes, old fashioned phone conversations are best for problem-solving, though. #K12PRChat
A5 - I think tools that make it easier to personalize experiences for parents have had a major impact. They really want personalized messages #k12prchat
A5: Videos that can me made on the spot and shared right away. Gives parents a window into school. This is something I need to get better at. #k12prchat
A6: They embrace technology and have optimism to overcome traditional boundaries. Can serve as the great reset where trust can return to public schools. #k12prchat
How do you handle the parent Facebook groups? I've been hearing a lot about these in Millennial parent focus groups. Do you respond as the school communicator? #k12prchat
A6: SO MANY THINGS! Their competitive spirit, resourcefulness and inclusivity are among the top. I am particularly optimistic when I speak with teenage women. There is an activist spirit that has been ignited as a result of what they see going on in the world. #k12prchat
A6 - I think they have the zen of an explorer. Very Entrepreneurial. Might be scary for some, but they are going against the “Everybody Goes to College” mantra. Finding other paths to success #k12prchat
A6: excites most by their adaptability when it comes to change and new things. What scares me most however is their lack of Resiliency - probably more a reflection of parenting tho 🤔 #K12PRchat
A7: Well, you know, by talking with them. Or texting. Or snapping. Or ... communicating a mile in their shoes.
Don't just dabble, get dirty. Feel it. Be frustrated by it. Fall in love with it. Get hooked.
And get the point across.
#k12prchat
HUGE. They watched the impact of student loan debt on their Millennial siblings and they are finding other ways to gain marketable skills without debt. #k12prchat
A6 - I think they have the zen of an explorer. Very Entrepreneurial. Might be scary for some, but they are going against the “Everybody Goes to College” mantra. Finding other paths to success #k12prchat
How much the school experience will evolve due to tech! My 4 and 6 y.o. are tech natives. They navigate tablets, laptops; already engaged, interested in vlogging; creating their own content through photo, video. Interested to see how this will impact learning #K12prchat
A6: SO MANY THINGS! Their competitive spirit, resourcefulness and inclusivity are among the top. I am particularly optimistic when I speak with teenage women. There is an activist spirit that has been ignited as a result of what they see going on in the world. #k12prchat
Truth! Would say where we are, homeschooling is more competition for us than charters. We have to be willing to listen & consider where they feel we are “failing” them. #K12prchat
A6: What's most frightening to a parent of Gen Z is also what's most exciting for the future: they aren't afraid to connect and experience across continents, cultures, beliefs, generations - and they have so many ways they can do it. #K12PRChat
I’m following #k12prchat along & have a few concerns. To suggest one group of parents care more about their kids than another based on their generation, well, I just can’t. Let’s create target audiences based on sound, local demographics.
A6: excites most by their adaptability when it comes to change and new things. What scares me most however is their lack of Resiliency - probably more a reflection of parenting tho 🤔 #K12PRchat
Funny you should ask -- we sometimes ask ourselves the same! Reality is, GenX parents can be just as bad, just as toxic. We monitor and try to connect with influencers to shift convo. #k12PRchat
A6 - I see my kids getting certificates instead of bachelor degrees. Already see the shift in graduate courses at colleges #k12prchat Could K12 capitalize on this. Our district is big on certs
A5. We've had success with live webcasts, Facebook Live, Periscope. Text messaging is on the rise and a widely preferred method of communication by our families. It's all about knowing your audience and knowing what methods work best for the message #k12prchat
Q6: they’ve seen the transformations learning in our district. They’re old enough to remember school before 1:1 and can articulate its impact. They can be the trusted voice to show #competencyEd works. #k12prchat
I will empower influencers (sometimes create objective simple content that I know they'll see and share). A few personal conversations can move the needle. #k12PRchat
A6: What's most frightening to a parent of Gen Z is also what's most exciting for the future: they aren't afraid to connect and experience across continents, cultures, beliefs, generations - and they have so many ways they can do it. #K12PRChat
A6. That I’m parenting one of them. And while he’s definitely living an on-demand existence, he is more service-minded and self-aware than I was at twice his age. Maybe three times his age. #k12PRchat
I think they may show their care differently, but parents always have and always will love their kids to an incomprehensible level. And of course, when categorizing an entire generation it's never 100% true. #k12prchat
A6. That I’m parenting one of them. And while he’s definitely living an on-demand existence, he is more service-minded and self-aware than I was at twice his age. Maybe three times his age. #k12PRchat
A7: Open conversations and willingness to listen. While there are general themes to generations, we are not all a stereotype. Active listening will provide the best insights as we craft our messages. #k12prchat
A7: None of us can be defined by one word such as "Millennial." However, when we can see the world through the eyes of another generation, we're better able to meet each other on common ground. Our views are partially a result of the world we grew up in. #k12prchat
I'm sorry you've gotten that vibe -- I haven't seen all the convos, but the key to what I've seen isn't about how much, but instead about how they communicate/experience that universal parent experience. #k12PRchat
Not sure it’s about caring, but about generational influences that have impacted the way they want their kids to be raised to be successful. Recessionalist millennials look at saving & job security more than others. Might impact the demands on kids #k12prchat
A7: listen and learn - create opportunities for true authentic engagement and keep an open mind to new ways to look at old problems and new ways to communicate target messages to intended audiences #K12PRchat
It’s almost as if we exhaust it. Our younger children are very resilient but seem to lose that over time. I frequently wonder if there’s a correlation between this and the ridiculous amount of testing they go through. #K12PRChat
Learn the history of where they came from, what was and is important to them. Read books, watch their shows, study and listen to them. Or just read research that @kim_lear_ puts out if you want the Cliffs Notes version. #k12prchat
A7: Open conversations and willingness to listen. While there are general themes to generations, we are not all a stereotype. Active listening will provide the best insights as we craft our messages. #k12prchat
How do you handle the parent Facebook groups? I've been hearing a lot about these in Millennial parent focus groups. Do you respond as the school communicator? #k12prchat
Learn the history of where they came from, what was and is important to them. Read books, watch their shows, study and listen to them. Or just read research that @kim_lear_ puts out if you want the Cliffs Notes version. #k12prchat
