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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.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
What Can the Board Do to Correct the Potential ‘Skills Gap’ in Your School’s Faculty?
Board of Trustees // February 16, 2020
A recent report from EdChoice, The Private School Teacher Skills Gap: What K-12 Private School Educators Know and What They Need to Know, sheds some light on the deficiencies many private schools have when it comes to recruiting, nurturing, and retaining quality, mission-appropriate teachers.
Read MoreWhat Should You Do If You Exhaust Your Financial Aid Budget but Still Have Empty Seats?
Business and Operations // February 16, 2020
Financial aid can be complicated. Many schools find it difficult to balance financial aid applicant needs with budgetary concerns. Determining which families to award, how much to award, and when to give it should be approached thoughtfully. Instead of considering financial aid as an expense, think of it as generating revenue.
Read MoreHow to Get Teacher Buy-in for Faculty Growth and Evaluation
Academic Leadership // February 16, 2020
As a School Head or academic leader, you want your school culture to encourage teachers’ professional development. At the same time, you need to hold faculty accountable to the high professional standards of performance needed to achieve the student outcomes parents expect.
Read MoreThe Importance of Investing in Professional Development
School Heads // February 9, 2020
As education professionals, you’re probably passionate about fostering a love of lifelong learning among your students. But we’ve found that many leaders are so focused on their school and their students that they overlook themselves and their leaders when it comes to ongoing learning.
Read MoreWhat Does a Growth Goal Look Like?
Academic Leadership // February 9, 2020
Each day, people set goals for themselves at work and at home. In school, students set goals for achieving academically and performing well in their extracurricular activities. We see the value of teachers and administrators setting goals for themselves, and how this has the potential to benefi...
Read MoreHow to Make Your School Stand Out Against the Competition
Advancement // February 9, 2020
Private and independent schools have the opportunity to outdo their public school competitors in one major way—personalized, tailored relationships with their families.
Read More9 "Failure Strategies" for Your Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees // February 9, 2020
As Board President, you are always concerned with the Board’s success and its governance of your school. With this in mind, consider the following nine strategies that are likely to lead your school to failure.
Read MoreInsurance Questions to Ask; Answers to Have
Business and Operations // February 2, 2020
The Business Office is the foundation of private school operations. A well-run Office, with the correct procedures, plans, and safeguards in place, helps keep all other aspects of the school in good order. As part of running an effective office, the Business Manager or CFO must ask the right questions and take the right steps. Today we’ve compiled some questions you might not think to ask when it comes to your school’s insurance policies.
Read MoreWhy the Processes of Faculty Growth and Evaluation Should Be Separated
Academic Leadership // February 2, 2020
Evaluation does not improve teacher performance. Teachers improve by growing. This concept might sound simple, but it is the key principle of Comprehensive Faculty Development, ISM’s framework for how school’s should evaluate and support their teachers.
Read MoreThree Basic Questions About the Planning Document to Expect From Head Candidates
Board of Trustees // February 2, 2020
Before applying for an open Headship, most candidates familiarize themselves with a prospective school’s history and general prospects. They typically review various advancement and marketing materials, the website, and social media efforts. They may even seek constituents’ viewpoints on issues, goa...
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