Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Happy July. It is finally summer in Vancouver, BC. After a soggy June (yes, all we talk about is the weather here!), someone has finally flipped the switch and turned on the summer weather (and temperatures). Today, our temperatures are hitting 27 degrees Celsius (for those of us over 40 or living in the USA that is 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

We have our kids in a few activities (musical theatre and robotics; not combined!!) in July, though we will be off to our Point Roberts, Washington, cabin for August. Last weekend we had ALL our young cousins at the house…I’m still cleaning up! This weekend we are heading over the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island to visit with our friends we made when I was Head of Queen Margaret School. It is a beautiful valley with wineries, organic crops, beaches, secret swimming holes, and drifting miles (oh, kilometers) down the Cowichan River on a hot day. I hope your summer plans are enfolding as you had planned.

Many of you have sent emails thanking or condemning me for my eZine section, “Inner Circle Thought of the Week.” Talk about hitting both ends of the market. For those of you that have met me, you’ll know that a sense of humour is a part of the way I approach work and my personal life. I think that you can never take life too serious, and you need to sometimes take a step back and catch your breath and see life from the glass half-full. Hence, the addition of humour in my correspondence to you. I think you’ll like today’s simple home remedies.

Two effective services you should consider before you start school up again this fall:

1). 1-Day Board Governance Retreat to unite your board and fine-turn their performance. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/online_assessments.php

2). Strategic Planning to bring your school together. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/strategic.php

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay

President

Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

NOTE: If you want to see this eZine in a more eye-catching format, you can read it and the past issues at my BLOG at:

--> http://www.HalladayEducationGroupInnerCircle.blogspot.com

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

In This Issue

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

1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. Strategic Planning Workbook - Looking At The Mission Statement

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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

1. Services You Can Use

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

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

- Starting A School

- Strategic Planning

- Board Governance Workshops and Evaluations

- Head of School Searches

- Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School

- Institutional Assessments

- International Student Marketing/Recruiting

- International Education Development Projects

To find out more click and/or cut-and-paste click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

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

2. Products You Will Want To Have

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

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

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

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting Your Own School” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint 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”

To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

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

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

3. Strategic Planning Workbook - Looking At The Mission Statement

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

Today, I am taking a section from my Strategic Planning Workbook, which is part of my Strategic Planning Toolkit ©. Strategic planning encompasses innumerable facets of effective leadership. Principals and Head’s of School who involves strategic planning in his or her administrative setting will incorporate these three dimensions:

1. Analyzing the present and anticipating the future;

2. Establishing a vision, mission and goals based on “what is” and “what should be”;

3. Establishing specific objectives and actions.

In my research at San Diego State University, it has been found that school leaders fail in planning due to “bad process’ rather than any inadequacies in the plans themselves. The skills involved in developing the plans are of little consequence. Thus, if the leader is not effectively prepared in developing a cohesive, organized plan, the leader, will also not be prepared to implement the plan.

I maintain that plans are not forecasts or predictions of what will be or should be. They are agendas for action. The plan will be incomplete until it calls for specific persons to begin doing specific things, with specific timetables. The school leader is the “specific person” who will initiate the implementation of the objectives of the strategic plan. The plans are of no value if they are not put into action.

MISSION STATEMENT: a brief, comprehensive statement of purpose of an agency, program or subprogram.

The mission statement is an important tool in focusing your organization’s efforts. The mission is part of the organization’s identity, is all encompassing and rarely changes, and is the ultimate rationale for the existence of the organization. When writing a mission statement, consideration should be given to these questions:

Who are we?

What do we do?

For whom we do it?

Why do we do it?

How do we do it?

Mission Statement Criteria. It should reflect the distinctive competencies of the organization:

- It should be brief

- It should be simply worded and easily understood

- It should not be so universal that it could have been written for any school

- It should be clear statement about what, who, and how the organization serves

- It should have a primary focus on a single strategic thrust (vision)

In Worksheet No. 8 we look at your mission statement. A mission statement should clarify the organization’s purpose and indicate why it is doing what it does. In other words, it should answer the question, “Ultimately, what are we here to do? You will need to answer the following questions:

1. What is your current mission? What does it say about who you are, what your purpose is, what business you are in, who you serve, and how you serve them?

