ISM Presentation
-
Upload
john-w-storey -
Category
Documents
-
view
49 -
download
0
Transcript of ISM Presentation
Why Have Christian Schools Closed?
What can we Learn?What can be done?
John W. Storey, Ed.D.
December 14, 2016 to ISM Consultants
The Closure of Conservative Christian Schools in the Northeast USA since 2008
Why Have Conservative Christian Schools Closed?
What can we Learn?What can be done?
Historical Background
02
03
04
01Schools began as Christian
Government schools became the norm during the 1800’s
Christian schools as we know them began to increase from 1960-2000
In the last 15 years, more schools have closed than have opened
268 closures in the Northeast between 2007–2015-number is low since we have only tracked those schools which have been members of ACSI at one time.
There are factors outside of school control that have influenced these closures
Economic challenges (American economy, cost of benefits…mainly health care)
02
Competition – home schooling, charter schools, public school choices, higher quality private schools
04
Population of schoolage children,
01
Cultural shifts, malaise about the impact of these shifts upon children 03
What were the factors within the schools control that may have led to their demise?
Lack of focus on mission, purpose and outcomes
Academic mediocrity -Lack of intentionality in developing curricula
that led to the desired ends
Lack of a strategic plan, strategic financial plan or developing one and allowing the
tyranny of the urgent to set it aside
Lack of a business model or a flawed business model
Weak and/or flawed governance structure
Lack of visionary leadership
An approach to spiritual development that communicated to students that
conformity to rules was more important than spiritual growth
What are some common factors among these almost 300 schools?
Small
Majority were church sponsored
Only 2 were accredited(both church-sponsored)Hard revenue did not cover the cost to educate
The vast majority (of which I have knowledge) used textbooks as
curricula (mainly so called…Christian texts)
Teachers received low salaries and benefits (if any) were
minimal
02
01
What can be done now to make it more likely these schools will stay open in the next 20 years and beyond?
• Take a critical look at your business model and determine if it is sustainable.
Develop governance that engages in governance not management and has a strong commitment and understanding of mission,
Identify leadership with vision and the communication skills (interpersonal and public, writing) to share with others in such a way that they buy into the vision – create ownership. Intentionality in leadership succession is critical.
Work now toward accreditation….if accredited work toward exemplary accreditation and use the new action research protocol being developed.
Evaluate the school’s business model, engage in strategic planning and strategic financial planning
03
04
• Accreditation by School Progress (ASP) September 2016 Edition• Accreditation by School Progress (ASP) is a protocol for
reaccreditation using action research to engage the entire school community in continuous improvement. The centerpiece of ASP is a collaborative, school-wide project that blends educational practice with research to impact student outcomes.
Questions I’ve asked school leaders and boards regarding their sustainability
To what level is tuition funding the mission?
Do you know the cost to educate?
Have you taken a look at student discounts and why you have them
What part do events and sales have in meeting your
budget?
Are you developing cash reserves, budgeting for
capital expenditures, endowments,
Are you actively developing a donor base that gives because they believe in the mission of your school?
When is the last time you held a capital campaign?
Do you offer need based financial aid? If so, how do you determine the family aide?
Where does the $$$$come from?
Engage in strategic and strategicfinancial planning. 01
Make resourcing the mission a priority in your planning 02
01Curricular enhancements (study 21st century school literature, ISM Stability Markers)
03Your teachers are the key to making your school strong – are you willing to release ineffective faculty and those who may not be mission appropriate for any reason? Focus on hiring, induction and professional development.
02 Faculty compensation
04Facility enhancements (note –the first two are MUCH more important)
03If you are a church-sponsored school, what are you doing to develop a positive relationship with your church leaders and congregation? When there is a change in leadership, are you in a place to impact choices?
02Is your school the best kept secret in town? If so, it is nothing to brag about. Do you have a marketing plan? Is this part of your annual budget?
01If your board is resisting….do your homework and make a strong case why things need a critical look.