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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
The Sex Talk That Everyone Is Talking About
Private School News // January 29, 2010
If you haven't heard about Shirley Price's lecture yet, we're surprised. The story is alarming, and raises some serious risk management concerns for schools nationwide. On January 15, 2010, in Hitchcock TX, school Board member Shirley Price was supposed to give a motivational speech to a group of sixth- through eighth-grade girls. However, the presentation turned from motivational into an explicit sex talk and used some profanity.
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California Parents Are Required to STEP Up
Private School News // January 29, 2010
Most educators know that what is learned in the classroom is only the first step in a child's education. A small public school in California, Christa McAuliffe Elementary School (named after the teacher killed in the Challenger explosion, Christa McAuliffe), has a program that not only takes this theory and encourages parents to spend evenings with their children discussing homework and the days' activities, but requires parents to be involved.
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No "Sexting" at Your School? It's More Common Than You Think
Academic Leadership // January 29, 2010
In its new study Sex and Tech: Results From a Survey of Teens and Young Adults, The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy found that 39% of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages via text, e-mail, or instant message. And 20% of teens have sent or posted online nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves. This collision of cyber technology and judgment, dubbed "sexting," could have a profound effect on your school.
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Record Highs of Disability, Religious, and National Origin Bias Charges
Business and Operations // January 22, 2010
The 2009 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2009) proved to be a tough one for employers battling discrimination claims. The US Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that 93,277 claims were filed last year—the second highest ever—totaling over $376 million in obtained cash for victims.
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A Dreary Classroom Is Cause for a Lawsuit
Business and Operations // January 22, 2010
Seasonal affective disorder season is upon us. And, for those of you who suffer from the depression-like symptoms associated with this disorder, you might be struggling to maintain balance in your life. (For additional information about SADD, follow the link at the end of this article.) Renae Ekstrand, an elementary school teacher in WI, was one of the many Americans who struggle with SADD, and knowing this, informed her principal before the 2006 school year that she had difficulty functioning in a classroom with artificial light rather than natural light. Ekstrand also identified other issues that exacerbated her symptoms including noise distractions and inadequate ventilation. She repeatedly requested another classroom with natural light. The school district worked with Ekstrand to remedy her other concerns, but did not reassign her to a room with natural light.
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Ask Michael
Business and Operations // January 22, 2010
Once a month, ISM's Human Resources Consultant Michael Brisciana will answer an HR-related question submitted by one of our readers. To ask Michael a question to be addressed in future e-letters, please click here. Q: At my prior place of employment, they had a policy to have a "witness" in the room whenever a warning was given. We're getting ready to give a written warning to a longtime faculty member. Should we have another person in the room as a witness?
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More International Students Are Finding Their Way to American Campuses
Advancement // January 15, 2010
For the last eight years, India has been the leading country of origin for international students. 103,260 students—a 9% increase from last year—came to the U.S. to study this year. Interestingly, China is quickly catching up to these numbers. 98,510 students—a 21% increase—traveled to the States to study at American universities.
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No "Sexting" at Your School? It's More Common Than You Think
School Heads // January 15, 2010
In its new study "Sex and Tech: Results From a Survey of Teens and Young Adults", The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy found that 39% of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages via text, e-mail, or instant message. And 20% of teens have sent or posted online nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves. This collision of cyber technology and judgment, dubbed "sexting," could have a profound effect on your school.
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Private School Facts—What You Didn't Want Parents to Find
Advancement // January 15, 2010
Most private-independent schools keep their information private so their competition remains in the dark. If you're one of these schools, you might not like what we've come across here. But, we remind you there are positives and negatives to every situation.
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Are You Embracing Cultural Differences in Your Fund-raising Efforts?
Advancement // January 12, 2010
With 30% of the U.S. population classified as of non-European backgrounds, are you taking into consideration cultural differences in your development and fund-raising efforts? Chances are you may not be. Now is an excellent time to start … because in the next 50 years, the U.S. Census Bureau reports, the population will shift to approximately 50% white and 50% of all other races and ethnicities.
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