Michael G. Thompson knows independent schools. He attended them in elementary and secondary school, and has worked in them as a psychologist. He consults with more than 30 schools a year, addressing a myriad of issues related to complex human interaction. He has written often in "Independent School" about everything from understanding the social…

Every year, the families of more than half a million students in America choose independent schools (private, nonprofit schools that are governed by boards of trustees). There are more than 1,200 independent schools in the US that belong to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and each is unique in terms of its mission and…

In this comprehensive manual, author Peter Gow helps schools become communities where teachers are nurtured "from raw recruits into seasoned, effective, and even beloved professionals." Peter Gow, academic dean at Beaver Country Day School (MA), lays out a step-by-step approach to building and keeping a strong faculty, a school's greatest asset.…

This book uses real-life situations to offer practical advice on creating positive alliances with parents. It aims to help teachers and administrators: (1) Understand family differences; (2) Forge healthy relationships with families; (3) Make the most of parent conferences; (4)Manage the difficult "five percenter" parents; and (5) Create…

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) provides the Summary of Key Operating Statistics (KOS) as an annual review of the performance and key measurements of the more than 800 private post-secondary institutions we accredit. This edition of the KOS contains information based on the 2009 Annual Institutional Reports…

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ("ACICS" or "Council") supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation. This has been the…

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation. The federal government, for purposes of…

This report highlights findings from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS), a study funded by the U.S. Department of Education that charted the life experiences of nearly 25,000 students from public and private schools from the time they were eighth graders through their mid-20s. "Values Added: The Lifelong Benefits of an Independent…

For a long time, independent schools have relied primarily upon peer-review accreditation for the purpose of accountability. Akin to the process used by colleges and universities, libraries and hospitals, school accreditation via a reputable accrediting organization is thorough, rigorous, and professional. It is rooted in two underlying…

If readers want to improve ties with their local community, government, town, or civic groups, then this is the handbook to read. This guide focuses on how to conduct a community relations audit, develop a CR strategy, build a CR team, communicate more effectively with neighbors, and handle crises well. The handbook also includes a sample economic…

This special edition of the Key Operating Statistics (KOS) contains information based on the 2007 and 2008 Annual Institutional Reports (AIR) submitted by ACICS-accredited institutions. The AIR is submitted on September 15 each year by ACICS-accredited institutions. It reflects activity during a reporting year that begins on July 1 and concludes…

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation. The federal government, for purposes of…

At a Virginia private school, a student-led organization inspired by the National Coalition Building Institute works to end minority groups' mistreatment. In a comfortable, small-group setting, participants examine information and misinformation about themselves and others. Sharing a universally painful human experience is the starting point. (MLH)

An international educator believes that the commonly shared, fundamental source of tension and negative social interaction is ignorance and the consequent lack of appreciation of cultural diversity. Educators' moral duty is to instill knowledge of cultural diversity and model tolerance of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. (MLH)

Recognizing and celebrating diversity while building an inclusive sense of classroom or school community is a challenging endeavor. A successful model encompasses four basic principles: cultural validation and acceptance are inseparable; each school needs its own plan; sophisticated skills are essential; and curriculum sources and communication…