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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.

Social Media Now Required for Some Ivy League Schools

Private School News // May 3, 2011

A recent study done by Babson Survey Research Group and Pearson shows that more than 80% of university faculties are incorporating some form of social media into their teaching.  Schools.com published an article on April 25, 2011, with nine examples of how professors are using social media to expand their lesson plans. Included in the article’s list of examples: Facebook Psychology, Presidential Levity, and Playacting— but you’ll have to read the full article to learn just what they mean.

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Ambitious Course Names Don’t Measure Up to Higher Standardized Test Scores

Advancement // April 28, 2011

The Department of Education released a study showing the percentage of high school graduates who selected accelerated-sounding classes has nearly tripled since 1990. However, although students are earning more credits in advanced courses, standardized test scores are not rising—in fact, scores are nearly at a standstill.

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Massachusetts Tracks Bullying

Advancement // April 28, 2011

Massachusetts is the first state to officially track bullying by using biannual student health and behavior surveys. This data is a result of Governor Deval Patrick’s signed law mandating schools to have a plan in place for dealing with bullying.

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Artificial Turf Risks

Business and Operations // April 27, 2011

According to Environment and Human Health, Inc., there are risks concerning recycled tires used for athletic fields, gardening, playgrounds, and any other sort of asphalt–surface substitute.

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Ask Michael

Business and Operations // April 27, 2011

Q: What should we do if we know that we don’t want to invite a faculty member back for the next academic term but we haven’t provided any formal “warnings” or “corrective action”? Should we rush through a warning process in the next few months?

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Remembering Your Own Renewal and Development

Business and Operations // April 27, 2011

With spring finally taking hold in most of the country, it is a pleasure to see how all of the flowers and buds in bloom are adding bright color to the landscape. While the spring semester is a busy one in all schools—bringing with it the temptation to keep one eye on the “finish line” and revel in thoughts of summer break—there is one other thought the coming of spring brings to mind. That is, just as the earth “comes back to life” in spring, we, too, need to attend to our own “renewal” as professionals.

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Pointers in Podcasts For Contract Season

Academic Leadership // April 26, 2011

‘Tis the season for hiring new teachers for the 2011-12 school year—and also for renewing current contracts. You want to bring in the best possible teachers, and you want to keep those who are assets to your school. Still, you may have situations where you are not planning to renew a faculty contract, or have to deal with disciplinary situations.

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YouTube For Your Classes: Is it Safe?

Academic Leadership // April 26, 2011

You can find just about anything on YouTube. There is a plethora of educational material that can apply to your classroom, from algebra lessons to science experiments to a video montage of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

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Setting Goals for a Healthier School

Business and Operations // April 25, 2011

Rising costs and changing policies are leaving much more than a trail of frustrated employers and Business Managers. People are becoming more aware of their health, lifestyle, and options—changing their routines to include healthier options in hopes of avoiding expensive doctor visits and medical bills.

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Gas Prices on the Rise … Again

Business and Operations // April 25, 2011

Here we go again. Gas prices are rising daily and reporters predict costs to peak this summer around $5 a gallon. Are we really going through this again?

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