When developing your school’s central message framework, it is essential that you clearly identify and promote the qualities and programs that differentiate your school in your marketplace. ISM has long advocated schools use three Purpose and Outcome statements to define themselves: the mission statement to answer the “why?” question, the Portrait of the Graduate to answer the “what?” question, and Characteristics of Professional Excellence to answer the “how?” question.
Six Questions to Cultivate Strategic Thinking Within Independent School Boards
In the complex landscape of independent schools, strategic thinking often stands as a beacon of success and an indicator of sustainability. The journey toward effective strategic governance, however, is riddled with challenges unique to each school Board.
Join this webinar to discuss six questions to ask that will help you overcome obstacles that inhibit strategic thinking within independent school Boards.
Bring Your Portrait of the Graduate to Life Through Data and Storytelling
In a 2006 issue of Ideas & Perspectives, ISM introduced the Purpose and Outcome Statements, a set of three complementary documents that include:
The Newest ISM Recommendations for Head Support and Evaluation
School Heads require sound, comprehensive support to ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities.
ISM has long recommended that the Board create a Head Support and Evaluation Committee (HSEC) to do just that—provide strategic support so the Head can focus on tactical school issues.
Unfortunately, many schools get the Head Support and Evaluation Committee wrong—from the individuals involved to the plan they follow to who sits as the Committee Chair.
Summer Program Risk Management 101
A quality summer program has many benefits: a valued service to current parents, new recruitment opportunities, a chance to consider innovative academic programs, and more. But summer programs are often led by faculty members who may not be familiar with the potential risks involved. Without awareness and knowledge, your school community could face legal challenges and liability claims.
The End of the State of Emergency for COVID-19: What does it mean for schools?
The U.S. national emergency declaration to the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire on May 11, 2023. The emergency declaration, along with separate public health and state declarations, has been in place since early 2020.
Schools take various actions every day to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including the virus that causes COVID-19. But now that the public health emergency is ending, should your school remain cognizant of infectious disease prevention? And, if so, how do you do this? Join this webinar to learn strategies that should be in place at every school.
30/60/90: Help Your School’s Wellness Program Reach Crucial Milestones
Now that you’ve decided to implement a wellness program at your school, it’s crucial to make sure you put it on the path to success. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to define program goals, recruit a wellness team, and overcome potential barriers. We’ll provide three steps to get you started establishing important milestones of days 30, 60, and 90, allowing you to enter the summer with a clear vision of your wellness program’s direction for next fall.
Evaluate Your School’s Ability to Support Student Well-Being
Nationally, the percentage of students experiencing significant mental health issues—including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts, is concerningly high—and increasing. ISM’s recently published research revealed that, during the disruptive phases of the pandemic, student distress increased and student life satisfaction decreased. We also found an alarming lack of student engagement and belonging among students in grades 7–12.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing a Community Wellness Program at Your School
Wellness programs have been shown to improve employee retention, productivity, and health for your entire school community—including students, faculty, and staff. However, starting such an important initiative can be a daunting task.
In this webinar, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to building, implementing, and maintaining a community wellness program in your school to improve everyone’s health and morale. And if your school already has a wellness program, discover strategies for expanding its offerings.
DEIJB: Admission and Enrollment Management
Admission Offices face new challenges every year, from meeting enrollment targets to the pressure of balancing selectivity while expanding access to students and families with unique profiles. A well-run admission department should yield an incoming student class whose academic priorities and values match the school’s mission.