Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist

Business and Operations // March 4, 2015

Q. I had an employee come to me today and ask for “Form 1095” so she could complete her taxes. I had never heard of this form! What is it, and how do I get it for the employee?

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4 Reasons Why You Should Be on LinkedIn

Business and Operations // March 3, 2015

LinkedIn, calling itself “the world’s largest professional network,” may have once been only for recruiters and the unemployed, but no longer. Since the inauguration of its long-form article platform and news aggregate service, LinkedIn has become the place for professionals from every career and company to gather, learn, and network—including you, Business Officers. We can list four reasons why you should spruce up your profile (or create one!).

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Practical Points of a BYOD Program

Business and Operations // March 3, 2015

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs might seem like the perfect solution to your school’s desire to stay up-to-date with the latest educational tools with little added cost to your technology budget—but beware! Don’t view BYOD through rose-colored glasses. Without proper planning, such programs can be riddled with hidden obstacles. Consider these three stumbling blocks while your school ponders implementing a BYOD program.

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Five Key Reasons to Develop a Head Evaluation Process

Board of Trustees // February 25, 2015

When it comes to evaluating the School Head, many Boards simply avoid the process. Their rationale is, “Everything’s fine! Why take on another time-consuming, bureaucratic task?” In other schools, the Board President distributes an all-purpose leadership ratings form of some sort, tallies the results, and sets up a meeting with the Head to make a few suggestions. Neither tactic proves helpful for the School Head looking for direction and support. So, why go to all the trouble of setting up a true evaluation process—forming a Head Support and Evaluation Committee (HSEC), determining criteria and method, putting it into practice, and fine-tuning it yearly as ISM suggests? Here are five key reasons.

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You're Brilliant! You Will Get Through These Winter Doldrums

Business and Operations // February 25, 2015

Finding motivation midwinter can be a struggle. Less sunlight, post holiday cheer, and colder temperatures have been linked to seasonal depression (SADD), known to affect thousands of people each season. It’s a very real concern for organizations and individuals alike, as both struggle to keep motivation high and sanity balanced.

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When the School Head Leaves "Under a Cloud"

Board of Trustees // February 25, 2015

Sometimes a change in school leadership is the result of an abrupt rupture in the relationship between the Board and the School Head. In such a situation, the Board must act quickly to reassure all constituencies there will be a graceful transition.

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What’s On Your Printer?

Business and Operations // February 25, 2015

Data security risks are typically thought of as unsecure Web-based software, outdated servers, viruses, and poor password maintenance. Yet, data risks extend beyond your computer files and cloud storage. All the things you copy in the office—tax returns, medical records, financial information, student records, and more—could end up in someone else's hands. If your Data Security Plan (Risk Communication Plan) doesn’t incorporate printers and multifunctional devices, consider them for your next revision—or emergency amendment.

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Ask ISM's Risk Manager

Business and Operations // February 25, 2015

Q: We have had several instances of what can be considered unacceptable student behavior reported to us by parents. However, these events have taken place in the evening or over the weekend—outside of school hours. What are our rights, and duties, for monitoring student (and staff) behavior after hours?

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Schools Crack Down on E-Cigarettes

Private School News // February 24, 2015

Billed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes and tobacco products, electronic cigarettes or “e-cigarettes” have exploded in popularity with young adults and minors. One national survey from the University of Michigan shows that in 2014, 16.2% of 16-year-olds and 17.1% of 18-year-olds had smoked an e-cigarette in the last month. In contrast, only 7% and 14% of those respective groups had recently smoked a tobacco cigarette. But as a relatively new product—the e-cigarette was introduced to U.S. markets in 2007—and with the potential for misuse, public and private schools across the country have stepped up to prohibit use.

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School Spotlight: An English Teacher’s Odyssey

Private School News // February 24, 2015

In October 2014, we published an article about private school learning coach Alexis Wiggins, who wanted to experience a day in the lives of her students to see her school from a different perspective. This month, we’d like to introduce you to Beth Wilson, the English Department Chair at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and another intrepid explorer into the lives of her students. We met Beth on Twitter, after she responded to our post about Wiggins's experiences as a "student." As it turns out, she and 17 other teachers and administrators follow in Wiggins's footsteps to demonstrate Darlington School's mission of empowering students with a passion for learning through a personal dedication to education and renewed discovery

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