October 2024

 

Welcome to Signals, the SAIS monthly newsletter designed to equip and empower you with timely information to generate new ideas, design strategy, and support purpose-driven plans.

 
 

Filtered through your mission, vision, and values, Dr. Brett Jacobsen, president of SAIS, provides a monthly Trend Tracker on the drivers and signals impacting the education sector. In October, he highlights Gen Z readiness for college, middle management, school threats, and TikTok market share. Additionally, he provides real-time perspectives from voices in our association through Pulse Perspectives. This month’s feedback is from heads and enrollment management professionals.  

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Developing Core Values That Resonate With Your School Community


Independent school mission statements often stretch beyond student academic gains to focus on developing the whole child. Yet, shaping students’ character, while admirable, is difficult to measure.


For the Saint James School, in Montgomery, AL, everything the school does stems from the mission and core values. By employing concrete activities that guide students in living out the school’s core values, Saint James is helping students build character to ultimately impact their school, their surrounding community, and the culture at large.

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AI and Adaptive Technology


With the many advances happening in the area of artificial intelligence, schools are using AI in innovative ways, both in the classroom and behind the scenes.


Perhaps one of the most impactful ways AI can support students is through the use of adaptive technology to support students, especially neurodivergent learners. Several SAIS schools share the ways their schools are using AI and adaptive technology.

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Exploring Endowments


Independent school endowments can have lasting impacts, allowing schools to fund initiatives such as financial aid, faculty positions, and facility improvements. Review trends and current metrics to put your own endowment in context, comparing with both regional and national independent schools. Learn more about the process of establishing an endowment and how schools might benefit from the income it produces.

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Effective Scenario Planning


Scenario planning is a strategic tool that can help schools navigate uncertainty and prepare for potential future challenges. By exploring various scenarios and their potential outcomes, schools can identify risks and opportunities and develop effective strategies to mitigate threats and capitalize on advantages. Learn more about this strategy and explore templates to support the process. 

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Board/Head Workshop


The SAIS Board/Head Workshop provides a meaningful opportunity for school heads and board chairs/members to connect through guided activities led by Dr. Valaida Wise. Attendees will leave this workshop with a framework of practical and actionable steps to build and maintain a strong board/head relationship. The result? A positive impact on the overall success and well-being of your school community.

 

Consider adding this focused time to your calendar to connect with your board. The workshop takes place prior to the SAIS Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.

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Upcoming Webinars


Mark your calendar now for these upcoming virtual learning opportunities. Free for member schools.


Navigating Screen Time: Effective Strategies for Schools and Families, October 8, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT


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


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

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