Below are communications resources tools that we hope will assist states as they develop and refine their communications and outreach plans and strategies.

Lay the Groundwork: Tools to help you think through the how and what of your communications plan

• Key Steps to Building a Communications Strategy (A great place to start - provides an organizing framework for the rest of the tools)
• Putting the Pieces in Place for a Communications Strategy
• Communicating Internally and Externally
• Communications Channels for Every Budget

Know Your Audience: Tools for identifying and engaging key audiences

• Audience Mapping: The Why, How and What to Look For
• How to Engage Parents
• How to Engage Students

Put Your Plan into Action: Tools to help you identify the major activities and tactics within your communications plan

• Building a College- and Career-Ready Coalition
• Talking to the Media 101
• Engaging the Media
• Leveraging Social Media
• Communications Research
• Making a Local Impact
• Hosting a College- and Career-Ready Roundtable
• Measuring a Communications Strategy's Success
• A Mid-Course Audit for Your College- and Career-Ready Communications Strategy

Templates: Additional templates to support your communications plan

• Sample Key Three Messages Template
• Sample Strategic Tactical Plan Template