2. To complete the process, you should clarify three questions within the organization:

A. WHAT function does the organization perform (need)?

B. WHO does the organization primarily perform for?

C. HOW does the organization plan to go about its business?

3. In general, what are the basic needs you exist to fill? Or, what are the basic problems you exist to address?

4. What is your role in filling these needs or addressing these problems? How does it differ from the roles of other organizations? (Remember, don’t be a so safe in you description that you could use your statement with another school).

5. In general, what do you want to do to recognize or anticipate and respond to these needs or problems?

6. How should you respond to your key stakeholders?

7. What is our philosophy, and what are your core values?

8. Is your current mission dated, and if so, how?

9. What changes in the mission would you propose?

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

MISSION STATEMENT LITMUS TEST

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

Take a look over the checklist below and indicate if your mission statement meets the criteria of the litmus test.

Checklist

1. Does it clearly state what business you are in?

2. Is it broad enough that all staff in the organization can see how they contribute?

3. Can the mission survive changes in administration?

4. Is the rationale for the organization’s existence clear?

5. Does it articulate the ultimate outcomes you want?

6. Will it make sense to average citizens if they see it on your office wall?

7. Does it answer who we are, what and for whom we do what we do, and why it’s important?

8. Is it obvious why we spend money on such an effort?

9. Will you be embarrassed if you see it on the front page of the newspaper?

How did you score? A good mission statement should hit at least 7 out of 9. If you did not fair so well, then you should seriously review your mission statement at your board’s next annual retreat. Remember, it is the mission that drives the organization.

If you would like more information about STRATEGIC PLANNING, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/strategic.php

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4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto, the blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer. You will forget all about the toothache.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. (Personally, I think this should be number one.)

9. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
In life, you only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.
If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.

Smile and enjoy your day.

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

To your success,

Douglas Halladay

President and Founder

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8

P: 604.868.0002/F: 868.472.8737/Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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

P.S. Do not forget to check out our Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school. Check it out here:

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

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Like me, you and your family are probably winding down and winding up for the end of the school year. My 2 kids have just finished off 2 after-school commitments (baseball, choir and dance), with another winding up in a week with the production of Oklahoma, and then we’re into summer with swim club, piano, and musical theatre camp. However, we’re going to steal away a few days at our family cottage for some well deserved R & R. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat; drawn out with your family and work commitments, and looking forward to a long deserved break. How did our parent do it?

For those of you who are administrators, you’re probably right in the middle of year-end ceremonies and meetings…making sure to celebrate the achievements of the school members, and preparing for the coming school year.

Two of my services that you should consider before you shut things down and step out from the behind the desk are:

1). 1-Day Board Governance Retreat to unite your board and fine-turn their performance.

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/online_assessments.php

2). Strategic Planning to bring your school together. To find out more click here: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/strategic.php

I hope your weekend is a little more relaxing.

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay
President
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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

In This Issue

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

1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. Effective School Research – Mini School Assessment

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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

1. Services You Can Use

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

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

- Starting A School

- Strategic Planning

- Board Governance Workshops and Evaluations

- Head of School Searches

- Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School

- Institutional Assessments

- Surveys

- International Student Marketing/Recruiting

- International Education Development Projects

To find out more click and/or cut-and-paste click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

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

2. Products You Will Want To Have

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

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. To find out more click here:

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

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting Your Own School” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint 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”

To find out more cut-and-paste or click here:

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

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

3. Effective School Research – Mini School Assessment

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

There are a number of characteristics of effective schools that have been identified by researchers. I’m providing a brief list of critical values that you could use in performing an informal assessment of your school’s effectiveness. In no particular order, here is a distilled list of attributes that you should have or work towards. Read through each and keep a tally of how you did.

