Communications Tools

A strong communications strategy is central to a successfully adopted, implemented and sustained reform. A communications strategy that clearly lays out the rationale for higher expectations in high school - particularly the connection between a rigorous high school experience and success in college and careers - can go a long way toward building public support for a major reform effort.

Yet a strong communications effort is not dependent on a big budget and/or the ability to buy media. There are many communications and outreach activities that are low to no cost. More important to the effort is leadership, organization, outreach to key players and consistency of message.

Below are communications tools that we hope will assist states as they develop and refine their communications and outreach plans and strategies. The first - Key Steps to Building a Communications Strategy - gives an overview of the steps states should take and provides an organizing framework for the rest of the tools.

For a brief overview of the tools - and the broader project, Taking Root: Communicating the College- and Career-Ready Agenda - see About Achieve's Communications Tools.

Lay the Groundwork

Evaluate Resources and Create a Budget