Your Agora Blog

Dec 7, 2018 10:00:00 AM

How to Avoid Principal Burnout

By Elizaveta Shkurina

Burnout has become an epidemic among educators of all school levels. A school leader’s professional world consists of overwhelming responsibilities, information perplexities, and emotional anxiety. It’s no wonder that the issue of burnout has long been cited as the reason so many educators leave the profession. How can we combat the feelings of exhaustion, despair and a sense of helplessness that result in such high turnover rates in our schools?

Dec 5, 2018 9:00:00 AM

Surprising Truth About Turning Around Failing Schools

By Elizaveta Shkurina

Why are schools failing? Before we explore school improvement strategies, it’s crucial to understand why so many schools fail. Aside from mismanagement and the socioeconomic status of the school and its students, many of the issues begin directly in the classroom. According to an academic journal article in JSTOR, schools fail for a number of reasons that occur in the classroom. The author identifies six factors of critical importance that cause low school performance:

Nov 30, 2018 9:20:00 AM

School Finance Series: Better Ways to Spend Your School’s Money

By Elizaveta Shkurina

Surprisingly, researchers have long debated the influence of school funding and investments on student achievement. At the same time, a number of studies over the decades confirmed that schools show great improvement with increased funding and appropriate investments from that funding. However, one question still stands: where can the money go that will have the best outcomes for students?

Nov 9, 2018 8:30:00 AM

List of 10 Best School Management Software Solutions

By Elizaveta Shkurina

What Is School Management Software? School management software, which encompasses various aspects of management, allows schools to automate many tasks of running an institution. The varying management software packages offer a wide range of functions, from scheduling to student performance tracking. It may help schools improve communication, offer a better analysis of student performance, and allow an increased transparency with the parents.

Nov 7, 2018 8:00:00 AM

5 Fundamentals of School Leadership That Works

By Elizaveta Shkurina

In educational research regarding modern school reform, the improvement of school leadership ranked high on the list of priorities. A 2010 survey of school administrators, policymakers and school owners revealed that the quality of school leaders is one of the most pressing matters among issues in education. While the quality of instructors stood above all others, school leadership outstripped issues such as high drop out rates, STEM integration, and college and workforce preparation.

Nov 2, 2018 3:07:03 PM

School Leadership Styles - Which One Are You?

By Elizaveta Shkurina

School leadership is dynamic and complex. The successful leadership styles in education employed by principals, administrators and owners play a crux role in the culture and even the basic function of a school. Every leadership style has its strengths and weaknesses. That is why it’s crucial for school leaders to pinpoint their style and have an understanding of how it impacts the overall effectiveness of their school.

Oct 24, 2018 9:30:00 AM

What Makes a Good School Leader? 10 Characteristics of Effective School Leaders

By Elizaveta Shkurina

In the latest study on school management, researchers have identified leadership to be one of the key factors behind successful schools. The study is in line with other research into what makes schools thrive, such as the influential study linking leadership to student learning.

Sep 24, 2018 7:02:00 PM

How to Evaluate Teaching Effectiveness Like a Pro

By Bridget Manley

Ineffective teachers come with a hefty price tag. Research suggests that spending a single year with an egregiously underperforming teacher can cost a student as much as $1.4 million in lost lifetime earnings. They can also cause even the best-run ESL schools to lose valuable clients and credibility. A well-developed teacher evaluation plan, then, is essential for protecting both your students and your business.

Sep 17, 2018 10:15:00 AM

ESL CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SERIES: WHO ARE YOUR STUDENTS?

By MK Argo

Here at Your Agora, we understand the Curriculum Development process can be tedious and confusing, especially when you're starting an ESL school. Through our series on ESL Curriculum Development, we will walk you through the important steps in this process to ensure your successful school will have the best curriculum possible!

Sep 16, 2018 7:39:39 PM

Guide to Understanding School Finances

By Elizaveta Shkurina

Starting, running and improving an ESL school cannot take place without proper financial and operations management. Clear policies and procedures in the areas of finance, operations and risk are critical for a financially-sustainable school. By consistently implementing these policies and procedures, schools ensure their ability to serve current and future generations of students.