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.
3-D Printing Initiative Attracts International Attention
Private School News // April 29, 2013
A recent article in Education Week revealed how a Virginia school attracted global visitors interested in its 3-D printing classes.
Read More
Be Not Afraid: The Head is In Charge, Not HR and the Attorneys
Business and Operations // April 29, 2013
There was a fascinating—and deeply disturbing—case in the national media this month involving the termination of a college coach for verbally and physically degrading his players. Many of the reports about the case indicated that certain administrators wanted to terminate the coach when the incidents first came to light, but they were advised by HR and legal counsel that they “didn’t have enough evidence” to do so. While we have no special insight into the veracity of the facts reported, we wanted to use this example as a means of examining a key leadership issue in private-independent schools today: How much power should the school’s attorney (and HR adviser) have?
Read More
Suggestions for Handling Tragic Events
Academic Leadership // April 29, 2013
In Education Week Teacher, Boston teacher Lillie Marshall writes about her personal reactions to the Boston Marathon bombings coupled with her seventh grade students’ desire to discuss and learn about the tragic events that happened right in their backyard.
Read More
Education Blogs You Should Be Reading
Private School News // April 29, 2013
As an administrator in a private-independent school, it’s always a great idea to stay atop current trends in the education world. This is often easier said than done, considering your intense work schedule of 60+ hours a week. However, blogs have the potential to bring professional development right to your office without consuming too much of your time. The question is, which blogs are worth skimming in those few extra moments and which can be avoided.
Read More
Ask Michael
Business and Operations // April 29, 2013
Q: A member of our Board came up with a performance evaluation form that he wants us to use to evaluate teachers. Is it better for us to introduce this to teachers at the end of the semester in May, or should we wait until September when the new year begins?
Read More
Yellow Light and Green Light Issues in Advisory
Academic Leadership // April 29, 2013
A strong advisory program is one of the hallmarks of the private-independent school experience. Your faculty advisers provide not only academic advice but also personal advice. In the course of personal advising, students will ultimately reveal uncomfortable, scary, and dangerous issues they are facing. Your advisers need to be adequately trained to recognize “yellow light” and “red light” areas so they will learn where the boundaries are to protect themselves, the students, and your school.
Read More
Twenty-Five Off-Limit Interview Questions
Private School News // April 29, 2013
Although most of your contracts for the 2013–14 school year have been signed, chances are you’re still looking for a few mission-appropriate faculty or staff members to join your school’s team. Yes, it’s still hiring season. Resumes keep coming in and your calendar continues to fill up with interviews for potential candidates. But, before you begin your interview process or before you head into your next scheduled meeting with a candidate, take a moment to review these 25 don’t-you-dare-ask interview questions. They just might save you from a nasty legal situation!
Read More
Social Media Policies: An Opportunity for Conversation
Business and Operations // April 29, 2013
We have written about social media policies a number of times in the past few years—so, one might wonder, “Why rehash the topic? Hasn’t everyone gotten the message by now?” Perhaps, but since questions continue to cross our desk, we wanted to offer a fresh perspective on the matter, which is: social media policies really aren’t about “policy” at all. Rather, they are about community (i.e., having a conversation about what it means to be a member of the school community).
Read More
Your Due Diligence as a Trustee
Board of Trustees // April 22, 2013
As a Board member, you are expected to carry out your due diligence roles. These essential responsibilities include the following.
Read More
Two Campaigns, Same TIME…What Do You Ask For?
Advancement // April 18, 2013
Your annual fund is the foundation of all the fund-raising activities at your school. It is your primary source of charitable support, funded by the greatest number of your constituents, and it is where you build your school’s culture of philanthropy. Your annual fund lets you enhance your programs to give your students the best educational experience possible. So, what do you do when your school is simultaneously running a capital campaign for new buildings or an endowment? You can’t put your annual fund on hold. Do you ask for money twice?
Read More