Does Size Matter

Hi Inner Circle Member:

I am in shock right now. The owners of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team fired the General Manager, Rick Nonis on Monday. The good news is that the owners are not satisfied with a boring team that did not make the playoffs. The bad news is that who knows which direction the team will take. Oh well…

Since I was not indoors watching hockey, I tackled our lawn last weekend. You may know I live in Vancouver, the land of rain forests and lichen. I took it upon myself to stop growing moss and try to encourage grass to actually grow in my yard. We back onto a water way where the ducks come and go. Well, once they saw me throwing grass seed on my yard, I think half the migratory path of North America’s duck population transcended upon my back yard. Now it is too dangerous to walk bare foot back there. ;-)

Today in my eNewsletter I am going to talk about how size and location of your new school impacts learning. I read an article today in the Vancouver Sun by Geoff Johnson that examines the shift in how teachers help students learn and the optimal environment for students to learn in. Interestingly, if you read the third news story I included in Section 2, you will read about how Detroit school district is restructuring their failing urban mega schools into smaller schools, where students learn more effectively.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

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In This Issue

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1. In The News

2. Services Your School Needs

3. Does Size Matter?

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

==================================

1. In The News

==================================

World's Only Boarding School for Weight Loss Names New EXECUTIVE...

PR Web (press release) - Ferndale, WA, USA

Wellspring Academy in California is a year-round boarding school for weight loss serving hundreds of teens and young adults ages 12 to 24 from around the ...

Enrollment of children in Texas state schools surging

Dallas Morning News - Dallas, TX, USA

But advocates for independent living say these kids aren't moving out as fast as they're moving in – the result of a lack of options and funding for...

District to reboot 5 failing schools

Detroit Free Press - United States

The high school campuses -- Osborn, Henry Ford and Cody, as well as the Cody ninth grade academy -- will each be split into three to four new, independent...

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2. Services Your School Needs

==================================

>>> (A) STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOL

Starting a school can be very challenging and you never have a 2nd chance to make a first impression. This is why you need a firm that has experience starting schools in USA and Canada. Our services include:

1. One-Day Comprehensive Overview Session and Report

2. Formal Feasibility Study

3. Detailed Business Plan Development

4. Full Turn-Key School Formation Services From Start To Finish

6. Ongoing Consulting Services and Retainer

7. Ongoing Management and Operations Services

If you would like more information about my services and range of fees related to help start your school, please call me at 1-604-868-0002, email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com, or click on the following link to download my brochure outlining services and fees:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Overview_School_Formation_Fees_Services.pdf

>>> (B) Strategic Planning

Do you want a plan to improve your school? Then you need a Strategic Plan. I can develop a comprehensive Plan that will build consensus, motivate donors, and define critical priorities and strategies for your Board and Administration to improve your school.

Click on the following link to download my brochure on our Strategic Planning process, or call me at 1-604-868-0002, or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com Click on the following link to download my firm’s brochure outlining Strategic Planning services:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/heg_strategic_planning_services-1.pdf

>>> (C) BOARD GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPS

Do you want your school or non-profit to have better leadership? If so, my full-day governance workshop and online survey helps your trustees to fine-tune their performance and refocus their mandate. Please email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you. Click on the following link to download my brochure

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Board%20Governance%20Workshop%20%26%20Fax%20Back%20Form.pdf

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3. Does Size Matter?

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Does size and design of a school matter? In Geoff Johnson’s article in the Vancouver Sun he refers to a study conducted by the Regina School Board, which reviewed 59 other studies on school size and makes the following conclusions about optimum school size:

1). For Elementary Schools the optimal size is:

- 300 in areas serving disadvantaged populations

- 500 for areas serving a more diverse population

2). For Secondary Schools the optimal size is:

- 600 in areas serving disadvantaged populations

- 1000 for areas serving a more diverse population

Bigger definitely is not better. There has to be a balance in school size to allow more a personalized educational experience and yet still big enough to offer an array of programs. In addition, the article on Detroit schools states that “national studies show that students perform better in smaller, more personalized settings." It goes on to say, "Today's large, impersonal high schools were designed for a different era and a different economy and are leaving far too many young people behind…Smaller high schools like those just proposed by both the Detroit and Lansing Public School districts have been shown to keep more students engaged, interested and attending school."

