DALLAS, – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) will launch the inaugural Flourishing Schools Institute (FSi)— a new professional development opportunity for school leaders who want to transform their school culture to flourish.
More than 300 Christian educators will converge on the Hyatt Regency in Frisco, Texas, from June 16-18, 2021.
The FSi is part of ACSI’s Flourishing Initiative—a multifaceted approach to assessing and improving school culture so that all members can collectively thrive.
The institute is organized around five research-based domains that contribute to the development of a Christ-centered flourishing school. The FSi correlates with the research validated Flourishing School Culture Instrument (FSCI) and the resulting Flourishing School Culture Model (FSCM). The FSCI provides a comprehensive analysis of a school’s strengths and areas for growth, while the FSCM serves as a model comprised of five domains—Purpose, Relationships, Teaching & Learning, Expertise & Resources, and Well-Being, as stated on the ACSI website.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor believes equipping leaders with a biblically based philosophy of education is essential to the health and success of the entire school community.
“Developing Christ-following, transformational leaders is key for the entire school body to prosper,” he said. “The institute is structured to allow leaders a hands-on approach to incorporating learned concepts into their school culture.”
Speakers including John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Rex Miller, author of “Humanizing the Education Machine,” Dr. Althea Penn, executive director of The Shepard’s Academy, Scott Turner, CEO of Scott Turner Consulting Group and Peter Greer, president & CEO of HOPE International, will assist leaders in developing a strategic school culture plan.
According to Cindy Dodds, ACSI professional development director, FSi sessions will be largely interactive, allowing leaders to assess their current school culture and experiment with and apply best practices to improve.
“The FSi will help schools move from research to practice,” Dodds said. “Our vision is to see Christian school leadership teams engage in an enduring, transformative school growth process in tandem with other Christian school leaders, together pursuing thriving school communities.”
Taylor believes these offerings are best when used together, as they are intentionally aligned.
“The instrument enables schools to focus on specific areas that have been identified as areas for growth, which will inform their professional development plan,” he said. “Although schools do not have to participate in the instrument to attend the FSi, doing so will greatly benefit leaders.”
Taylor believes the institute will launch leaders on the journey toward flourishing school cultures.
“As a recent head of school, I can personally attest to the challenge of building and sustaining a Kingdom-focused, successful school culture,” Taylor said. “We’re glad to gather in person again, working side by side through this process. Each leader will leave the FSi with a unique roadmap to a truly flourishing school community.”
To learn more about FSi, visit the website or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org.
