School leaders know the importance of supporting the admissions efforts of their school with well-developed plans in order to effectively communicate with prospective parents before, during and after “sales efforts” (admissions team activities) have taken place. Marketing efforts can increase the pool of families exploring your school as an option and also prepare prospective families with information that makes them more … Read More
Loose Ties Are Abundant, but Risky, at the Top
The decor varies greatly in the offices of the 550 CEOs, government officials, and heads of NGOs interviewed as part of our research on leadership — but hands down, photos are the most popular accessory. There are some shots of families and vacations, but most of the pictures show these senior leaders with prominent people. Playing golf with Jack Nicklaus. … Read More
The Importance of Being Attentive
We long to see our students have hearts that are tuned to, and turned toward, God. In our world of loud, conflicting, insistent, constantly streaming voices it takes purposeful intent and a good measure of self-discipline, on a personal level, to attend to what is needful and that which results in a flourishing life that bears good fruits. Author David … Read More
4 Ways to Improve Your Facebook Feed to Fill Your Classrooms
Can we be candid for a moment? As long as there are open seats in your Christian school, all marketing channels should be working to drive enrollment. Full classrooms mean freedom to live out your mission! What higher calling can a communication channel have than to help you achieve that freedom? Understanding what makes your school special is critical for … Read More
Checking the Selfish Gene
This article was originally published by Convivum. Cardus Program Director of Education Beth Green examines a way to inhibit the transmission of the so-called selfish gene in teenagers. Researchers seem to have found a way to inhibit transmission of the so-called selfish gene in teenagers. Or perhaps they’ve simply found a way to prevent that gene from expressing itself … Read More
Advice for Betsy DeVos From Canada
This essay originally appeared in Education Week Vo. 36, No.20 on February 2017. It is reprinted here with the permission of the author. Good public education doesn’t require uniformity The newly confirmed U.S. secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, will take office during a tumultuous time in American education. As a school-choice advocate, she is well-positioned to put her stamp on … Read More
Inclusive Education: Envisioning the Opportunity for Christian Schools (Part 4 of the Welcoming Students of All Abilities at Your School Series)
In a time that values speed, efficiency, success, independence, individual achievement, and “easy”, the Christian school must choose an alternative story – the story of shalom to guide our work. Christian schools exist to point kids to Christ, to help them understand what Christ valued through his life and ministry, and to increase their desire to imitate him in their … Read More
Inclusive Education: What If We’re Not Equipped for Students of All Abilities? (Part 2 of the Welcoming Students of All Abilities at Your School Series)
Readiness is a tricky notion. We humans have a very long history of responding to our callings with some sense of our own shortcomings – Moses, David, Paul, and on and on. And yet, we are still called to change our world and ourselves in response to God’s grace. When we think of being well-equipped for serving students with disabilities, … Read More
Inclusive Education: How Will My School Pay for Additional Educational Support Services? (Part 3 of Welcoming Students of All Abilities at Your School Series)
In some ways, this is the wrong question to ask. As nonprofits, after all, how in the world do we pay for anything? Many prayers, generous donors, and perhaps a bit of luck. But budgets are often seen as reflections of our values. As Christian schools, we value our faith, our people, our teaching, and our communities; educational support services … Read More
Reflections on The Value of a College Education
Recently, one of our juniors asked me, “Do you think the value of a college degree is diminishing? Tuition is rising rapidly, and many college grads seem to have trouble finding jobs.” His question gave me pause. Each day I invite students into conversation about how important it is to give attention to existential (college as part of a pattern … Read More