| The Year In Review | |
The last year of the 20th century certainly had its moments. We will not easily forget the protracted legal battles which ultimately settled the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Nor will we lose sight of the impact which technology is having on every aspect of our lives from biogenetic discoveries to the stock market.
As far as K-12 private education is concerned, I consider the following as worthy of note in 2000:
- the defeat of key voucher proposals in the November 2000 voting
- the mounting nationwide cry for 'accountability' in our schools
- the significant progress made in diversity issues
For my take on these, as well as my views on other important issues facing independent schools, please see the list of features set out below. As always, your comments pro and con are welcome and encouraged! The best way to express your views is with a post to the Private Schools Forum.
Employment Practices
Attracting Teachers Of Color
Is your school doing all it can
to attract teachers of color to its staff?
Does Your School Discriminate?
Private schools are generally covered
by several federal laws which were written to eliminate discrimination
in the workplace. Find out more here.
Headmasters' Compensation
Headmasters make much less than
CEO's in the business world. Find out how much less.
Racial Diversity: 2000 Update
Progress is being made, though there
is plenty of room for improvement.
Same Sex Domestic Partnerships In The Dorm
Phillips Academy has acted decisively
on this controversial diversity issue.
Vouchers
Election 2000 Votes Them Down
Voters in Michigan and California voted down education reform proposals
which included vouchers. Find out what this means for the future of
education reform.
For All or For None?
"Do as I say, not as I do!" seems
to be the motto of our politicians. Might work for some issues, but I say
that it creates a bad impression when it comes to the issue of school choice.
More on the voucher debate here.
Running Your School
Cheating: An Epidemic?
Is cheating only a public school
plague? Find out why I think it is! Also includes an interview with Gary J.
Niels, former Klingenstein Fellow who is an authority on the subject.
Compliance With
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Compliance with anti-discrimination laws is
critical for your not for profit school. The IRS Form 990 gives you an excellent
opportunity to prove your anti-discrimination efforts for all to see.
High School Hazing: A Tradition or An Illegal Activity?
Once thought to be only a college
activity, hazing pervades high school activities. What can you and I do
about it?
Size Matters
New research confirms that small
schools create a climate for learning.
State Testing: Is It Necessary?
Some states are thinking about requiring
state testing for private as well as public schools.
Teaching
Do You Have Enough Insurance?
If you get sued, will your professional
liability insurance protect you?
Embracing New Technologies
Don't hesitate to integrate technology
into the classroom. Here are some ideas!
The Job Outlook For New Teachers
Our advice: don't be a generalist!
Specialty certification is the answer.
Teacher Safety: How Vulnerable Are We?
Do we teachers set ourselves up for
trouble?
Teenagers
Girls and Computers
Girls don't want to be geeks. There's
more to it, of course.
Teenage Drinking: At Home?
Why I think it is wrong.
Your Young Person and Air Travel
Some helpful advice for parent and
child.
All good wishes to you and yours for the happiest and most prosperous of new years in 2001!
--Rob Kennedy, Private Schools Guide
