Stay current with the latest private-independent school news.
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.
Search
See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Six Reasons Why Your School Needs a Cyber Insurance Policy
Business and Operations // May 2, 2021
Cyberattacks on schools are on the rise; last year, they went up 18%. Having a dedicated Information Technology (IT) team and preventive tools aren’t enough to protect your institution. A cyberattack could still occur, leaving your school’s private data, finances, and equipment—not to mention information about your students and your families—at risk.
Read More
Feeling Disconnected From Alumni? Use These Five Steps from Our Communications Experts
Marketing Communications // May 2, 2021
Alumni understand your mission and can be some of your most local supporters—with the right messaging and framework to keep them interested (and engaged) in your school. It’s time to recycle the old, stale messaging that falls flat when reaching out to alumni. Here are five steps to refresh and refocus your strategic communication plan.
Read More
Why It's Critical to Measure Student Self-Efficacy
Academic Leadership // May 2, 2021
Every school must create a mission statement—what it hopes to achieve as an institution and how it plans to shape future generations. Mission statements vary from preparing students for college and the workforce to creating well-rounded and curious citizens and learners. There are indicators of success that typically involve test scores, graduation rates, Admission rates, GPAs, and similar metrics.
Read More
Responding to a Cyberattack: A School Guide
Business and Operations // April 25, 2021
The rate of cyberattacks are on the rise, and schools are not excluded from the target list. According to a 2021 report, schools had 408 publicly disclosed attacks last year—that’s up from 348 in 2019. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, schools need to ensure they can keep ahead of the ever-ev...
Read More
7 Tips to Help Athletes Create Connections With College Recruiters During COVID-19
School Leadership // April 25, 2021
The pandemic abruptly halted many things, but college sports recruiting wasn’t one of them. You may feel overwhelmed by all the changes in recruiting rules—perhaps you feel there’s not much you can do [in the college recruiting process] for your graduating athletes—but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Opportunities haven’t disappeared, they’ve just changed form. We are here to help you navigate the new rules of the college recruiting game, 2021 style.
Read More
If Spreadsheets and Budgets Leave You Frustrated … This One's for You
Business and Operations // April 25, 2021
Even before the pandemic reared its very ugly head, private schools were facing worrisome data trends. Over the past two decades, enrollment numbers have remained flat. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and not look beyond the next Board meeting or financial report. But it’s vital to keep the long-term picture in mind.
Read More
Five Ways to Make a Big Deal About Student Acceptances at Your School
Enrollment Management // April 18, 2021
Your congratulatory letter to students who have been accepted to attend your school probably sounds similar. A letter is an excellent way to document acceptance. But what happens after students take you up on your offer? Sometimes, nothing. And it's a missed opportunity to do so many things that can benefit your organization.
Read More
Ten Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Cyberattack on Your School
Business and Operations // April 18, 2021
Cyberattacks are expected to occur every 11 seconds in 2021—and unfortunately, K–12 schools are increasingly at risk, thanks to distance learning Some of the biggest threats are ransomware and funds transfer fraud. Threats commonly occur via the entry point of email, also known as "business email compromise."
Read More
Understanding Gen Z and How to Help Them Succeed
Academic Leadership // April 18, 2021
Gaining a better understanding of the way your students have been raised and the world they live in is critical to connecting with them and educating effectively. With a grasp on their background and perspective, you can improve their engagement and academic success—not to mention generating accolades for your school.
Read More
Eight Steps to Transforming School Culture: Real Talk on Race and Diversity
School Leadership // April 11, 2021
For some schools, 2020 was the year that leaders got honest about diversity in their schools. Whether it was the first time your team dealt with challenging conversations, or another year of continuing progress, use these concrete steps to transform your school’s culture.
Read More