From the one-room schoolhouse to the virtual school, educating our young people is beginning to look different. As the world outside the classroom became more technologically-connected, our classrooms remained in suspended animation. That is, until recently. Throughout the last decade, many changes have occurred that affect not only the physical space and the delivery of information, but also the skills required for Christian school administrators to be successful in their charge of educating.

These leaders are no longer running schools, but businesses. According to a recent New York Times article by Laura Pappano, "Skills to Fix Falling Schools," budgeting, fund-raising, strategic partnering, and politics are now deeply embedded in the day-to-day administration of schools and districts. Acquiring and developing corporate skills enable administrators to most effectively ensure that their students have the tools, the teachers, and the learning environment that best facilitates academics.

Many universities, seeing a vision of the future, have begun to offer educational leaders more options for their own academic growth. Master's programs are being adapted to include more policy and business content. Free leadership programs that are now available offer dual mentorship by business and educational professionals.

Some believe that educating our children, especially in grades K-12, should not be likened to running a business; kids are not widgets, but gifts from God for which we are responsible. As Christian leaders we must be able to communicate the mission and goals of our schools, know where we are headed, and have a plan for getting there.

The Bible teaches us about leadership in Exodus 32:34: "Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place which I have spoken unto thee: behold, Mine Angel shall go before thee."

As students demand a learning environment in sync with their digital world, the government demands that schools meet performance standards, and federal funding continues to flow through the pipeline, administrators in Christian and charter schools must adapt, educate themselves, and prayerfully request guidance to become more effective and efficient at the business of educating.

How do you think Christian school administrators should prepare themselves for leadership in the 21st century?

At Alpha Omega Publications®, we know that the business of leading your Christian school to success is constantly changing. Talk to one of our educational specialists to see how we can help your school navigate the budgeting and reporting issues inherent in school administration today.