Administrative Communication

This assignment allows you to choose the content area of interest to you (K-12 or Higher Ed) and a scenario to write about. Choose one of the scenarios/topics from either I. K-12 or II. Higher Education; each scenario/topic has two parts to fulfill (a & b).
Regardless of the content area (k-12 or Higher Ed) and the Scenario (#1 or #2 under k-12 or Higher Ed), the paper section is a two page description of the issue (using citations) and the letter is a separate page written in proper business letter format (see specifics below: Required Elements). The paper portion should not be written as a piece of creative writing but rather from a factual viewpoint with citations.
I. K-12
K-12 Scenarios/Topics:
1.  The school has just received bad news about student learning based on state assessments.  For the second year in a row, the school averages on math and reading are far below grade level and in fact, are among the worst in the state.
2.  Several students have contacted local television and newspaper reporters about their intention to demand that the school hire more culturally diverse teachers who will understand student issues regarding their language, dress and style customs, and cultural issues.
Required Elements:
a. The first part of the assignment – choose one of the scenarios/topics for k-12 below and write a two page description of the issue, include three references, state who in your fictitious organization should address this issue, and why you believe that is the case – although short in page length, make sure this is written with an introduction (outlining the above three elements), a body (fully addressing each element), and a conclusion (tie all main points together).  For example, if you believe the school counselor is the appropriate person to communicate to parents, thoroughly describe why you believe that person should address the issue with parents.
b. The second part of the assignment — write the actual letter to be sent to all parents; the letter (using proper APA format for a business letter) should appear following the two page description and reference page as an appendix (and referred to in the body of the paper).  Make sure the letter provides some background information, a decision regarding the issue, and a way for parents to respond if they are interested. The letter, like the rest of the paper, should be in Times Roman font, 12 pt. type size, and all black (you do not need to use or simulate letterhead of a fictitious school but may do so if you choose).
OR
II. Higher Education
Higher Ed Scenarios/Topics:
1.  There have been a series of assaults on students during the daytime, including students in the library, classrooms, and dormitories.
2.  Students have planned several demonstrations on campus to protest tuition and fee hikes.  The university has faced severe budget cuts that affect all programs and has said the increases are effective immediately.
Required Elements:
a. The first part of the assignment — choose one of the scenarios/topics for higher education below and write a two page description of the issue, include three references, state who in your fictitious organization should address the issue, and why you believe that person(s) should tackle this communication. Although short in page length, make sure this is written with an introduction (outlining the above three elements), a body (fully addressing each element), and a conclusion (tie all main points together).
b. The second part of the assignment — write the actual letter to be sent to all parents; the letter (using proper APA format for a business letter) should appear following the two page description and reference page as an appendix (and referred to in the body of the paper).  Make sure the letter provides some background information, a decision regarding the issue, and a way for parents to respond if they are interested. The letter, like the rest of the paper, should be in Times Roman font, 12 pt. type size, and all black (you do not need to use or simulate letterhead of a fictitious school but may do so if you choose).