So size does matter, but what about the design of the school? Most traditional classrooms of 80 square meters are based on the old model of desks in rows facing the blackboard with the teacher at the front disseminating information. However, that role is changing. Teachers do not have all the information, and students need a facilitator who can guide them in understanding information and concepts.

I have visited a lot of new schools and have noted a few patterns:

• Wireless technology is available as a tool to enhance learning, allowing meaningful integration of technology into the curricula (e.g., whiteboards, laptops)
• Students want areas to socialize
• Learning happens as a activity to apply learning, rather than one-sided process of teachers disseminating information
• There is a stress on learning and self-discovery through doing (action), teamwork, reflection, character growth, and literacy.

We need to make sure to use research and best practices to develop schools to increase student achievement.

I would like you to share your comments on best practices and design from your schools that have improved student success

If you would like to comment on this eNewsletter story please enter your comments below.

================================

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

================================

Do you want effective tools to help start and manage your school? These 2 products will make a difference.

>> (A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like An Expert With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit and Manual. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

>> (B). WEBINAR SERIES – DISCOVER FROM EXPERTS HOW TO START A SCHOOL (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your School, College, University, or Institute? You are not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the words of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently and cost effectively. These include:

1. Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps

2. 9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School

3. 8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School

4. Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up

5. 10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan

6. The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

=======================================================

Copyright © 2007 Halladay Education Group Inc – All Rights Reserved

Field of Dreams

Hi Inner Circle Member:

For those of you who are hockey fans, you will know that my hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks did not make the NHL playoffs this year. They lost 6 of their last 7 playoff games and finished 1 point from qualifying for the playoffs…sigh!! For the most part, Canadians are passionate about their hockey, and Vancouver is no different. However, I have quickly responded and I am now cleaning off my golf clubs and keeping an eye on the Masters Golf tournament that starts this Thursday.

As you know, my firm specializes in helping founders start schools – in Canada, USA, and internationally. I will make an announcement shortly about the team of associate consultants who are joining my firm who have started a combined +25 schools in 10 different countries, using Canadian, US, and IB curriculum, and 8 different accrediting agencies. Keep an eye on your email for this exciting announcement.

Today in my eNewsletter I am going to talk you about avoiding the Field of Dreams response in starting your school. I will talk to about doing your homework and implementing a Feasibility Study to gauge market demand for your educational programs.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

================================

In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Services Your School Needs

3. Field of Dreams

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

==================================

1. In The News

==================================

Sacramento County explores boarding school for foster youths

Sacramento Bee - CA, USA

Gordon is studying whether the Sacramento County Office of Education can open a boarding school for foster youth modeled after the San Pasqual Academy in...

Waldorf School nearing max capacity

Aspen Times - Aspen,CO,USA

“There are now more than 1000 independent Waldorf schools and 1400 independent Waldorf kindergartens located in approximately sixty countries throughout the ...

New school taking in many from Nease High

Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville,FL,USA

Jim Dalton, father of an eighth-grader at Palmer Catholic Academy, said he had looked into private schools such as Bishop Kenny High and St. Joseph's...

==================================

2. Services Your School Needs

==================================

>>> (A) STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOL

Starting a school can be very challenging and you never have a 2nd chance to make a first impression. This is why you need a firm that has experience starting schools in USA and Canada. Our services include:

1. One-Day Comprehensive Overview Session and Report

2. Formal Feasibility Study

3. Detailed Business Plan Development

4. Full Turn-Key School Formation Services From Start To Finish

6. Ongoing Consulting Services and Retainer

7. Ongoing Management and Operations Services

If you would like more information about my services and range of fees related to help start your school, please call me at 1-604-868-0002, email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com, or click on the following link to download my brochure outlining services and fees:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Overview_School_Formation_Fees_Services.pdf

>>> (B) Strategic Planning

Do you want a plan to improve your school? Then you need a Strategic Plan. I can develop a comprehensive Plan that will build consensus, motivate donors, and define critical priorities and strategies for your Board and Administration to improve your school.

