The Annual Independent School Institute, presented by The Principals' Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, convenes leading Harvard faculty and independent school heads to examine the everyday challenges and implications of strategic and instructional leadership.
The institute highlights the latest education research and theory from the Harvard Graduate School of Education as applied to the professional practice of independent schools.
For four days, independent school heads from across the country interact and work with each other and outstanding professors on institutional problem solving and the development of school-relevant outcomes and strategies that benefit all independent schools.
Please check back in the coming weeks for a detailed program description.
Program Schedule
The institute begins with a working session on Thursday afternoon November 6 and concludes in the afternoon of Sunday, November 9. Independent School Institute is designed as a cohesive experience; participants are expected to make a full-time commitment to the program and remain through the closing session.

2008 Faculty
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James Honan,
Senior Lecturer on Education, Educational Chair, Institute for Educational Management (IEM), Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| Honan's teaching and research interests include financial management of nonprofit organizations, organizational performance measurement and management, and higher-education administration. He is a faculty member in a number of executive education programs including The Harvard Seminar for Experienced Presidents. (more) |
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Daniel Koretz , Professor of Education,
Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| Koretz focuses his research primarily on educational assessment, particularly as a tool of education policy. A primary emphasis in his work has been the effects of high-stakes testing, including effects on schooling and the validity of score gains. Koretz founded and chairs the International Project for the Study of Educational Accountability, an international network of scholars investigating improved approaches to educational accountability. (more) |
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Richard Light, Walter H. Gale Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| Light's research focuses on higher-education policy analyses. Currently, he is chairing a project at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences that explores the changing demographics at American colleges and universities. His most recent book, "Making the Most of College," won the Stone Award for the best book of the year on education and society. (more) |
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Judith Block McLaughlin, Senior Lecturer on Education,
Director, Higher Education Program,
Educational Chair, Harvard Seminar for New Presidents, Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| McLaughlin has written and consulted extensively on leadership transitions, presidential assessment, board-president relationships, senior staff functioning, and board governance. She is the chair of the Massachusetts Public Education Nominating Council; the council is responsible for selecting members for college boards of trustees in the state and for making recommendations for the state board of higher education. (more) |
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| Additional faculty to be posted in the coming weeks. |


General Information
Registration and Program Fee
The comprehensive program fee of $3995 includes tuition, all instructional materials, refreshments, and the opening dinner. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and is acknowledged upon receipt.
Program
enrollment is limited, so early registration is suggested. For more information, please contact The Principals' Center at 617.495.1825.
Payment or purchase
order is due thirty days after registration and prior to the conference start. Participants
are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Accommodation Options
A limited number of hotel rooms, convenient to the institute classroom, are available at a reduced rate. Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of the individual participant.
Inn at Harvard
1201 Massachusetts Avenue
Harvard Square | Cambridge, MA
T: 800.458.5886
$299/night plus tax
Reduced rates are available until October 14, 2008. Please reference 'Independent Schools' or #184509 when placing your reservation.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing. Full refunds will be granted until October 9, 2008. Cancellations received between October 10 and October 23 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee. Cancellations after October 23, 2008 and no-shows are subject to full payment.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right
to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion.
In the unlikely event of program changes,
the school is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements
or other planning expenses incurred.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals
to equal treatment in education without regard to age, race, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, marital status, handicap, national origin, or
any other factors that are extraneous to effective performance. The Harvard
Graduate School of Education will accommodate anyone with disabilities. |