Friday, 17 November 2023

7 Communication Traps – Part 1: UNDER-Communication

Following our first Back to School Event – Anticipating Parent Concerns, I realized that no matter how we cut our data, the theme always emerges: Communication is queen!


Possip Founder and CEO, Shani Dowell, reflects on some of the most common feedback about school communication we hear from parents across the nation. This is part one of a two-part series.

We typically see Communication Traps fall into two categories: UNDER-communicating and OVER-communicating.

Under-Communication: 

When schools or districts communicate less than they need to. This could include the following:

     

      1. No Communication

      1. Having Unspoken Rules

      1. Communicating on a “Need to Know” Basis – as Interpreted by Leadership

      1. Having an Insiders Club

    Over-Communication: 

    The well-intentioned cousin of under-communication, this occurs when schools or districts value communication – but may need the additional step of thinking through strategy and streamlining systems for communicating. We will dive into Over Communication Traps in the next part of this blog series!

    Under-Communication Traps

       

        1. No Communication

      It seems obvious that families need communication – but it often just doesn’t happen. We recommend having a plan and system for communicating with families at least weekly – and having a system to hear from families at least bi-weekly.  As you plan your system, think about how often you want families to hear from the following contacts at school:

         

          • District or network leadership

          • School leadership

          • Grade level leadership 

          • Teachers

          • PTO or Other

        Also, consider how you’ll communicate during special events or times. So often, leaders get so busy solving problems in times of crisis that they forget to communicate!  

        What systems will you create to make sure there families always receive pertinent and timely information.

        The post 7 Communication Traps – Part 1: UNDER-Communication appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Thursday, 16 November 2023

        Possip Live Demo – Sharing Praise!

        Join us at our next live demo, where we will share how Possip helps school communication by providing a platform to easily hear and share praise!

        The post Possip Live Demo – Sharing Praise! appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Wednesday, 15 November 2023

        Creating a Family Guide to School

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post Creating a Family Guide to School appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Tuesday, 14 November 2023

        Gratitude Activities for Your Students… and Yourself

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post Gratitude Activities for Your Students… and Yourself appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Friday, 10 November 2023

        6 Tips to Help Support Students’ Academic Growth

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post 6 Tips to Help Support Students’ Academic Growth appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Tuesday, 7 November 2023

        Morning Meeting Hack: The Language of Emotions

        I am obsessed with self-development and personal growth-I’m sure so many fellow teachers can relate. My morning needs to start with journaling (and avoiding social media). Less caffeine makes me function better and think more clearly. And I know that I find balance in my life when I am able to express myself in healthy ways.


        Sarah Besand, a teacher and Possip Reporter, shares ways teachers can integrate SEL into their morning meetings. 

        With the steady rise of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), most teachers know the research behind it and can list many best practices as well. However, it can be challenging to provide time for learning and meaningful practice into the school day’s hustle and bustle.

        How can we fit it all in?

        As a current educator myself, I grapple with this. I can often feel I am still striving to build the classroom community I desire when I am trying to maximize my time with the resources I have.  Sometimes as teachers we can feel overwhelmed–in a good way–with the multitude of fabulous resources we do have! But on the flip side, the abyss of planning without guidance can leave us feeling in the dark too.

        In the midst of my own self growth journey, I read Brené Brown’s latest book and began to embrace a new perspective on teaching SEL. This book, Atlas of the Heart, focuses on helping readers understand the complex language of emotions. Brown’s research shows that humans experience up to 87 different emotions and her book unpacks the nuance in each of them. For example, I learned about the slight differences between emotions like envy and jealousy, happiness and joyfulness, and shame and blame. I found myself communicating better with those around me while absorbing the book’s concepts. 

        That’s when the thought struck me… this knowledge could be life-changing for students.

        The post Morning Meeting Hack: The Language of Emotions appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Friday, 3 November 2023

        What Sets Possip Apart: Comparing Edtech Communication Platforms

        Possip facilitates communication between schools and parents to improve the education experience. Partners love our platform because it breaks many traditional barriers to family engagement. But how does Possip stack up against competitors?


        Caroline Carrello, a Possip intern majoring in Human and Organization Development at Vanderbilt University, explores what differentiates Possip from its competitors.

        Meet The Competitors

        Before we dive into what makes Possip special, these are some of our main competitors:

        Youth Truth Survey

        YouthTruth Survey, a non-profit organization, conducts surveys and analyzes student feedback through an online platform. YouthTruth Survey aims to help K-12 schools and educational programs improve their effectiveness and overall quality.

        Thought Exchange

        Thought Exchange, an enterprise discussion management platform, allows leaders to quickly gain unbiased, critical insights. They serve small and large organizations. Thought Exchange administers surveys through a link that needs to be completed online. 

        AllHere

        AllHere works by collecting and analyzing attendance data and identifying patterns and barriers to attendance through the use of SMS messaging. They provide schools with tools and strategies to address these issues, with the goal of improving student attendance and engagement. AllHere sends out text nudges and has on-demand assistance. 