1). Strong supportive Administrative leadership that provides instructional guidance and autonomy to school staff;

2). Teachers expected more children to graduate, go to college, and become readers and good citizens;

3). Teachers were more satisfied with opportunities to try new things and to adjust teaching techniques to individual pupil needs, where they had control over their programs;

4). Parent-Teacher and Principal-Teacher relationships were more satisfactory;

5). Schools look at their assessment data and do something about it;

6). Schools had longer instructional days that maximized learning time in academic subjects;

7). Teachers relied almost entirely on teacher-developed tests and some subjective evaluation of student achievement;

8). A climate that improves and sustains instructional effectiveness, where you can find good instructional practices in every classroom, and staff involvement in school improvement;

9). Staff professional development based on school needs and planned collaboratively and collegially with teachers;

10). School-wide, visible recognition and promotion of academic success and commitment to student learning;

11). School climate that fostered collaborative planning;

12). Development and communication of clear goal-focused activities towards sustainable objectives and high expectations;

13). Long-range planning and coordination, shared consensus on values and goals, stability and continuity of key staff;

13). Fostering an environment of order and clear, firm, and consistent discipline, in an atmosphere where is learning is safe, orderly, and conducive to learning;

14). Teachers emphasized homework and study, accountability and responsibility for outcomes;

15). A caring family atmosphere based on cooperation and trust, where parents are involved in student learning, and there are positive community relations.

Well, how did you do? To be deemed an effective school you should have scored at least +12. If you didn’t, you should go back and identify areas of weakness, and put together your own mini-action plan to focus on strategies of improvement for the coming school year. If you’re putting together your own school, these would be invaluable when you’re developing your “educational philosophy.”

If you would like more information about INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENTS, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/institution_assessments.php

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

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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

Kid’s Exam Responses

The following questions and answers were collected from last year's GCSE exam results in Swindon, Wiltshire. They are genuine responses (from 16 year olds)!

Geography

Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutant like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and Nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Sociology

Q: What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?
A: If you are buying a house, they will insist you are well endowed.

Q: In a democratic society, how important are elections?
A: Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election.

Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Biology

Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.

Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.

Q: What is artificial insemination?
A: When the farmer does it to the cow instead of the bull.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow. [He got an A]

Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (E.g. abdomen)
A: The body is consisted into three parts - the brainium, the borax the abdominal cavity. The branium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E, I, O and U.

Q: What is the Fibula?
A: A small lie.

Q: What does "varicose" mean?
A: Nearby.

Q: What is the most common form of birth control?
A: Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium.

Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section."
A: The caesarean section is a district in Rome.

Q: What is a seizure?
A: A Roman emperor.

Q: What is a terminal illness?
A: When you are sick at the airport

Q: Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A: Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas.

English

Q: Use the word "judicious" in a sentence to show you understand its meaning.
A: Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.

Q: What does the word "benign" mean?
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

Smile and enjoy your day.

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

To our success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8

P: 604.868.0002/F: 868.472.8737/Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

Visit our Inner Circle Blog at http://halladayeducationgroupinnercircle.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. Do not forget to check out our Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school. Check it out here:

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

Halladay Education Group - Inner Circle eZine Newsletter - May 11, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Sadly I must pass on the news that my Vancouver Canucks were bumped out of the NHL hockey playoffs. Alas, the season and the extra playoff games were a pleasant surprise, so I’ve enjoyed the moment while it lasted.

Enjoy a happy Mother's Day this weekend.

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay
President
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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

In This Issue

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

1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. 6 Rules Of Creating Your Own Logo

4. Organizing Your Strategic Planning Process

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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

1. Services You Can Use

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

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

- Starting A School

- Strategic Planning

- Board Governance Workshops and Evaluations

- Head of School Searches

- Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School

- Institutional Assessments

- Surveys

- International Student Marketing/Recruiting

- International Education Development Projects

To find out more cut-and-paste click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

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

2. Products You Will Want To Have

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

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. To find out more click here:

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

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting Your Own School” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint 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”

To find out more cut-and-paste or click here:

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

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

3. Six Rules Of Creating Your Own Logo

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

Every new and existing private school will have to design their new school logo or revise their current one. It has to be done. In some circles it’s referred to as “branding;” the process by which the true character and purpose of the organization is communicated, building a favorable image that differentiates it, in the minds of prospects and end users, from other competitors.

