Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Phillip Pendley

Second Advisor

Cheryl Osborne

Third Advisor

Colleen Flavin

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify the communication practices expert elementary school administrators consider the most effective for informing their district office, staff, students, parents, and the community during day-to-day crises. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of these identified practices and determined the best methods for implementing the top three practices in each area. Methodology: This Delphi study focused on three areas of research: (a) the practices expert elementary administrators use to communicate during day-to-day crises, (b) the way expert elementary administrators rate the effectiveness of those practices, and (c) the methods expert elementary administrators recommend for the implementation of the top three rated communication practices for each stakeholder group. The methodology chapter explored the framework used to gather the data, beginning with a review of the purpose statement and research questions. It then examined the research design and the population involved in data collection. In addition, it reviewed the instruments used to collect the data and discussed the study’s overall limitations.

Findings: Based on the input of the expert panel, several findings were agreed upon by consensus:

1. Digital platforms are the most effective way to communicate with all stakeholder groups.

2. School site administrators should be the ones to communicate during times of crisis.

3. School administrators can get busy during times of day-to-day crisis and need assistance.

Conclusions: Based on the study’s findings, several conclusions were drawn from the data:

1. Digital platforms have become the most effective means of communication. Districts should adopt a digital platform district-wide or the same program throughout a geographical area.

2. Although site administrators should be the ones communicating with stakeholders, a designee who is trained for communication is needed.

3. The designee should be trained to communicate effectively with all stakeholder groups when needed. They should be trained just as the administrator is.

Recommendations: Based on the findings of this study, seven implications were recommended for elementary school administrators.

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