The Trusted Authority for Starting, Improving, & Selling Private Schools: 2007-09-09

Hi Inner Circle Member:

We are in the middle of wonderful fall weather. Though we may not have set any sunshine records for our summer in Vancouver, our autumn has been sunny and warm. My family and I are taking advantage of the weather and heading down to one of the beaches in Vancouver’s English Bay. If you have never been to Vancouver, it is a fantastic setting -- surrounded by our North Shore mountains, sailboats, Tai Kwando and volley-ballers, wind and kite surfers, and international freighters anchored lazily at the foot of the mountains. I have always bragged that Vancouver is one of the few places where you can ski, golf, and sail all in the same day. I hope you have a great weekend with those close to you.

Today I am going to reflect on some of the critical elements in education reform that are emerging in new schools.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

P.S. Do not hesitate to send me your questions. They are a great starting point for the eNewsletter.

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In This Issue

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1. In The News

2. Services You Can Use

3. What Do We Need Our New Schools To Do?

4. Products You Should Take A Closer Look At

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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1. In The News
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As bullies go online, schools crack down - But critics say rules limit free speech

When students arrived this year for the start of school in Arlington, Texas, they were given a one-page contract to sign. They would not send harassing e-mails to other students. They would not send offensive digital pictures, download video footage or hack into another student's e-mail account. They would not instant-message at all.

As bullies go online, schools crack down - But critics say rules limit free speech

To read more click on the following:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-cyberbullyingsep14,1,3035863.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

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2. Services You Can Use

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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 & Evaluations
Head of School Searches & Evaluations
Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School
Institutional Assessments
International Student Marketing/Recruiting
International Education Reform Projects
Curriculum Development & Project Management

Get all the details here:

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

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3. What Do We Need Our New Schools To Do?
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As you may guess, I am approached by a lot of people who are not satisfied with today’s education system and feel that there is a better way of helping students learn. That was one of the reasons I was attracted to the private education system myself; you have a stronger hand in effecting change that has an immediate impact on student learning and achievement.

Clients that approach me want help in focusing their vision of educational reform and make it happen. They want to change (reform) the way the education system exists today for their children or community and put a plan together that realizes their vision (the future) and enables teachers and students to learn more effectively.

I have always made it a practice to follow trends in new school projects and education reform programs to see what has spurred them on, what they hope to achieve, and the results.

These include localized projects such as Philadelphia’s “School of the Future,” Pitt Meadow’s Greybrook Academy, or at a national level, Sanford Weil’s National Academy Foundation. With all of these schools, they provided new models of instruction. Some of the elements that they have in common include:

1). Alternate Approaches to Instruction and Assessment:

They build flexible learning models to encourage learners to share their understanding in multiple formats. Traditionally a school’s yardstick for achievement was measured by classroom hours or completion of courses. Instead of focusing on the clock, they focus on HOW students are spending their time. Students today are more adaptive than ever. Kids can figure out new technology without manuals or any How-To Dummy Books (really, do you ever see them use one?). My own kids use a new software program without flinching. Today’s Web 2.0 generation wants personalization. They can create your own Face Book account, their own Google homepage, or even a ring tone on their cell. They expect information to be immediate, personalized, and usable, but they want to show what they know in their own way. They need flexibility to allow them to learn and demonstrate their level of expertise, and to create their own instructional agenda and assessment.

2). PERSONAL LEVELS OF Academic EXCELLENCE

These schools increase relevancy without decreasing academic excellence and challenge students to achieve at their personal level of excellence. They recognize that students can do more.

3). Transformation of the teacher to an instructional team

The traditional school has the teacher as an instructional storage tower or silo. If the teacher is absent or they move to another school, the level of instruction is directly impacted. The new schools recognize that subjects and instruction are done collaboratively, just like in today’s workforce.

4). 21^st Century learning tools and resources

The new schools move away from students acquiring static information with 20^th Century tools, but rather support the attainment of digital materials and access to technology for both the teacher and student. These tools become critical elements of the student’s learning environment.

5). Access to knowledge

These schools recognize that they can supplement content expertise with instruction and experiences from industry experts. They use technology to allow instructional experts into the classroom.

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4. Products You Should Take A Closer Look At
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Do you want effective tools that can help you start or lead your school on non-profit? These two product categories can help.

(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. Get all the details here:

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

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting A School From The Trenches” (#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”

Get all the details here:

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

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5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week
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FIRST GRADERS

A first grade school teacher in Virginia had 25 students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the first half of a well-known proverb and asked the child to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first graders, 6-year-olds.

1. Don't change horses ................................................until they stop running.
2. Strike while the..........................................................bug is close.
3. It's always darkest before......................................... Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of........................... termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but.................... ........how?
6. Don't bite the hand that.............................................looks dirty.
7. No news is.................................................................impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a............................................. Mr.
9. You can't teach an old dog new................................ math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll.............................. stink in the morning.

Smile and enjoy the day.