Riding the Wave of Change

Riding the crest of the “schools of the future” wave may be dangerous for many independent schools. The crest of the wave is its highest peak and its longevity is unstable, as a wave crests just before it breaks, picking up both speed, momentum, and certainty towards shore. That the future is coming is inaccurate. “The future is already here;” as William Gibson, science fiction author, writes, “It is just not very unevenly distributed.” The “schools of the future” wave will break and reach us all, and as is often the case, those just behind the wave will be spared the frustration, anxiety, and failures of being on the “cutting edge.” The wave’s edge is a place for those who know the risks and are adroit in managing them. We shall be glad for them, as their experience can inform ours.

While educators must remain current in their field, contemplative, and plan adeptly for the changes occurring in the world and in the field of education, school leaders should not stress about their 21st century future. Too often school leaders are anxious that they may not have the latest and greatest technology or instructional methods. Excess energy and resources should not be squandered trying to be the “first to adopt” every idea presented by those who spend their time thinking futuristically. In fact, it may not be wise for schools to react to changes by immediately adopting the latest teaching techniques and technology. Schools must move into the future in a very strategic and thoughtful manner, focused on data not just hype, and not fearing the stigma of “being behind.” The learning from the successes and failures of those that do adopt early, those riding the edge, should fuel our thoughts and strategic discussions, not pressure school administrators into premature changes.

Independent schools are amazingly adaptive and are able to respond quickly when time warrants. Educators must be ready to change and adapt when sufficient research confirms the need for change and when resources are budgeted to get everyone onboard. Although your boat will have people both aft and fore, it is important that the institution’s commitment is unwavering before setting sail.

Few of us need more evidence that, indeed, the world has become flat, the global nature of education requires a new way of thinking, and technology is a part of our student’s DNA.  Careful consideration and strategic leadership must guide adaptation for schools as they prepare students for the future. Our schools must address the realities of the future, and they must do so intentionally and with clear purpose. The waves will ebb and flow, but the winds of change are strong and constant, creating tensions and stress. Our charge, as school leaders, is to not be clucked (surfer term for being afraid of waves) and to strategically find our path to dive in with purpose, confidence, and vision.

The Need for Enrollment Management

There are a number of issues facing independent schools in the 21^st century and although many of them are interrelated, the one getting the most attention is Sustainability.  An independent school is completely dependent upon funding of its operating budget through tuition revenue, fund raising, and investment earnings.  The discussion of sustainability is far more than just a “fad topic.”  The discussion of sustainability is an imperative for all independent schools.

Retention: Responsibility of All (Part II)

Like most parents, independent school mothers and fathers desire above all else that their child be known and loved.  They want a safe environment where their child is valued and recognized.  So, it is also worth noting that the individuals in your school that have the greatest influence on whether a child is known and loved, valued and recognized, are the teachers and other staff.  As a result, these individuals also have a great influence on whether students remain students at your school.  For this reason, teachers and staff should receive specialized training on the essentials of student retention.

Retention: Responsibility of All

Dependency on tuition revenue guarantees that enrollment will always be an important concern for independent schools.  Obviously, the admissions process is very important for recruiting and admitting qualified students.  However, the admissions process is only one part of the enrollment equation. 

The Real Value of Summer to an Independent School

SAIS welcomes this guest blog post from Timothy M. Winker Sr., CFRE, principal of the Winkler Group. With corporate headquarters in Charleston, SC, the Winkler Group is a full-service fundraising firm serving independent schools, specializing in capital campaigns, planning studies, and strategic planning. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your organization through our customized fundraising solutions.

As the last half of the semester builds in intensity, it’s natural to look forward to the slower pace that the summer months bring to us as administrators and educators. While still busy in many regards, the distinctly relaxed rhythm of summer enables us to step back and be intentional with activities that are often overlooked during the school year.

What does this mean to you as it relates to maximizing fundraising? It’s understanding that the key to its success is a keen awareness that people give to people, not organizations.

A Case for Strategic Planning (by whatever name)

The flight crew of a commercial airliner would dare not head out across the Atlantic Ocean without a flight plan.  To have a plan that defines the current location, desired destination, speed to travel, and altitude to fly is paramount to a successful navigation.  This does not mean that the originally planned arrival time will not change if encountering stronger than anticipated headwinds.  When blown off course by cross winds, it will not change the original destination but rather requires a recalibration.  Clearly, for the flight crew, a “plan” is not a stagnant or useless document

Context: The Value of Independent School Accreditation

A successful accreditation is all about the right context.  SAIS accreditation is based on a model highlighting the independent school context and that is what makes it special.  As a member of the NAIS Commission on Accreditation (COA), SAIS represents one of 19 independent school accrediting associations that place independent school context above all else when administering the accreditation process.  Though many of our peer associations on the COA manage joint accreditations with other accrediting agencies, the independent school context makes the process completely useful for our member schools.