Nowadays we demand convenience. As most households have two adults working full-time, and our children are busier than ever, we crave convenience wherever we can find it. Whether that be picking up our medications at the drive-thru, or depending on our microwaves to make dinner, we look for all the shortcuts we can to buy us at least a few minutes of peace—or even a few seconds.

A new research project that gives students smartphones to tackle algebra, geometry, and other math courses is showing measurable results. Students in a handful of North Carolina school districts are participating in Project K-Nect, which is grant-funded and was launched in 2007. Results from that first Algebra I group showed that the Project K-Nect students outperformed other Algebra I students at the school taught by the same teacher on the state end-of-year exam and on final grades. The 2008-09 survey showed similar results.

Do you—and everyone else—dread the all-faculty meeting? Are they seen as a waste of time, a necessary evil? It's time to refocus your meeting goals from strictly administrivia to professional development, esprit de corps and sense of purpose, mission, and strategic direction. Your meetings will become vibrant and valued elements of the faculty culture.

Many schools are now preparing annual faculty contract renewals. We'd like to offer a "tip" on a critical contract provision—"what happens if we need to end the contract during the school year?" This is a provision that is missing from many faculty contracts, and one that could cost the school dearly.

The status of health care reform is still uncertain as we go to "press" with this e-letter, as is its potential impact on the employee benefits provided by private-independent schools. One thing is clear, though: It has never been more important for employees to be well-informed about—and value—the benefits that your school provides. One way of educating and reinforcing employees about their benefits is through an annual benefits statement.

Q: We have an employee who is behaving very oddly. Can we "require" that they get counseling?

In this topsy-turvy economy, you may feel/notice signs of uneasiness from your Board. Your re-enrollment numbers may be up or down, as schools are reporting both, and you may be feeling the pressure. Although there are plenty of external factors, the Board may place responsibility for declining enrollment or lackluster fundraising squarely on your shoulders. Or, the Board has completely turned over during your tenure and it just may want to pick its own leader. Whatever the reason, the tenure for a Head can be too short! Here are 10 areas where you can self-evaluate, and improve to bolster your tenure.

As School Head, you are one of the four key players—the quartet—in your school's Development efforts. While the Board President, the Development Committee Chair, and the Development Director are making the donations happen, you are the individual who leads the school and has the most credibility with the school's supporters. You are the person donors see as the primary steward of their gifts, and ultimately the "face" of the school. After all, your Development colleagues have reaped the gifts by connecting the school's mission and programs to donors' interests. You are the one putting gifts into action. Carry out your development responsibilities by taking these steps.

Q:What do I do about compensation this year? I froze salaries last year!

Last month, we defined the new generation of parents that have become the majority in schools—Gen X. We left off saying the first step to effectively communicate with Gen X parents is to know where they're coming from, and who they are. (You must know your market before you can be successful!) So, without further ado, here are some strategies that can help educators cope with Gen X parents.