While there is a multitude of variables, there are still rules that need to be followed to ensure that you end up with a practical logo that effectively communicates your “brand.” Remember that your logo will be everywhere: uniform crests, athletic wear, books, wall displays, middle of the gym floor, your web site, admission publications, cheques, Faxes, embroidery, newspaper ads, invoices, letterheads, etc.

1) Uniqueness: Your logo should be able to stand out as completely 'yours'. It's surprising how many times people decide to 'copy' logos. Not a good idea. On top of the potential legal complications nothing screams 'unprofessional' like a logo that's looks even remotely like someone else's

2) Timeless: Every few years there's a trend, or fad, that new logos seems to embrace. A few years ago it was the 'swoosh' - made logos all hi-tech. Trouble is, everybody jumped on that bandwagon and the treatment rapidly became stale. Few years hence, and we've got lots of people stuck with out of date designs.

3) Gimmick Free: Special effects are usually applied, by inexperienced designers, to logos that are 'missing something'. While it certainly shows how cool the latest design software is, it doesn't do much for the professionalism of your look. Your logo should be as technically simple as possible for adaptability.

4) Flexibility: Over the life of your organization, you'll want to place your logo over everything you send out. That's the point of having a logo in the first place. In order to do this, you'll need a logo that's adaptable to every occasion and while they may look pretty, the design gimmicks we just talked about render your logo impractical for many of these uses. Your new logo has to work on all of them. You'll also need a quality black and white version that can reproduce as a halftone grayscale, or in the cases of low-resolution BW reproduction, a linear version.

5) Scalability: When using your logo, you'll need to be able to use it in a variety of sizes. A good example of this is using your logo in your letterhead as well as in your formal marketing publications. Space only permits the logo to be featured as a very small image and it's always the simpler logos that stand out when viewed from a distance. The cluttered logos aren't recognizable to any great degree. When it comes to scalability, the text portion of the logo is the most important; as that's the piece you want people to remember. Scrawny or fancy text doesn't read very well at half an inch high.

6) Color vs. Black & White: Colors are extremely important. Using consistent corporate colors will become part of your brand. However, when it comes to the design of your logo, color must always be secondary. A logo that requires color to 'hold' the design together is fine when reproduction is optimal - websites, 4 color process printing and what have you - but even then only if the size is appropriate as well. Logos that rely too much on color tend to blend together when used small and unless the contrast between the two colors is pronounced, will be a grey mess if used in black and white. As for low-resolution reproduction (FAXES, checks, etc) you can forget about readability completely - logos that use color as a design cornerstone usually come out as black blotches on a FAX transmission.

Like most 'rules' of design, not all of these will apply in every situation, and in many cases, we'll toss them out completely. However, they should give you a road map that will help you navigate the sometimes frustrating creative process to design your new logo.

If you would like more information about ADMISSIONS AND MARKETING call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/publication_des_dev.php

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4. Organizing Your Strategic Planning Process

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

The following is excerpt from Chapter 5 of my Strategic Planning Toolkit’s Manual.

Organize the Planning Process

The first step is to organize the strategic planning process. This step includes deciding that strategic planning is appropriate at this time and place; selecting a person or Steering Committee to organize and keep the planning process on track; determining what people will be involved; deciding whether you need an external consultant to support the process; outlining the planning steps; and getting the boards agreement to move forward.

You need to consider why you are planning and to identify any concerns or barriers. One of easiest ways to do this is to use the “Readiness Assessment Survey,” which you can download at:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/ebooks.php

By weighing the possible benefits of strategic planning against any concerns, you will determine the best course of action to take. This first step is critical because it will stop you from the “jump reflex” syndrome – jumping into situations before planning. It seems that one of the most difficult battles for school leaders is the desire to change the world. Instant radical change won’t succeed, and if the school needs that much alternation, the time devoted to a well thought out plan is time well spent.

