Abstract
Declining enrollment, coupled with school of choice, is placing financial restraints on districts in Southeast MI, while at the same time forcing them to expend monies to compete with each other over students. By looking at three different public suburban Detroit school districts, our study aims to identify the strategies that are most effective and within the control of individual schools and districts for increasing student enrollment.
Problem Questions:
Who is affected?
The parties affected by this issue are all stakeholders in the schools and communities of Southeast Michigan. Specifically, we will be looking at the Troy School District (TSD), Roseville Community Schools (RCS), and Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS).
Who or what is suspected of causing the issue, problem, situation, etc.?
Educators are not trained in marketing, but due to legislation effecting school per pupil funding and choice, districts are forced to adopt a marketing approach. This causes already limited funds to be expended on marketing efforts/personnel.
What kind of problem is it?
This is a school funding problem. In an era of school choice and per pupil funding allowances, what are the most effective marketing strategies to keep a community-oriented culture to school districts.
What is the goal of the action research?
Through effective marketing, how can we improve our school programs, increase participation rates, retain a culture of schools that serve the community in an era of decreasing enrollment, declining participation, and school of choice struggles. What are effective school marketing strategies that can be utilized in any school district regardless of demographics.
- What can schools do to combat declining student enrollment?
- What strategies are most effective and within the control of individual schools and districts in increasing student enrollment?
Who is affected?
The parties affected by this issue are all stakeholders in the schools and communities of Southeast Michigan. Specifically, we will be looking at the Troy School District (TSD), Roseville Community Schools (RCS), and Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS).
Who or what is suspected of causing the issue, problem, situation, etc.?
Educators are not trained in marketing, but due to legislation effecting school per pupil funding and choice, districts are forced to adopt a marketing approach. This causes already limited funds to be expended on marketing efforts/personnel.
What kind of problem is it?
This is a school funding problem. In an era of school choice and per pupil funding allowances, what are the most effective marketing strategies to keep a community-oriented culture to school districts.
What is the goal of the action research?
Through effective marketing, how can we improve our school programs, increase participation rates, retain a culture of schools that serve the community in an era of decreasing enrollment, declining participation, and school of choice struggles. What are effective school marketing strategies that can be utilized in any school district regardless of demographics.
To consider:
Research Questions
- For what reasons do parents choose schools?
- Programs, athletics, proximity, facilities, technology?
Research Questions
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current marketing strategies in the above districts?
- What strategies are currently being used within the three districts stated above that are effective and what evidence exists to support it?
- Regardless of district demographics, what are the most effective marketing strategies to keep the community culture within school district intact or improved?
- How well does advertising and social media tie into community perception?
Meet the Team...
Jason... |
Grayson... |
and Steve. |