External Consultants, Valuable Internal Insights
By Dr. Tom Hawkins, ISS Vice President of School Start-Ups and School Management
People often ask me what I do in my role with ISS — and I tell them that I help “optimize” schools, whether they are in our ISS-managed sphere or in our “consulting” schools category. One way to help optimize schools it to provide an external assessment of key components of a school through consulting services.
All our international schools face multifaceted challenges that require innovative solutions and strategic foresight. Educational consultants have become an increasingly prevalent strategy for schools to get an “outsider’s perspective” on the internal working or challenges of schools. They can provide a range of benefits that can enhance operational efficiency, academic excellence, and global competitiveness. Here are a few ways consultants can help you in your schools.
Objective Assessment and Fresh Perspectives
We find that external consultants provide an unbiased evaluation of a school’s practices, policies, and performance. Their impartiality allows them to identify areas for improvement that internal stakeholders might overlook due to familiarity or institutional biases. This objective assessment is crucial for schools aiming to maintain high standards and adapt to evolving educational demands.
Case Study
One school ISS supports in the Gulf region invited one of our ISS curriculum specialists in to work with their curriculum director and curriculum leaders on developing their curriculum architecture to enhance the school’s rigorous academic approach.
Consultants’ expertise enables them to offer tailored solutions that address specific challenges, ensuring that schools can implement best practices aligned with global standards. This specialized guidance is invaluable in enhancing the quality of education and operational effectiveness.
Facilitating Change Management
Implementing significant changes within an educational institution can be met with resistance from staff, students, and the community. External consultants serve as change agents who can facilitate smooth transitions by developing comprehensive strategies, providing training, and offering support throughout the implementation process.
Case Study
When we work with schools on strategic planning, ISS helps identify strategic imperatives, desired results, and indicators of success to be built into a school’s planning and budgeting cycles. This proactive approach ensures that institutions remain competitive and responsive to the needs of their diverse student populations, especially when recruiting students in highly competitive school environments.
Professional Development and Capacity Building
External consultants contribute to the professional growth of school staff by offering training sessions, workshops, and mentorship. These opportunities enhance the skills and competencies of educators and administrative personnel, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction. Capacity building initiatives also empower staff to take on leadership roles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the school.
Cost-Effectiveness & Resource Optimization
While engaging external consultants entails an initial investment, it can lead to cost savings in the long run. Consultants help schools avoid costly mistakes by providing informed advice and proven strategies. They also optimize resource utilization by streamlining processes and identifying areas where efficiencies can be achieved. This strategic allocation of resources contributes to the financial sustainability of the institution.
Case Study
In one of the schools we consulted, we were able to help them revise their organizational chart to comply with local requirements while benefiting the overall operations of the school which the current leadership could not see without a trusted, experienced external consultant recommending the structure.
By bringing in fresh perspectives, consultants can challenge the status quo and introduce innovative approaches that foster growth and development.
Specialized Expertise and Experience
International schools often require specialized knowledge to navigate complex issues such as curriculum development, accreditation processes, and cross-cultural communication. External consultants bring a wealth of experience from working with diverse educational systems and institutions.
Case Study
In the example provided above of the school which we supported to change organizational structure, the school hired ISS to come in for professional development of these leaders in their new roles at the start of the year with the new structure. This professional leadership development facilitated the change management so necessary for implementing the new structure. External experts’ involvement helps in mitigating resistance, fostering a culture of acceptance, and ensuring that changes are effectively integrated into the school’s operations.
Enhancing Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is vital for the long-term success of international schools. External consultants assist in formulating robust strategic plans by conducting market analyses, assessing internal capabilities, and identifying opportunities for growth. Their insights enable schools to set realistic goals, allocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future trends in education.
Case Study
As stated in the previous example of the school ISS supports in the Gulf, the consultant worked with all the school educational leaders over several days to develop their capacity to lead their teams on a regular basis once the consultant leaves the school. Growing the capacity of the professionals and support staff at the school should be one of the key components of any consultant.
Navigating Regulatory and Accreditation Requirements
International schools must comply with various regulatory standards and accreditation criteria, which can be complex and time-consuming. External consultants possess up-to-date knowledge of these requirements and can guide schools through the compliance process. Their assistance ensures that institutions meet necessary standards, thereby enhancing their credibility and appeal to prospective students and parents.
Conclusion
Engaging external consultants can offer international schools a strategic advantage in addressing contemporary educational challenges. Through objective assessments, specialized expertise, and support in change management, consultants play a pivotal role in driving institutional excellence.
ISS can help your school with strategic planning, resource optimization, professional development, and curriculum architecture development for enhanced optimization of your schools.
Learn more about how ISS OPtimize can support your school here. You can connect with Tom on Linkedin.
This article was originally published in the April 2025 edition of ISS Newslinks.