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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?
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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 Profiled Board and Fundraising
Board of Trustees // June 25, 2018
It's often unclear to Trustees, particularly those members new to the Board, what their fundraising duties comprise.
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The Basics of Your Board’s Summer Retreat
Board of Trustees // June 25, 2018
Your Board must avoid getting bogged down in day-to-day decisions and obligations. It cannot lose sight of its primary responsibility—to maintain the essential character and integrity of the school and ensure that it remains viable to serve the children of today’s students. An annual Board retreat provides the opportunity to devote a day specifically to planning for the future.
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How Teachers’ Stress Impacts Student Outcomes
Academic Leadership // June 18, 2018
Everyone experiences stress related to their jobs. But a recent study highlighted how stressed-out teachers can negatively impact student outcomes—and your school as a whole.
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Helpful Hints for New Development Directors
Advancement // June 18, 2018
Whether you’re new to private-independent schools or are taking on a position in the Development Office for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. Your job is to "sell" your school to people who have the means to support it. To do this effectively, you must know your school inside and out, including its mission, its people, and how it transforms the lives of its graduates. You must be able to speak with conviction about your school. Your deep knowledge and passion speaks volumes to potential donors.
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Tips and Tricks for a Successful Open House
Advancement // June 18, 2018
Open houses show your school in action. Prospective families can see your campus, ask questions, and assess why your school might be a good fit for their children. Open houses are also a great way to give families information about your school that makes the most sense for them. Examples include if a child is particularly interested in a specific sports team or if they require assistance or support in a specific area.
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Four Tips for Navigating a Meeting with Unhappy Parents or Guardians
Academic Leadership // June 18, 2018
It’s inevitable that you’ll be called into meetings with unhappy parents or guardians from time to time. Since parents pay tuition for their child to attend your school, some can feel that they can make demands on teachers, administrators, and the curriculum itself. If they don’t feel they’re getting their way, they may call for a meeting with you.
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Some Jobs Aren’t Made for Volunteers
Board of Trustees // June 12, 2018
You can’t imagine how your staff would complete various tasks without the support of your trusted volunteers. However, some of them are performing potentially dangerous work. As a Trustee, you and your fellow Board members should make sure the school has a policy concerning volunteers and their work on your campus.
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Are Student-Led Conferences Right for Your School?
Academic Leadership // June 12, 2018
Parent-teacher conferences are often a cornerstone of schools’ parent communication strategies. Parents and teachers come together to discuss each student’s progress, identity areas that may need attention, and help families feel that their children are getting the best education possible. But there is another format for conferences that your school might consider. Student-led conferences are growing in popularity.
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When the Board President Should (and Shouldn’t) Vote
Board of Trustees // June 12, 2018
The Board President is the person responsible for conducting Board meetings. Often, however, the President is torn between the desire to express personal views on an issue and the need to generate and moderate discussion in an unbiased manner.
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Four Tips for New Division Heads
Academic Leadership // June 12, 2018
May is probably a busy time in your school as end-of-year activities ramp up, students prepare for summer break, and the academic leaders work together to solidify plans and processes for the following school year. Part of those plans may mean hiring new Division Heads or other academic leaders to join your team. It’s then up to you and your fellow administrators to help these new faces transition into your culture, learn and uphold your school’s mission, and become part of your community.
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