Canadian
Accredited
Independent
Schools

The CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership is designed to prepare participants for senior leadership roles in independent schools, particularly for Headships, by providing courses in most aspects of independent schools. It is expected that candidates will discuss participation with their Head of School.

Register for the 2020 Fall LI here.

Improving Our Programs

In response to ongoing surveys and as part of the CAIS Strategic Plan, we have developed a framework for leadership development (CAIS Leadership Praxis) and a pathway to guide participants as they seek leadership growth opportunities. For further details please read, Building the Future: The Importance of Leadership Development & Succession Planning in Our Schools

All, who have begun the CAIS LI prior to the summer of 2020 will be expected to complete the 6 required (Academic Administration or Teaching and Learning/Leadership for Learning; Accreditation, Advancement, Faculty Culture, Finance, Governance) and 4 elective modules from a choice of several offerings, to earn the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership.

The restriction of large public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Summer 2020 Leadership Institutes. Once large gatherings are permitted in the summer, participants new to the Diploma program will first enrol in the CAIS Introduction to Leadership program prior to taking specific modules. The Introduction, will enable participants to gain a broader understanding of leadership in an educational context prior to moving on to more specific leadership content. Because the development of strong relationships in this cohort is essential we will launch it in a face to face session.

After completion of the Introduction to Leadership, we are currently planning for participants to select at least 2 modules from 3 categories and an additional 4 modules of their choice. The new modules may include some or all of the following:

• Academic (Academic, Co-curricular and Student Well-being and Support),
• Operational (specific functions including Admissions, Advancement, Finance, Governance etc.)
• Cross-Network (modules that have a whole school orientation (Faculty and Staff Culture; Design Thinking; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Environmental Sustainability etc.)

The Benefits of the Revised Program

Over the first 20 years of the LI program, modules were developed that addressed elements of leadership and specific operational school functions. Moving forward we have:

• Grounded our program in research and developing leadership knowledge and competencies in areas aligned with school effectiveness (the indicators of effective practice in our Accreditation Standards);
• Made plans to extend our module offerings to meet the needs of all aspiring leaders (not just those with academic backgrounds);
• Provided additional formal and informal time for participants to network;
• Included blended learning into our pedagogy;
• Offered online modules beginning the spring of 2020;
• Made connections between the Praxis framework and our Next Step and Heads’ Retreat.

The Award of the Diploma

The Diploma is awarded to those candidates who successfully complete the program within a five- year period.

Upcoming leadership institute

Would your school like to host a Leadership Institute?

Venues for the Leadership Institutes are selected based on the following criteria:

• Each year the 3 major CAIS events (Heads and Chairs Conference, National Leadership Conference and the Summer LI) are distributed across the country
• Summer LI venues are hosted by schools with large student residence capacity to minimize cost to participants.
• The Spring LI is tied to the NLC to minimize travel costs

If so, please review the following document and contact Elizabeth Chambers with any questions.