Ten Jobs for Classroom Helpers, Even in a Blended Model

Academic Leadership // March 21, 2021

It is increasingly difficult to predict what students’ future needs will be as we live in an era of hyperchange. Our overall response to this educational dilemma—exacerbated by remote learning during a pandemic has been to "cover" everything. We try to do this despite evidence students retain a smal...

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Do Schools Need to ‘Catch Kids Up’ After COVID?

School Heads // March 14, 2021

As education thought leaders, we have observed with interest recent debates about how to “catch kids up” from their “academic learning loss” after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. We certainly agree students have missed out on powerful and lasting learning from hands-on social activities that have been drastically modified or canceled altogether over the last year.

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Five Signs Your School’s Faculty Evaluation Isn’t Working

Academic Leadership // March 14, 2021

A yearly faculty evaluation is not like a walk in the park—whether you’re the academic leader implementing it or the teacher on the receiving end. When properly constructed and enacted, however, a comprehensive faculty development framework that includes an evaluation piece can improve staff culture, reduce legal risks, and bolster school enrollment.

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Your Questions Answered: How to Start Next Year Off Right as a New School Head

School Heads // March 14, 2021

The start of a new job is an exciting time—enthusiasm and a dose of apprehension often go hand in hand. For a new School Head, the imminent responsibilities and expectations are unique. We recently answered several questions about taking on a new School Head position. We want to share the answers with you here.

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Four Reasons to Incorporate a New Evaluation Framework

Academic Leadership // March 7, 2021

We often discuss ISM’s approach to faculty growth and evaluation that prioritizes predictability and support for teachers, students, and administrators. Our Comprehensive Faculty Development framework has two distinct elements. Today we’re focusing on the benefits of a focused and uniform evaluation framework. If you haven’t already adopted such an approach at your school, consider these four ways it can re-energize your teaching staff.

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10 Tips for Handling Negative Online Comments About Your School

Marketing Communications // March 7, 2021

Negative comments will happen—it's collateral damage resulting from today's digital culture. When they occur online, they can often feel petty, unfair, or even cruel. They might be written by a frustrated parent, unhappy student, or even someone who has never interacted with your school.

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Go Beyond Getting a ‘Yes’ From Parents Who Apply for Admittance

Enrollment Management // March 7, 2021

Marketing your independent school is a never-ending process, and much of it has to do with your enrollment cycle. Whether you are targeting prospective students, bringing accepted students into your community, or encouraging existing students to re-enroll, your work is never done. With a solid enrollment cycle, you can ensure a strong institution.

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How to Ensure Your School's Marketing Is Student-Centered

Marketing Communications // February 28, 2021

There are many audiences you want to reach when marketing your school. You want to appeal to prospective and current parents and students to bolster recruitment and re-recruitment efforts. Perhaps educators want to showcase future teaching opportunities or highlight prominent community members to appeal for their generous support.

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Creating a Culture of Support and Growth in Private Schools

Academic Leadership // February 28, 2021

Students are encouraged to learn and grow each day, both in and out of the classroom. They are given the tools to become critical thinkers—a gift that will serve them long beyond graduation. Acquiring these skills doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it is achieved when there is an established culture of growth and accountability in all aspects of their independent school.

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Breaking Down the Financial Aid “Formula” for Private Schools

Business and Operations // February 28, 2021

There is a right way to budget your financial aid program. The proper way ensures that you use it as a tool to advance your school’s mission, while also strategically increasing revenue and enrollment.

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