Social Networking—Do We Need a Policy (And Is It Any of Our Business)?

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Many schools have an "Acceptable Use of the Internet" policy published in their employee handbooks—which we absolutely recommend, for the protection of the school and its employees. However, unless your HR policies are on the cutting edge (and kudos to you if they are!), the "acceptable use" policy probably doesn't mention social networking (like use of MySpace, Facebook, etc., by teachers and administrators). The question arises, "Should we? Is it any of the school's business what employees do on their personal time online?"

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Tough Times Call for a Tough Leader

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

According to Workforce Management, reports suggest that many employers are cutting their training and development budgets in response to the recession. At the same time, there are reports of other organizations that are retooling their human resources departments to enhance the skill sets required to succeed under new market realities. These kinds of contradictory responses are familiar. In times of crisis, leadership development is commonly seen as simultaneously crucial to organizational success and also as a luxury that must be sacrificed while the organization focuses on the situation at hand.

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Stop Doubting Yourself

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Some leaders, especially those new to management, struggle to find their management styles—a balance between their professional work identity and their "natural," out-of-work identity. In a struggling economy such as ours, it's common to feel insecure about your work environment. You may be nervous to let your guard down and show your true personality. Of course, there is the argument that maintaining a distinction is good. However, good managers should feel comfortable enough to allow their true selves to shine into their working environments. Remember, allowing yourself to shine through your leadership role lets you be more creative and effective.

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GEDs on the Rise

Advancement // December 10, 2009

Research is showing that in areas hit hardest by the economic downturn, GED classes are on the rise, and filling up fast. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate for 16-to-19-year-olds was 21.5% in April. This is up from 15% a year before. As the unemployment rate continues to grow across all age brackets, adults desperate for any work to alleviate some of their financial burden are beating high school students out of jobs in places such as grocery stores, retail shops, and restaurants.

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How to Help Staff Members Address Personal Issues

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

November is National Employee Recognition Month. One of the most important ways you can recognize your faculty and staff members is to provide resources that will aid them during these trying times. (Recognition Professionals International, a site run by a nonprofit group, has a wealth of ideas and resources regarding effective employee recognition efforts.) After layoffs, salary reductions, and the like, employers are looking into ways to offer relief for employees who are still on board and dedicated to seeing their organization through these times.

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Packing a Healthy Picnic Basket

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Summer's incredibly outdoor friendly weather may inspire you to spend some time lounging on a blanket with a picnic basket full of tasty snacks, a good book, and a few of your favorite people. Make some promises to yourself this summer—go light on the chips and sugary treats, and stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. It doesn't matter if you're oceanfront, lakeside, or relaxing in your local park or even your own backyard—reward yourself with the season's fresh treats. (We know you've worked hard all year.)

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Swine Flu Vaccine: Balancing the Possible Side Effects Versus the Rewards

Advancement // December 10, 2009

Finally, the H1N1 vaccine is available! And people are scrambling to their doctors' offices, local clinics, and drug stores to wait their turn to receive it as the virus and panic continues to spread across most of the nation. (Click here to see which states are reporting widespread H1N1 cases.) But wait; is preventing the swine flu worth the side effects? And what risks if any would a school be exposed to if it required shots?

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Financial Aid

School Heads // December 10, 2009

Financial aid is the most proactive method that schools have to help children attend their schools. For many, though, evaluating financial need is often very difficult—the paperwork, the stress, and trying to match available funds to evident need are just part of the complexities that comprise the typical financial aid decision-making process. However, a proactive, organized approach to financial aid can ease the process significantly. Use these suggestions before your first applications arrive and you'll be ahead of the game.

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Be Prepared for the Resurgence of H1N1

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

It's predicted that the swine flu will remerge this fall as cooler temperatures settle into typical regions. If your school doesn't have an action plan in place for an epidemic, now is the time to act.

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Teen Self Esteem

School Heads // December 10, 2009

According to a series of recent studies conducted by researchers at Columbia University's Teachers College, many of today's unhappiest teens probably made the honor roll last semester and plan to attend prestigious universities. The studies found that adolescents raised in suburban homes that have an average family income of $120,000 report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than any other socioeconomic group of young Americans today.

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