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August 2024

Welcome to Signals, the SAIS monthly newsletter designed to equip and empower you with timely information to generate new ideas, design strategy, and support purpose-driven plans.

Dr. Brett Jacobsen, SAIS president, provides a monthly perspective on the drivers, signals, and trends impacting the education sector. Through research, data collection, and analysis, he amplifies the short-term and long-term patterns and conditions that leaders should evaluate through the lens of their unique mission and vision. 

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Preparing Students for an Ever-Changing Future


In the heart of Winston-Salem, NC, the Summit School embraces a spirit of innovation that is integral to who the school is and how they approach learning. Faculty and staff encourage innovation to help better prepare students for an ever-changing future. The Summit School's Idea Shop innovation and entrepreneurship initiative serves all 560 students and is a program born of the willingness to embrace change.

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Should Schools Say No to Smartphones?


As the 2024-2025 academic year gets underway, school leaders find themselves wondering what to do about smartphone usage in the classroom. 


SAIS-member schools share their insight, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to implement policies and procedures to curb student smartphone use on campus. Their aim is to turn the focus away from the phone and back to the classroom.

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Leading Through Polarity Toolkit


Effective leadership requires the nuanced skill of managing polarities. These resources will equip and empower leaders with the necessary framework to address unsolvable dilemmas effectively. Using the example of when schools should make a statement during moments of crisis, resources are offered for schools as they face potentially polarizing events.

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Crafting Effective AI Prompts


Understanding how to engineer a prompt will help you harness the power of generative AI. We’re sharing the anatomy of a prompt with practical examples for several school roles. A comparison of leading AI platforms demonstrates how responses can vary. Several ready-made prompt libraries geared toward education and nonprofit use will help get you started. 

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2024 SAIS Annual Conference


Join your peer independent school leaders at the 2024 SAIS Annual Conference, October 20-22, in Charlotte, NC. Over three days, you’ll gain new insights on timely topics such as retention and recruitment, AI, and community and connection.


With keynotes from Mesmin Destin, Michelle Icard, and Grant Lichtman, plus more than 30 breakout sessions and four learning journeys, you’ll discover new strategies for success and learn about emerging trends, all while expanding your network and connecting with other independent school leaders.

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Upcoming Webinars


Mark your calendar now for these upcoming virtual learning opportunities. Free for member schools.


L+D’s Design for Election Season, September 10, 12:11:15 PM EDT


Protecting Your School & Yourself From Deepfakes, September 12, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT


Navigating the Digital Landscape: Cell Phone Policies & The Anxious Generation, September 17, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT

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