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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
Check out Community Corner, a free blog from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
The Three Rules About Class Time You Must Know
Academic Leadership // February 14, 2019
There is no “right” length of time for classes at your school—and in fact, class times vary greatly even at schools of similar grade levels and pedagogies.
Read MoreShould Division Heads Teach?
Academic Leadership // February 13, 2019
Many Division Heads begin their careers as teachers, and would like to maintain a presence in the classroom even after moving into an administrative position. But does that make sense?
Read MoreWhat You Must Include in Your School’s Enrollment Contracts
Advancement // February 12, 2019
There are many questions about what an enrollment contract should include. It’s the final piece that a family receives before sending their child to your school, and you want to make sure that it accurately reflects your mission, values, and the education you provide to students.
Read MoreIs Your School’s Social Media Strategic?
Advancement // February 11, 2019
All too often, marketing communications professionals can become so busy in their day-to-day work that social media becomes another thing that “has to be done.” But you might go about this with no overarching social media plan or strategy. If you do, you’re missing a vital opportunity.
Read MoreAnswering a Question About In-Kind Gifts
Advancement // February 10, 2019
There are many nuances of fundraising and accepting donations that require careful care and attention to rules and procedures. Recently, a Director of Advancement posed a question about in-kind gifts to his peers on the ISM e-list for Development.
Read MoreFour Items You Must Include in Your Employee Handbook
Business and Operations // February 8, 2019
Your employee handbook is the guiding document for your teachers and staff to understand what is and isn’t a part of working at your school. Your handbook should be carefully written and reviewed often to ensure it’s best suited to protect your employees and your school as a whole.
Read MoreShould Your Private School Offer Sexual Harassment Training?
Business and Operations // February 7, 2019
Many school officials have questions when it comes to sexual harassment training. But before you de-prioritize this training in favor of the many other items on your to-do list, consider two important reasons to include harassment training in your professional development initiatives.
Read MoreThe Head's Role in Major Gifts Fundraising
School Heads // February 6, 2019
For an effective major gifts fundraising program, the Leadership Team—you as School Head, the Board President, the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee, and the Development Director—must shift your focus. You’re not raising dollars—you’re building relationships.
Read MoreThe Biggest Tuition-Setting Mistake Schools Make
School Heads // February 5, 2019
When it comes to setting your tuition, many schools make assumptions about what their families are willing to pay.Some schools think they must keep their prices low to match their local competitors. Others feel parents will simply refuse to pay tuition over a certain amount. Our research has found that these assumptions are not the case.
Read MoreThree Things Schools Need to Know About Homestay Programs
Private School News // January 30, 2019
As more schools offer international programs, new questions have risen about the best ways to support foreign students. They’re separated from their families for months at a time and schools want to do what’s in their best interests. One method that schools take is homestay programs.
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