Three Metaphors for School Strategy

Effective strategic plans are not without their share of challenges and implementation hurdles. Ross Peters, EXPLO Elevate, illustrates these obstacles using three metaphors: luxury cars, the Archipelago islands, and landing a plane. Successful strategy execution depends on proper resource allocation, sustained community engagement, and adaptability to changing circumstances.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Finding Purpose in Middle School Leadership, ASCD

• Seven Steps Toward Becoming a Future-Ready Organization, IFTF

• The Next Horizon, Getting Smart

• The Versatile Leader, McKinsey Quarterly

How Schools Can Support Mental Health

Jacqueline Nesi, Techno Sapiens, shares strategies for supporting mental health in schools. She emphasizes four key approaches, including creating positive learning environments that encourage initiative, teaching emotional regulation and behavioral skills, fostering strong student and teacher relationships, and promoting adequate sleep. Early adolescence is a critical period for mental health interventions, and schools can play a vital role in shaping students' well-being.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Belonging Beyond the Bell, GOA

• Feedback That Moves Everyone Forward, NetAssets



• The Education Exchange: What Can Be Done to Prevent the Next School Shooting?, Education Next

• Why a Best Friend at School Matters for Students and Teachers, Gallup

What Should Young People Get Really Good At?

Antonia Rudenstine, founder of reDesign, advocates for reimagining education to nurture the innate creativity and curiosity of young learners. She emphasizes the need to adapt education to the rapidly changing world, especially considering AI advancements, with a goal of creating learner-centered communities that prepare students for an uncertain future while maintaining their natural genius and engagement.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Changing How Students Learn Starts With Changing How Educators Learn, Learner-Centered Collaborative

• People Hate to Think. What Does That Mean for Teachers?, Tech & Learning

• Separating Fact From Fiction About the Science of Reading, Harvard Graduate School of Education

• Six AI Ideas We Need to Let Go Of, Learning on Purpose

Cultivating Empathy In School-Parent Communications

Families are experiencing high levels of anxiety as they navigate a rapidly changing world compounded by financial sacrifices—such as paying independent school tuition. Blackbaud discusses the importance of empathy, especially when dealing with anxious parents. Schools can cultivate empathy through active listening, openness to change, and an understanding of families' underlying issues.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Don't Forget Your Crisis Communications Strategy, ISM

• Eight Habits of Highly Effective Admission and Enrollment Professionals, Truth Tree

• How Do You Talk About the Annual Fund?, Jill Goodman Consulting

• What Story Is Your School's Brand Telling? Aligning Mission, Message, and Experience, MV Ventures

Curriculum Symposium

February 11-12, 2025, Charlotte, NC

The SAIS Curriculum Symposium equips independent school educators and curriculum leaders with the tools and insights needed to create learning experiences that drive student success and foster continuous learning.

Choose impactful sessions from among four learning journeys.

• Mapping & Design
• Instructional Strategies
• Assessment & Feedback
• Student Motivation & Engagement

With keynotes focused on research & innovation, participants will explore pedagogical ideas, innovative instructional strategies, and transformative educational products and services.

Upcoming Webinars:

• The Cost of Turnover: How Investing in Talent Management Transforms Independent Schools, November 7, 12:00-1:00 PM EST

• Trustee Education Series: Auditing Landscape for Nonprofits, November 12, 5:00-6:00 PM EST

• Data-Driven Success: How Net-Tuition Revenue, Enrollment Data & Marketing Impact School Health, November 14, 12:00-1:00 PM EST



• Strategic Leadership for Independent Schools, November 20, 12:00-1:00 PM EST