The Three C:s – Clarity, Conciseness, and Consistency in School Communication

How can you make sure that your school communicates effectively with families? The communication principles of the three C’s, Clarity, Conciseness, and Consistency, provide one framework to examine and improve school communication. Let’s dive in to Rachel’s Peachey’s post.

As a parent and teacher, I know first-hand how many misunderstandings can be avoided through good communication. From unclear homework deadlines to a lack of clarity about expectations for students, any number of problems can arise.  

Despite good intentions, school communication can be elusive. How can you make sure that your school communicates effectively with families? One approach is to use the three C’s to check on your school’s communication style. The three C’s can serve as a helpful guideline for communication.

What Are the Three C’s of Communication?

Communication experts John Maxwell and Joe McCormack have written about how effective communication depends on several key principles known as the Cs of communication. Although there are variations on the three C’s of communication, they often include the following elements.

#1: Clarity

Talk to people, not above them.

Clear communication helps people understand messages and limits the chances of misunderstandings. In the school setting, clarity is essential for all messaging. Some areas to consider are schedules and student performance. 

When communicating schedule changes, it can be helpful to think through different scenarios. For example, if there’s an early dismissal, will buses pick students up at that earlier time? Also, will after-school programs still run? Communicating these details from the start can help things run smoothly and avoid follow-up questions. 

Clarity also means using easy-to-understand language. As the famous author and orator John Maxwell said, “Talk to people, not above them.” Using jargon, technical terms, or acronyms can make it difficult for people to understand what you want to say. In the school environment, teachers may need to talk with parents about IEPs, developmental delays, and more. Parents may feel overwhelmed when hearing this language, as they may not be familiar with what it means. Teachers can help by providing examples and definitions. Explaining educational standards or expectations can also help. 

Also, consider that people in your school community may speak English as a second language. Using simple, clear language can improve communication. 

#2: Conciseness

You don’t need to speak a long time to say a lot.

Both parents and teachers are busy. Avoiding repetition can save everyone time while also making your message clear. 

Maxwell once said, “You don’t need to speak a long time to say a lot. It’s not the number of words you use; it’s the impact you make with the words you use.” Some topics, such as student behavior or academic needs, may require elaboration. However, keeping messages short and to the point is ideal for routine messages. 

#3: Consistency

Great communication begins with connection.

Surveys state that parents wish for school-parent communication to be frequent and consistent. Regular communication is essential to create trust. Oprah Winfrey boiled down this idea when she said, “Great communication begins with connection.” Schools and families need consistent communication throughout the school year to build this connection. The communication should cover all key areas, from student performance to administrative updates.

Consistent communication should engage and activate parents and not rely on generic or canned messaging. One principal in Montgomery, Alabama, held monthly informal parent meetings to talk through new ideas or concerns. Another unique idea at the school where I taught was an open house. We used the opportunity to show parents how our Montessori curriculum worked first-hand. Teachers demonstrated lessons, and parents could ask questions or try using some of the materials. 

Inconsistent messaging can result in confusion and distrust whereas a proactive, unified, and consistent communication style helps transmit trust. Both administrators and teachers should communicate in a consistent way according to the school’s communication plan. In the communication plan, think of creative ways to reach out to parents to increase volunteering rates, engagement in parent groups, and school events to connect. 

#4: A bonus “C” is Courteous

Fostering a respectful communication tone with parents builds trust. Whether communicating administrative updates or discussing a student’s progress, being courteous and kind can bridge the gap between home and school.

 

Using the 3 C’s to Transform School-Parent Communication

An app like School Signals can be part of a solution that proactively boosts parent engagement and addresses changes and needs. How can an app help you fulfill the three C’s?

Plan and Send Communication for Consistency

When I was teaching, I needed to send regular updates to parents about classroom activities and student performance. Providing regular updates through a school communication app helped me ensure consistent communication. Parents loved receiving weekly updates about activities and curriculum. I loved being able to plan out clear, concise messaging ahead of time. 

School Signals offers scheduling tools so that teachers and administrators can plan posts and messages ahead of time. The app sends out automated reminders about upcoming events. When an event time or date is updated, parents will also automatically receive a notification of the change. By consistently listing new parent engagement opportunities such as Volunteering, Parent-Teacher conference schedules, and new parent groups, you will create a reliable hub and a source for all parent engagement and information.

Cater to Parent’s Communication Preferences

Some parents prefer immediate updates, while others prefer consolidated messaging. With the School Signals app, parents can set notifications preferences. This helps offer concise communication for those who prefer a daily update. 

Parents can also communicate with teachers directly through private messages to resolve questions, share positive updates, address concerns, or request a meeting.

Send Clear, Concise Messages

While needing to post the same information to various platforms is often the reality, a reliable source to refer to on all school communication builds trust. A school communication platform and app provides one unified place for all school messaging. Additional messages can be relied on and linked to this source. 

How do you ensure effective communication at your school?

Resources

Psychology Today

The Brief Lab

American Progress