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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Ask Michael
Business and Operations // January 22, 2010
Once a month, ISM's Human Resources Consultant Michael Brisciana will answer an HR-related question submitted by one of our readers. To ask Michael a question to be addressed in future e-letters, please click here. Q: At my prior place of employment, they had a policy to have a "witness" in the room whenever a warning was given. We're getting ready to give a written warning to a longtime faculty member. Should we have another person in the room as a witness?
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More International Students Are Finding Their Way to American Campuses
Advancement // January 15, 2010
For the last eight years, India has been the leading country of origin for international students. 103,260 students—a 9% increase from last year—came to the U.S. to study this year. Interestingly, China is quickly catching up to these numbers. 98,510 students—a 21% increase—traveled to the States to study at American universities.
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No "Sexting" at Your School? It's More Common Than You Think
School Heads // January 15, 2010
In its new study "Sex and Tech: Results From a Survey of Teens and Young Adults", The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy found that 39% of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages via text, e-mail, or instant message. And 20% of teens have sent or posted online nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves. This collision of cyber technology and judgment, dubbed "sexting," could have a profound effect on your school.
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Private School Facts—What You Didn't Want Parents to Find
Advancement // January 15, 2010
Most private-independent schools keep their information private so their competition remains in the dark. If you're one of these schools, you might not like what we've come across here. But, we remind you there are positives and negatives to every situation.
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Are You Embracing Cultural Differences in Your Fund-raising Efforts?
Advancement // January 12, 2010
With 30% of the U.S. population classified as of non-European backgrounds, are you taking into consideration cultural differences in your development and fund-raising efforts? Chances are you may not be. Now is an excellent time to start … because in the next 50 years, the U.S. Census Bureau reports, the population will shift to approximately 50% white and 50% of all other races and ethnicities.
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Your Campaign Feasibility Study: More Than "Should We or Shouldn't We?"
Advancement // January 12, 2010
When you are reaching out to the community and asking people for money to fund your school's long-term dreams, you want to know if you are going to be successful. Hence, the feasibility study—your window to whether or not you are able to raise the money you need. But your feasibility study should do much more than just tell you whether or not to stage the campaign. You know what you want to do … and you have the costs. Do you really need a feasibility study?
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School Budgets Lost in the Exhaust
Business and Operations // January 7, 2010
As the recession continues drags on, schools continue to look for ways to reduce expenses. For the past year, this examination has even included student transportation. One study found that in 1969, 41% of students walked or biked to school. In 2001, that numbered dropped dramatically to only 13%. These figures are not just hard facts supporting the child obesity campaigns, these are now foundation figures for School Heads, Superintendents, and Business Managers as they brainstorm creative budget solutions.
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Attention: Updated Employment Law Guide
Business and Operations // January 7, 2010
On November 30, 2009, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), released an updated version of the Employment Law Guide, an online resource directed at employers and workers that describes the major employment laws affecting the workplace. This updated version addresses recent changes in laws including the increase in federal minimum wage and an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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Holiday Parties: Risks and Pitfalls
Private School News // December 28, 2009
You may have already had your holiday party, or perhaps this year's celebration was cancelled because of the trying economy. However, the following article is a nice resource to keep handy for all future office gatherings.
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Board Members and PR Practitioners Speak Two Different Languages
Private School News // December 28, 2009
(Ideas in this article were inspired by an article published by MarketingProfs.) We're in a time when CEOs, Board Members, and executives are looking for everything they can trim from the bottom line. And when it comes to marketing efforts, especially PR efforts, these are among the first and last to be examined. PR professionals struggle with how to express their successes in a way that executives can recognize as positive influences for the school's future. In private schools, the role of PR can fall upon different positions: Admission Directors, Development Officers, or perhaps an outside agency. Regardless of where the responsibility lies, there is still a disconnect between those making budget decisions and those developing marketing materials.
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