Stay current with the latest private-independent school news.
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.
Search
See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Forget Diamonds—Social Media Mistakes Are Forever
Private School News // January 3, 2014
It was all over the news the last week of December, but just in case you missed it: Justine Sacco, now ex-communications director for huge parent company InterActive Corp (IAC), made an ill-advised racist tweet directly before her twelve-hour international flight to Africa. Sacco had to turn her phone off for the duration of the flight, so she was blissfully unaware of the social media maelstrom her 140-character message had generated: “Going to Africa. Hope I don't get Aids. Just kidding. I'm white!”
Read More
Must-Reads for Aspiring Leaders in 2014
Private School News // January 3, 2014
It’s New Year’s resolution time again, and since you finished the books from last year, we’d like to take the opportunity to compile some of the recommendations from educational professionals and leaders from all disciplines. These books should help all leaders in your school, from high-achieving faculty to the School Head.
Read More
Don't Be Afraid to Jump on the Bandwagon
Academic Leadership // December 26, 2013
The media and companies tout new and improved teaching strategies every year. Remember when everyone thought that MOOCs—Massive Open Online Courses—were the solution to slashed budgets? Now it seems that low completion rates and limited interaction have crippled the online course movement’s momentum, with only a 4% completion rate in some college courses. However, just because one new idea wasn’t fully vetted or properly implemented doesn’t mean that you should avoid trying novel programs.
Read More
Rally the Troops From Their Seasonal Slump!
Academic Leadership // December 26, 2013
Winter break is a time to recharge your battery, as well as reconnect with family and friends. But, how many times do you and your faculty come back feeling down and discouraged? January hits like a dump truck and everyone’s enthusiasm is as flat as week-old champagne sitting in those glasses you still haven’t cleaned. While others daydream of their immediate vacation plans, you as Division Head should make plans now to counter the seasonal malaise.
Read More
How To Be More Than A Leader—Be A Mentor
School Heads // December 24, 2013
The New Year is right around the corner. For some of us, it's a time to reflect and make changes within ourselves for our greater good. As a School Head, your role is to lead your leaders to excellence. It’s a term you’ve probably heard more than once, especially if you’re an avid ISM reader. The phrase carries more weight than you may think. It’s not about simply being able to direct, or appointing tasks, or having perfected communication skills. It’s about being a mentor.
Read More
A Year Later: Remembering Sandy Hook
School Heads // December 24, 2013
This time last year, the education community was rattled by violence that swept through Newtown, Connecticut. Our televisions broke through regular programming to bring us live coverage of an enfolding tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. For days, new reports continuously scrolled through the photos of 20 innocent children who wouldn’t be celebrating the holiday season, as sobering music conflicted with joyful commercials announcing last day sales. On December 14, 2012, the holiday season stopped—everything stopped—as the world watched the second-deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Read More
Battling Holiday Blues
Business and Operations // December 23, 2013
The holidays bring many of us closer. It’s a time to celebrate, unite, and reflect regardless what faith or nationality you are. However, the season isn’t bright for all of us. The season can also force us to face or remember loved ones lost, hard times, and difficult moments. If you find yourself slipping into depression this time of year, here are some techniques that might help you push through the season.
Read More
Q&A With ISM's Risk Manager
Business and Operations // December 23, 2013
Q: I have to terminate an employee; what is the best way to do that?
Read More
Wisconsin Bullying Case Dismissed: Private School Not To Blame
Business and Operations // December 23, 2013
Managing your school risk includes keeping on top bullying trends, legal cases, and, of course, your school’s personal incidents. Certainly, as the holidays near, it’s not a topic many of us want to sink into when we’d rather be celebrating the joy that the season brings. But, perhaps a recent court ruling will also shed some hope and light—U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadmueller recently decided in favor of a private school, stating, “our greater attention to bullying must also develop a more refined definition.”
Read More
Paper Versus Electronic: Debating Comprehension
School Heads // December 20, 2013
Technology has given us the ability to take our electronic textbooks on the go. As we travel from here to there, so can our studies. And, certainly textbook publishing companies and Apple continue to push the transition from paper to electronic devices for schools and universities. But, we must stop and ask how electronic reading is impacting comprehension.
Read More