An interesting dichotomy exists in education.
“We are suffering from change fatigue.”
“Education is largely the same as it has been for the past century.”
Both statements are true. But how can that be?
Operational Drift Is Undermining Your Board. Here’s How to Fix It.
The best boards don’t manage. They lead.
Hot Topics Discussion: Small Development Shop Series, Part 4 of 4
Join us for an interactive discussion with ISM’s expert consultants and your fellow small-shop development professionals from across the country, as we tackle the most pressing issues you face today.
Based on your feedback and key questions raised in previous webinars in this series, we’ll address the top challenges in small development shops. Whether it’s donor engagement, annual fund strategies, database management, or maximizing small-shop resources, we’ll provide practical solutions and actionable insights tailored to your needs.
A New Year: Prepare Your Board for Success
As private-independent schools prepare for the start of a new academic year, it is both timely and prudent for boards to reflect on the effectiveness of their current governance structures, policies, and practices. Strong boards — like strong institutions — learn continuously. They often get things right; occasionally they do not. But even more often, schools move forward without the board taking time to pause, reflect, and adapt.
5 Ways to Crash and Burn Your School’s Strategic Plan
If you want your school’s strategic plan to crash and burn, here are some “failure strategies” that take a promising vision and send it straight into the land of forgotten binders.
Before You Say Yes to School Choice Vouchers: Seven Strategic Steps for Independent Schools
Authors: Steve Salvo, ISM Adjunct Faculty
Sarah Wilson, Executive Director, Tennessee Association of Independent Schools
When public dollars enter private schools, what changes — and what’s at stake?
Many private-independent school leaders are wrestling with these questions as state-funded voucher programs expand across the country. On paper, these programs promise increased access, new families, and more revenue.
Smart Summer Planning: Small Development Shop Series, Part 3 of 4
Summer is the perfect time for private-independent school development teams to reset, strategize, and lay the foundation for a successful year ahead.
This webinar will guide small-shop advancement professionals through key summer priorities, including onboarding new families and staff, cleaning and optimizing the donor database, strengthening annual fund strategies, and refining communications.
Did you miss previous webinars in this series?
The State of Student Well-Being in 2025: Trend Lines and Next Steps
Even before the pandemic, student well-being was on the decline. When schools shut down, many predicted an even greater crisis — but what actually happened? ISM data from the past two school years reveal a more nuanced picture: While 5th and 6th graders were generally flourishing, older students experienced high levels of distress. Yet, despite hopes that a return to normalcy would restore student well-being, challenges persist.
Five Things Heads Need to Know About Private School Vouchers
Many state legislatures have either adopted or are considering some version of a “voucher” program to redirect state tax dollars for tuition assistance at private schools. Our panel will address the various iterations of voucher programs being implemented in many states and will explore the factors (legal, financial, operational, curricular, and philosophical) schools must weigh when considering participating in voucher programs.
Introducing ISM Stability Markers 6.0
ISM is pleased to introduce ISM Stability Markers® 6.0, a completely revamped set of research-based indexes designed for the heads, governance leaders, and top administrators of private-independent schools.