Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

Donald W. Smitley

Abstract

The purpose of the field experience was to improve the public relations program in the Mattoon Community Unit School District #2, Mattoon, Illinois. Since no one had been specifically assigned the responsibility for co-ordination of public relations, it was decided that a public relations committee would be established under the direction of the assistant superintendent of schools. I was in charge of the committee and was directed to report to the assistant superintendent of schools.

Since the Illinois Education Association had already set up a series of training sessions for Region 34, it was decided to take advantage of these sessions. This was done by selecting a person to represent each of the buildings in the Mattoon School District.

Following the selection and subsequent training the committee met to determine specific goals and projects. After much discussion, the committee decided to place primary emphasis on increased newspaper and radio exposure with a specific focus on American Education Week.

Improvement in the area of internal communications was selected and this was accomplished by initiating a monthly newsletter for district personnel.

Another primary area selected concerned the development of a citizen's advisory group. The purpose of the group would not be one of decision making, but of helping district personnel assess the attitudes of the community.

The field experience includes a brief history of public relations in our educational institutions, basic concepts essential to a positive public relations program, and ideas that have been demonstrated effective in the improvement of the image of the schools.

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