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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 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?
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A 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.
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Three 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.
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A 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.
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Four 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.
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Insurance 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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Crisis Communication: What’s Your Plan?
Advancement // May 8, 2018
Your school probably has a well-thought-out crisis plan in place to help your school react should the unthinkable happen. But an often-overlooked aspect of a crisis plan is communication.
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Three Ways to Set Your Assistant Head Up for Success
School Heads // May 3, 2018
If your school employs an Assistant Head, it may be tempting to think of this position as a “catch all” for everything on your plate that you can’t or don’t have the time to accomplish. This shouldn't be the case, though. The Assistant Head position has the power to enhance your school’s operations. This role must be structured effectively to ensure it’s a value-add to your duties as School Head. Follow these guidelines for setting your Assistant Head up for success.
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Ensure Your College Guidance Program Is Structured Effectively
School Heads // May 3, 2018
For schools that have an upper level, helping students find and apply to the college of their dreams is a critical concern for many counselors and staff members throughout the year. As this school year comes to a close and students complete the college application and acceptance process, it’s time to review your program for next year.
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Follow These Tips When Hiring New Advancement-Focused Employees
Advancement // May 1, 2018
The spring is a busy time for administrators who work in admission, enrollment management, development, and marketing communications. As your team works together to attract, select, and accept new students, you may also consider adding new administrators to your ranks. Hiring new employees during an already stressful and hectic period isn’t easy. But it’s imperative to manage this process well and take care of candidates through every step in your hiring process.
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