SAIS - Serving and Accrediting Independent Schools

The focus of a robust alumni engagement program not only engenders philanthropic support, but also encourages passionate volunteers, future potential enrolled families, retention of current families, potential faculty pool candidates, and “superfans.” For schools seeking ideas on how to create or enhance an alumni engagement program, several SAIS members share their insights in Signals as to the activities, programs, and outreach efforts offered. https://lnkd.in/ec-XVHvu

AI is providing a catalyst in changing the way schools approach fundraising, offering new possibilities for tailored engagement and outreach, staffing efficiencies, greater prospect research, and more. But where do you start, and how do you balance these new tools with time-tested strategies? Join us February 12-13, 2025, in Charlotte, NC, for the SAIS Advancement Institute to discover how AI can enhance your school's fundraising efforts while reinforcing the core principles that have always driven successful development programs. Learn more and register online at https://lnkd.in/e_HmNWUU.

Reflecting real-time perspectives representing the voices in our association, we solicited feedback from SAIS ed tech professionals in October to complete a pulse survey focused on technology challenges and priorities. According to ed tech professionals, the top technology priorities include enhancing cybersecurity, upgrading classroom technology, and integrating AI into curriculum. Trending topics covered in the survey: 42.5% of schools completely prohibit student cell phone use during school hours and 67% indicate perception of cheating is a main concern around AI in education. Don't miss the slide deck for the full survey results: https://lnkd.in/eJ8kvavM.

For heads of schools to create value, Tom Olverson, consultant with Resource Group 175, says more must be done than what can be achieved through the problem-solving approach of traditional strategic planning. SAIS members, check out the webinar recording "Strategic Leadership for Independent Schools" for an insightful discussion between Tom and SAIS President Dr. Brett Jacobsen. Learn why your strategic plan should feel a little bit like a bet, the importance of school culture on change, how to approach market share, and more. https://lnkd.in/enw42eUS

The new year will be here before we know it. Start 2025 off right by attending any or all of the webinars SAIS has planned for January and early February. These timely sessions will cover challenges ranging from using AI to enhance your annual fund to streamlining your curriculum. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dHNyhiCG.

Dig deeper into data with Currey Ingram Academy Head of School Jeff Mitchell, who shares data and trends on tuition and affordability. These FastStats are but one example of how schools can use data to inform mission-based decisions. Read more about What's Essential online at https://lnkd.in/e5k4-92b.

In this month’s SAIS Signals Trend Tracker, SAIS President Dr. Brett Jacobsen highlights several signals and trends. Explore the information, including the resources within that you may wish to research with your team: https://lnkd.in/eJ8kvavM.

In his SAIS webinar, "Data-Driven Success: How Net-Tuition Revenue, Enrollment Data, & Marketing Impact School Health," Dr. Colin Wyenberg, enrollment solutions consultant at Finalsite, shared how and why to collect and leverage data to support enrollment success. Colin Wyenberg, Ed.D shared questions to consider when looking at data, as well as practical tips for the business office, enrollment & admissions, and marketing & communications to work in tandem to make the best use of data for the health of the school. SAIS members, check out the webinar recording online at https://lnkd.in/edSy_kSe.

The SAIS Curriculum Symposium equips independent school educators and curriculum leaders with the tools and insights needed to create learning experiences that drive student success and foster continuous learning. Join us Tuesday, February 11 to Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Charlotte, NC, to choose impactful sessions from among four learning journeys. With keynotes focused on research & innovation, participants will explore pedagogical ideas, innovative instructional strategies, and transformative educational products and services. Register now at https://lnkd.in/edf34gMt.

Top of mind for parents and educators is the current state of student well-being. We wonder how to best support the unique needs of this generation. How did we arrive at what some describe as an adolescent mental health crisis? To extend the conversation, several SAIS member schools share the ways in which they support student well-being, be it through curriculum, intentional programs, or other services. https://lnkd.in/esFeGwZS