I think the number one way to improve communication in a school setting is to recognize the importance of effective and consistent communication with faculty, staff and families. Too often we have seen administrators who are poor communicators - not because they can't effectively communicate - but because the inefficiently communicate. The top offender I think is verbally telling some people the information and then hoping (fingers crossed!) that the word will spread. Schools by their nature are often hotbeds of rumors and misinformation. Administrators add to this by not communicating the same information to all concerned, in the same way and at the same time. For example, a concise email to parents about requirements or upcoming dates eliminates the chatting and confusion among parents about what needs to be done. Similarly, keeping faculty up-to date on changes or dates helps each teacher to understand parameters and makes the job less frustrating.
Communication must be intentional and consistent. Effective communication must be a priority for a principal. Haphazard comments or information in passing is not communication - it's just chat. A critical part of a principal's job is to set standards, pass on relevant information, create schedules and delineate expectations. But once these decisions have been made they are meaningless if they are not communicated clearly in a way that people can understand. Email is certainly a very effective tool for this, since it does not rely on children taking papers home, or teachers talking over lunch, or staff remembering to do something. Email creates a digital "paper trail" which people can refer to and respond to.
Communication must be intentional and consistent. Effective communication must be a priority for a principal. Haphazard comments or information in passing is not communication - it's just chat. A critical part of a principal's job is to set standards, pass on relevant information, create schedules and delineate expectations. But once these decisions have been made they are meaningless if they are not communicated clearly in a way that people can understand. Email is certainly a very effective tool for this, since it does not rely on children taking papers home, or teachers talking over lunch, or staff remembering to do something. Email creates a digital "paper trail" which people can refer to and respond to.