The start of a new year is a time of reflection. In Private School News, we’ve written about everything from tuition remission to communicating with your IT Department—and we’ll be sure to cover more hot topics in the year to come. Before we move on, though, let’s look back to articles from our top-read editions of Private School News in 2014.
1. Take Note: Four Private School Blogs to Emulate
Vol. 13 No. 6
Why we’ve included it: While blogging isn’t easy, this compilation of A-list educational bloggers proves that anyone can do it, given a keyboard and something to say.
2. Tuition Remission and You
Vol. 13 No. 1
Why we’ve included it: This article generated quite a bit of buzz when it was first released, resulting in a lively conversation among ISM readers. ISM's method occasionally goes against the traditional mode of operation fostered in private-independent school culture, and that can ruffle a few feathers.
3. School Spotlight: Valley Christian’s “I Am a Warrior” Campaign
Vol. 13 No. 9
Why we’ve included it: Valley Christian was the first school we highlighted in an experimental “School Spotlight” feature, in which we wanted to highlight remarkable schools doing extraordinary, mission-based things. We had such a wonderful time interviewing the school's Director of Marketing, we’ve gone on to make the "School Spotlight" a regular column in PSN!
(Stay tuned for Private School News Vol. 14 No. 1, in which we'll introduce you to Colorado Academy's student-driven philanthropic efforts.)
4. Merit Pay: The Debate Rages On
Vol. 13 No. 3
Why we’ve included it: Merit pay for teachers has been in the news a lot this past year. The effectiveness of such a system hinges on a school’s faculty evaluation system—something on which ISM frequently writes in books like Comprehensive Faculty Development and centers workshops.
5. Why Teachers Quit
Vol. 13 No. 2
Why we’ve included it: No one’s psychic, but sometimes you’d like to be—especially when a good faculty member decides to leave your school. When you lose a great teacher, this is an opportunity to evaluate your processes and procedures, in case his or her departure could have been prevented. (Spoiler alert: Most teachers love their jobs and schools, but leave due to a lack of administrative support and respect.)
6. Why Go Private?
Vol. 13 No. 4
Why we’ve included it: With so many options in education these days, from public options to homeschooling, the reasons why parents choose to send their children to private schools are many and varied. We collected a few of our favorite parent confessions from around the Web to inspire you to see why parents choose your school!
7. Lessons for Private Schools From Comcast Call Catastrophe
Vol. 13 No. 7
Why we’ve included it: A lighthearted article on a world-class failure of customer service, this article provides an opportunity to reflect on your school’s “customer service.” Turn this blunder into your school’s boon with improved communications.
8. Give IT Some TLC
Vol. 13 No. 5
Why we’ve included it: As more schools experiment with different technology-based educational paradigms like blended learning, inevitably something will go wrong. The next time you find yourself calling the tech person at your school, remember our tips and you should find things running much more smoothly.
9. Private School Administrator Shadows Students, Is Shocked
Vol. 13 No. 10
Why we’ve included it: A learning coach at a private school glimpses the daily life of two of her students. Her story gives us all a chance to understand both how much education has changed from when we were students—and how it’s very much stayed the same.
10. Robin Williams: Inspiration From His Private School
Vol. 13 No. 8
Why we’ve included it: Robin Williams’s sudden death this year rocked the world. Williams was a former private school student, and spoke fondly of his days at Detroit Country Day School. We wrote this tribute both to honor his memory and show how the work you do every day at your school will impact students even decades later.
But enough about our favorites! What article did you most enjoy in 2014?
Additional Resources for Gold Consortium members:
I&P Vol. 34 No. 2 The ISM 37-School Parent Survey: Convenience Factors at Private Schools
I&P Vol. 39 No. 1 Faculty Motivation, Schedule Change, and School Change
I&P Vol. 38 No. 13 Tuition Discounts and Your School's Sustainability
I&P Vol. 24 No. 13 New Research: The Relationship Between Faculty Professional Development and Student Performance
