We have never been more connected than we are today. Technology has linked cultures, continents, markets, communities, and people. Whether we reach out to those close to us in an instant on our phones, or those far away via online forums or media, the possibilities, the calls, the updates, the statuses, the likes, the sharing of information and knowledge is limitless. 

Still, we are human and human connection matters. Creativity flows when we work face-to-face with our peers brainstorming ideas, sharing experiences, searching for solutions. Collaboration is accelerated when there is no lag, no loading time, and no screen filtering our interactions and framing our reactions. Experience, as many a poet, scientist and historian has said, is the greatest teacher, and there is a fulfillment from such interactions that cannot be replicated remotely. 

So, with that in mind, I invite you to join us at the 2013 Annual Conference- The Global Future: Preparing Students and Shaping Schools. Hear from experts about the latest research and trends. Share your experiences and expertise with your peers. Stretch your 21st century skills: creating, connecting, collaborating, and communicating in community. And together we can prepare for the global future.

>>Read more HERE.

For Nishant N. Mehta, Head of The Children's School in Atlanta, globalization is more than a forecast; it's part of his personal story. Nishant was born in Mumbai, India, the youngest of two sons. His father attended graduate school in the United States, and felt the experience had been greatly beneficial. He encouraged both of his children to also study abroad. Through a friend, Nishant heard about The Asheville School, in Asheville, NC, and convinced his parents to allow him to pursue admission. The tuition was more than his family could afford, but Nishant was able to receive a 90 percent scholarship. In 1996, he left Mumbai for Asheville. 

>>Read more HERE.

When a search consultant met with one long-tenured head, the head asked what her role should be in the transition. He replied, "Don't leave the next guy with a mess." The consultant emphasized the need for the outgoing head to make any personnel changes as quickly as possible. However, heads shared two opposing perspectives on this directive. One camp, including the head who shared this narrative, felt that the outgoing head should not make major personnel decisions on the way out the door, especially since any and all changes in a school cause a certain degree of disruption, and too much change can cause a community to reach a tipping point. Moreover, these outgoing heads felt that a successor should have the opportunity to ascertain his team's strengths and weaknesses and choose replacements that match his style of leadership. 

This is Part 4 of the five-part series on "Transitions and Succession Planning," which was a project undertaken by SAIS to capture the thoughts and insights of novice, experienced, retiring, retired, and interim heads. The focus of Part 4 is on the search firm: tips on how to go out with a clean house and a variety of things the search firm won't tell you. The project will be released in its entirety at the 2013 SAIS Annual Conference, October 27-29.  >>Read more HERE.

 

Yong Zhao believes the current education system to be flawed, ineffective, and focused not on maximizing individual talents and diversities, but on producing homogenous, compliant, and employee-minded test-takers. He challenges the traditional paradigm, debunks the myth of international tests such as PISA and TIMSS, and proposes a new paradigm of education aimed at cultivating diverse, creative, and entrepreneurial talents. He says educators should take their cues on curriculum from the students themselves, and encourage them to be innovative, pioneering risk takers. He urges educators to focus on cultivating strengths and individuality, not simply on fixing weakness and mandating standards.

>>Read more HERE.

The SAIS Board of Trustees proposes the following slate 

of new trustees for service beginning January 1, 2014: 

• Fred Asaaf | Pace Academy, Atlanta GA
• Ian Craig | Harding Academy, Nashville TN
• Rachel Deems | Spartanburg Day School, Spartanburg SC
• Bill McGee | Hill Country Christian School, Austin TX

The membership will have the opportunity to elect trustees at the SAIS Annual Business Meeting, which takes place during the Annual Conference, on Sunday, October 27, at 12:00 PM.

The SAIS Board of Trustees elected the following slate 

of officers for service beginning January 1, 2014:

• CHAIR: Barbara Daush | St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School, Memphis TN
• TREASURER: Dennis Manning | Norfolk Academy, Norfolk VA
• SECRETARY: Marvin Lishman | Magnolia Heights School, Magnolia Heights MS

Article 11. FINANCIAL MATTERS. 

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