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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.
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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Three Places to Evaluate Your School’s HR Practices
Business and Operations // June 11, 2018
Human resources practices that aren’t compliant with the law can be a source of risk for many private-independent schools. When it comes to managing new hires and current employees, these risks are often related to different forms of discrimination.
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Questions You Must Ask When It Comes to Your Insurance Policy
Business and Operations // June 11, 2018
Risk management must be an intentional process for the Business Office. It must be as much a part of your workflow as managing finances or facilities. A primary way to protect your school from risk is through insurance policies. As the office primarily responsible for selecting and buying insurance, how can you confirm that your policy truly transfers risk and provides the protection you’ve paid for?
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Five Ways to Help Your Faculty Adopt New Technology
School Heads // June 5, 2018
Despite how pervasive technology has become, you probably have more than a few faculty members who are reluctant to incorporate new technology into the classroom. This can be problematic for many reasons. It’s the responsibility of educators and administrators to best prepare students for a quickly changing job market, starting with the intersection of technology and education.
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Consider These Suggestions for Your School’s Financial Aid Procedures
School Heads // June 5, 2018
Financial aid often opens the door for many families who want to send their children to your school. However, managing the financial aid process can be one of the biggest headaches for your school leaders.
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