Click on the following link to download my brochure on our Strategic Planning process, or call me at 1-604-868-0002, or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com Click on the following link to download my firm’s brochure outlining Strategic Planning services:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/heg_strategic_planning_services-1.pdf

>>> (C) BOARD GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPS

Do you want your school or non-profit to have better leadership? If so, my full-day governance workshop and online survey helps your trustees to fine-tune their performance and refocus their mandate. Please email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you. Click on the following link to download my brochure

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Board%20Governance%20Workshop%20%26%20Fax%20Back%20Form.pdf

==================================

3. Field of Dreams

==================================

Joanne Fritz, with About.com, has a great web site and information on how to start a non-profit. On here site she remarks that the number of U.S. non-profits has grown at twice the rate of for-profit organizations. There are an estimated 1.4 million charities and it is quite likely that someone already has your idea.

For anyone who wants to start a non-profit private school, my advice is form your non-profit status as soon as possible and apply for your 501(c)(3) status. However, before rushing in, you should spend time developing your:

• Mission and Vision Statements;
• Guiding Core Values;
• Educational philosophy and programs;
• Your Steering Committee and sense of your leadership model and how many directors you want and their terms;
• And most importantly, a Feasibility Study to determine if there really is a demand for your school.

My advice is to avoid the Field of Dreams approach. If you recall the Kevin Costner’s movie, he built a baseball diamond in his corn field and expected players to show up. In his case it did work (or it would have been a short movie), but I recommend that you implement a formal/statistical survey to gauge demand; grade-by-grade, gender, with or without financial aid. You want to avoid Kevin’s approach -- it does not work for schools. Many rush in and buy land, start fundraising, or form their society before knowing what the demand is for their school. You should avoid this at all costs.

My firm can help you with your feasibility study, by either a mail in, online, and/or phone surveys. We develop and implement the survey tool, and review the results and to make very detailed recommendations about:

• Enrollment, Stages of Development, Timelines, Marketing and Admissions, Operations/Management services, formation and operation costs (e.g., financial - ---Proformas, services, costs, staffing, resources);
• Appropriate Educational Program/Curriculum, class size, extra-curricular programs;
• Stages of Formation and grade level configuration;
• Accrediting agency;
• School Organizational Structure and Leadership/Governance Model;
• Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff needed for each level, salary, standards;
• Facility and land needed (Instruction, Administration, Co-curricular)
• Construction Cost Estimate for school building(s) and F.F.E;
• Provide recommendation regarding viability of education in the region.
• Market Demand and Support for School (grade-by-grade, gender, region);
• Financial Projections, including expected:
• Enrollment fees in comparison to any private school in the region;
• Salary structure of academic / administrative/ professional support staff;
• Annual operation and maintenance cost during the 1st five years of operation;
• Annual revenue during the 1st five years of operation;
• Annual expenditure for start-up and during the 1st five years of operation;
• Cash flow surplus/shortfall during the 1st five years of operation;
• School formation and operational budget;

If you still want to rush in and apply for your 501(c) (3) Status, you must file the IRS Form 1023 which is the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You can get a copy of this form plus instructions for filling it out, and other helpful IRS publications, by calling 800-TX-FORM, visiting your local IRS office. However, you need to be aware that the IRS estimates it takes an average person more than four hours to learn about the form, and another eight hours to fill it in and return it to the IRS. You may want to hire a lawyer well versed in non-profit work to help you at this point.

A 501(c) (3) non-profit is exempt from federal income tax if it has these purposes:

• Charitable
• Religious
• Educational
• Scientific
• Literary
• Testing for public safety
• Fosters amateur sports competition
• Prevents cruelty to children or animals.

501(c) (3) organizations may receive grants from foundations; and donations to them are tax-deductible for the donors. Get the hourly rate the lawyer will charge set in advance. If you are a do-it-your-selfer, or your organization has few resources, avoid lawyers who have high fees and need to support lavish offices.

We can help you with your Feasibility Study. For more information please or email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

If you would like to comment on this eNewsletter story please click on the following link and add your comments on my blog.

================================

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

================================

Do you want effective tools to help start and manage your school? These 2 products will make a difference.

>> (A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like An Expert With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit and Manual. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

>> (B). WEBINAR SERIES – DISCOVER FROM EXPERTS HOW TO START A SCHOOL (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your School, College, University, or Institute? You are not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the words of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently and cost effectively. These include:

1. Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps

2. 9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School

3. 8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School

4. Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up

5. 10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan

6. The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

=======================================================

Copyright © 2007 Halladay Education Group Inc – All Rights Reserved