        Qualtrics

        Qualtrics, a comprehensive experience management platform, allows organizations to collect, analyze, and act on feedback and data from customers, employees, products, and brands. Qualtrics administers surveys through an online platform.

        Satchel Pulse

        Satchel Pulse can be used for survey creation, distribution, data collection, analysis and reporting, action planning, continuous feedback loop, communication and engagement, as well as a well-being tracker for families, students, teachers, and schools. Satchel Pulse sends surveys to the participant’s email address and reports can then be viewed on its website. 

        Google Forms

        Google Forms, a free, web-based application, enables users to create and distribute surveys and forms for collecting responses and data. Google Forms has the ability to show feedback and responses but cannot deliver an analysis of the responses received. Google Forms can be completed online or on its app. 

        Parent Square

        Parent Square combines multiple communication streams into one interface for families and staff. Parent Square can send and receive direct instant messages over text, email, web or its app.

        SchoolMessenger

        SchoolMessenger allows you to personalize communications from your school or district through its app.

        Remind

          Remind, a communication platform, helps educators reach students and parents where they are. Messages are sent in real-time to an entire class, a small group, or just a single person through the app. You can schedule announcements ahead of time and attach photos and other files.

          Why Possip?

          Let’s explore what sets Possip apart and why it’s the preferred choice for over 1,400 schools and organizations across the nation:

          Pulse Checks™

            Pulse Checks™ provide a real-time and comprehensive view of user sentiment and feedback, giving school leaders an edge in staying attuned to their community’s needs and preferences. 

            SMS Texts

              Possip administers Pulse Checks™ via SMS texting, offering a hassle-free experience for its users. With no requirement to download apps or programs, Pulse Checks™ ensures accessibility to a wide audience, making it easy for everyone to participate. Pulse Checks™ are also available via email, giving respondents the ability to use the technology they prefer. 

              Multilingual

              Possip’s Pulse Checks™ can be translated into over 100 languages, capturing trends, praise, and feedback for schools and districts. Leaders receive responses in the original language paired with an English translation. Check out this article to learn more about Possip’s Pulse Checks™ translation.

              Real Reporters With Education Backgrounds

              Our team of experts with extensive backgrounds in education sets Possip apart from our competitors. Our analysts have the unique ability to translate data into contextually relevant, education-focused reports that empower schools and districts to make informed decisions.

              Positive Praise

              At Possip, we believe in sharing highlights and praise with your community. Our Pulse Checks™ often return valuable insights into how members of your community are going the extra mile. Possip lets you hear – and share – the positive messages people are celebrating behind the scenes. Read how Possip Partners use the praise they receive here!

              Actionable Feedback

              Possip helps to connect parents, students, teachers, and staff with the support they need. Members of your community can express their needs via a short text message. Through our platform, you’ll easily be able to access – and follow up on – the information.

              Two-Way Communication

              With Possip’s Pulse Checks™, schools and districts can establish direct communication channels with families and students while collecting valuable feedback. This approach fosters an open and two-way dialogue, enabling schools and districts to address questions and concerns directly. In contrast to many other communication platforms that support only one-way communication – from schools to families – Possip’s system empowers both sides to engage in meaningful conversations.

              What does this all mean? 

              Possip’s competitors each have a unique approach. Much like Possip, Youth Truth Survey, Thought Exchange, and Qualtrics engage in survey deployment and report generation. However, what distinguishes Possip is the exclusive ability to distribute Pulse Checks and surveys via SMS text messages and receive text responses, eliminating the need for external links or app downloads. This feature, combined with our commitment to providing accessible feedback channels and our team of educators behind the reporting, sets us apart from other companies in the educational survey sector.

              Notably, companies like Remind and SchoolMessenger primarily serve as communication tools, lacking the capability to gather feedback and create reports. Possip can seamlessly complement these communication tools by filling the feedback and reporting gap. Furthermore, we offer a range of services, including long-form surveys and attendance checks, making Possip’s offerings remarkably diverse in comparison to our competitors.

              Success Stories

              Possip’s real differentiator is the concrete evidence found in our customer success stories. As we highlighted in our post, Using Community Feedback in School Improvement Projects, Event Recap, Possip Partners see real results. 

              Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director at Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School, shared her feedback, “What I appreciate about the platform is the way families can respond in open-ended language. We asked a question and were able to… give families space to give us feedback on their underlying concerns. We were able to construct a policy and… elevate the voices of our most vulnerable families in that conversation.” 

              Success stories like these underline Possip’s commitment to empowering schools and organizations with the tools they need to drive positive change and enhance community engagement.


              In the realm of education communications platforms, Possip stands as a shining example of excellence. While competitors offer valuable solutions, Possip’s platform and two-way communication model makes it the ultimate choice for organizations seeking to gather and leverage feedback effectively.

              The post What Sets Possip Apart: Comparing Edtech Communication Platforms appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.