Determine the Plan’s Scope

The plan’s scope involves deciding on the level you want the strategic plan to focus on: micro or macro (narrow vs. broad). At the simplest level of planning, it involves the steering committee and board determining how involved they want the stakeholders to be in the planning process. Some schools want the SPC to represent the key stakeholders while other schools want the planning process to include separate focus groups for each stakeholder group. You Steering Committee needs to reflect on the cost, time, and resources needed for each approach to determine which suits you.

Determine Leader’s Role

The school’s leader needs to decide on his or her role in the process. Research has shown that strategic planning will probably succeed regardless of how the Principal or Head of school participates; however, the role the school leader chooses to participate in the planning process is sure to affect the final product. You more you are involved, the more you are perceived as committed to strategic planning and to the plan’s substance. Your involvement also signifies to others that your words and actions are consistent; that you support the planning process and final product; and the effort will not fail.

Do You Need Outside Help?

Another planning issue is deciding whether you need outside help in developing your strategic plan. A skilled planning consultant or facilitator can free organizational leaders to be participants in meetings without having to manage the agenda or discussion.

Although it is certainly possible to develop an effective strategic plan with a member of the organization responsible for managing the details of the process, the alternative of employing an outside facilitator is always available and sometimes advisable. This is particularly true if the organization has never previously conducted strategic planning.

The primary reason for considering outside facilitation is objectivity. Even the best intended stakeholder in an organization is likely to have a vested interest in the outcome of some of the issues being discussed and decided. A consultant, on the other hand, can be expected to exercise neutrality since his or her interest in completing the process itself rather than in the specific content of the plan. A consultant may also be desirable because of his or her past experience in producing strategic plans and credible knowledge in avoiding predictable pitfalls.

There are a number of ways a consultant can help you:

- Facilitate and summarize meetings

- Coach the Steering and Planning Committees

- Assist in designing the planning process

- Orient and train participants

- Assist with gathering and summarizing related data

- Lead you through the whole strategic planning process

- Provide advice on process and/or technical issues

If you would like more information about STRATEGIC PLANNING call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/stragegic.php

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

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY LANGUAGE

- Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.
- A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.
- Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.
- Practice safe eating - always use condiments.
- A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
- Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
- Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.
- When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.
- In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.
- She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.
- A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
- The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
- A lot of money is tainted - It taint yours and it taint mine.
- He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
- Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.
- Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses. And finally,
- Acupuncture is a jab well done.

Smile and enjoy your day.

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To your success,

Douglas Halladay

President and Founder

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002/F: 868.472.8737/Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. Do not forget to check out my new Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own private school. Check it out here:

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

Halladay Education Group - Inner Circle eZine Newsletter - May 1, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

If you are a Vancouver Canucks hockey fan, you are in heaven right now. We won the first round with the Dallas Stars in 7 games, and now we are in the second round against the Anaheim Ducks. Even though we are behind in the series 1-2 and missing most of our defense, there is still a chance. Vancouver hockey fans are infamous for broken ankles (jumping on and off the band wagon), and I am on the wagon (that doesn’t sound right?).

I had a wonderful time working with my clients on Maui and Oahu last week. Thank you for your hospitality. Oddly, they did not carry the games on their local Hawaiian TV stations.

Thanks for the positive feedback on my updated web site. To celebrate the re-launch of my web site, I am going hold a 50% off sale for ALL products sold in our Online Store to Inner Circle Members. So keep an eye on your email inbox for an announcement that will include an unheard of special discount offer, just for our subscribers!

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay
President
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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In This Issue

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1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. Six Ground Rules for a Successful Head of School Search

4. What Type Of Facilities Do You Need To Start A School In?

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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1. Services You Can Use

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Do you want your organization to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Pleas email info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how to:

• Start A School
• Strategic Planning
• Board Governance Workshops
• Head of School Searches and Evaluations
• Coaching for Chairs and Heads
• Institutional Assessments
• International Education Development Projects
  

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2. Products You Will Want To Have

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(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. To find out more click here:

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

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting Your Own School” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. To find out more click here:

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

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3. Six Ground Rules for a Successful Head of School Search

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At some point during your board’s juncture, you’re going to have to recruit and hire a new Head of School. For some fortunate schools they have a succession plan, but for most, it’s ground zero again. Typically there are two consequences:

1). The announcement of the Head’s departure is a shock to the community;

2). The board doesn’t have any potential internal or external candidates.

