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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.
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.
Read MoreQuestions 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?
Read MoreFive 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.
Read MoreConsider 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.
Read MoreThe Impact of Smartphones on Concentration and Cognitive Abilities
Private School News // May 31, 2018
Smartphones have become an integral part of most people’s everyday routines. Researchers say that Americans check their phones every 12 minutes on average, totaling 80 times per day. With the proliferation of smartphones infiltrating every aspect of our lives, researchers wanted to know—how does even the presence of a smartphone impact one’s ability to concentrate and use cognitive abilities?
Read MoreA Checklist to Consider If You Use Drones at Your School
Private School News // May 31, 2018
Drones are becoming more commonplace in schools across the nation. We provided three tips for responsible drone use last year, and are following up with a few more guidelines that your school could incorporate into your official protocol if you use drones on campus.
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Your International Student Program at the End of the Year
Private School News // May 31, 2018
Many schools that run international student programs have questions about the correct end-of-year procedures. They want to make sure they’re taking care of students appropriately, while abiding by established rules and regulations. If you have some questions of your own, you’re not alone.
Read MoreA Risk Assessment Self-Exam
Business and Operations // May 8, 2018
It’s not always easy to see ways that your school’s operations might put you at risk. But managing it effectively isn’t as hard as you may think. Your team can manage risk by identifying exposures from past experiences or the experiences of others, seeing patterns, and considering new trends. Then identify ways you can prevent these risks from occuring now, or options you’ll have to mitigate if they occur in the future.
Read MoreFour Reasons to Consider Shifting to a Continuous Enrollment Program
Advancement // May 8, 2018
Shifting to a continuous enrollment program is a hot topic among advancement professionals in private-independent schools. Many schools have made the switch to automatically re-enrolling students for the next year if the student is in good academic standing, has no behavioral issues, and his or her account is paid in full.
Read MoreInsurance You Want Your Vendors to Have
Business and Operations // May 8, 2018
It’s inevitable that your school will employ vendors to help support some aspects of your operations. Whether these vendors provide transportation, food, construction, or some other service, all should carry adequate insurance policies. Before you sign a contract and the vendor begins work, ensure each provides proof that the following policies and coverages are in place to protect their business and your school.
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