Your board is going to have to move quickly to find the best candidate for the position. If a school is good financial shape and is functioning well with a solid leadership, it can handle change. However, if the school suffers from poor leadership, financial issues, recruiting deficits, or power struggles, you may need to stabilize your structure before beginning the search (perhaps bringing on an Interim Head). On the other hand, having an interim candidate may allow you test his or her leadership capabilities and determine whether they’re a fit.

At this point, your board will need to determine whether to retain a professional search firm (such my company), or do it themselves. Either way, you need a plan before beginning the formal search.

1. Lay The Ground Rules for the Search: Clarify the process for the search: determine how many committee you want and how you want to set them up, develop a profile, advertise, long/short list, interview, visits, check references, recommend to board, offer).
2. Set the Time Frame: The process is extremely time-intensive. Ideally you want to launch the search in December a year before, with the final approval date in fall of the following year, followed by a July 1 start.
3. Establish a Budget: Searches not only take a lot of your board’s time, but are also expensive. You’ll incur costs with meetings, advertising, consultants, travel to interview candidates, and vice versa, and moving expenses.
4. Considering a Consultant: If you choose to use a consultant, you should set up a search committee to deal with the selection and oversight.
5. Choose Your Search Committee’s Composition: You search committee should be template of your school, encompassing the views of your school. It should include institutional memory, parent and staff viewpoint, loyalty of alumni, students, and what every else makes your school unique. The chair should either be the current board chair or chair-elect. In some cases, schools also set up focus groups to gather feedback on the profile/needs and even to be involved in the interview process.
6. Create a Communication Plan: Your messages and updates are important tools to manage your community’s expectations. It should include: community mailing, website postings, and updates.

If you would like more information about HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCHES call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/leadership.php

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4. What Type Of Facilities Do You Need To Start A School In?

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Getting your facility ready for a new school can take a long time. The most affordable solution for many founding groups is to lease or rent facilities on an interim basis. This allows your school to start their school a lot sooner, while they continue to fundraise to build their permanent facilities. The key is flexibility. For some, utilizing church facilities is the best solution. Classrooms are usually already available for Sunday school and can easily be converted for use during the week days. However, you should contact your local building inspector or architect to ensure that you meet building code requirements. Generally you need to be approved by the Office of Fire Safety, the County Health Department, the Bureau of Construction Codes, and the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

Sometimes it is best to look elsewhere for a new school campus. With many businesses going under every year there are large facilities available that could be donated and converted to a non-profit school. I’ve seen schools set up in under utilized hotels or empty warehouses.

If you’re planning to build a new facility and have unlimited funds, there are lots of architectural firms that specialize in building schools. A word of warning. Many times, founding parents have a friend who is an architect who will help out for free. On the surface this is great. The downside is that they may have NO experience designing schools, and will put together a school facility that has little to do with learning and lots to do with the sector they design for.

The following are a few dimensions of classrooms and facilities for a PreK-12 school:

Kindergarten:

• 500 sq. ft with its own bathroom and close to the office
• Have lots of cabinets for storage
• For 12 students ½ day

Grades 1-8:

• 900 sq ft classroom with cubby-holds for students to store their coats etc.
• Lower elementary should have a reading table with chairs for 1/3 of class

Resource Room:

• 400 sq ft
• This room is for students who need special education or tutoring

Grades 7-12:

• 500 sq ft classrooms large enough to fit 24 desks along with a teacher’s desk

Library/Media Room:

• 1800 sq ft

Science, Music, Art Rooms:

• 900 sq ft with specialized equipment designed for these programs.

Cafeteria:

• 2800 sq ft
• Or you can have them eat in their classrooms

If you would like more information about STARTING A SCHOOL call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/school_ser_form.php

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5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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WHY?

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they are okay, then it's you.

Smile and enjoy your day.

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

To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002/F: 868.472.8737/Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.comwww.HalladayEducationGroup.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. Do not forget to check out my new Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own private school. Check it out here:

Http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php