by Becky Grappo, IECA Member, United Arab Emirates

Blogging from Abu Dhabi, along the shores of the Arabian (or Persian) Gulf

I’m taking a break while waiting for my next appointment, and asked myself where I could go to chill out, work on my computer, get a quick bite to eat, and feel at home? Starbucks! I drove up and down the gridded, modern streets of Abu Dhabi until I found the reliable green logo that welcomed me “home.” I’m now enjoying wireless on my laptop with my Etisalat (Emirati phone company) USB modem, have had my sandwich and Frappuccino, and am listening to American Oldies on the music system (right now it’s playing “You Talk Too Much” which is an old song that reminded me of someone I knew!). Life is good!

But that’s about all that was familiar today. It started with an early departure from Dubai and a straight shot, one hour drive down highway E11. I finally found the general location of my 9:30 appointment with an American educational NGO operating here in the region. The American director came out of her office to retrieve me from the sea of cars in the parking lot of the local college, as I was close but not really there. I described my location, and we agreed to find each other under the shade of the date trees outside the mosque located in the parking lot. Ten minutes later when we still hadn’t connected, we realized that saying “under the dates by the mosque” was like saying “by Dunkin’ Donuts on a street corner in Boston”! They’re everywhere!

After a successful meeting with the NGO, I needed to find the location of the next meeting. My American counterpart generously offered for me to follow her, and good thing, for I never would have found this school tucked away on side streets with no street names I could discern. I was thrilled to find parking under a shade tree and set off to enter the school. Only the front entrance again deluded me—I wandered around an entire huge city block looking for the entrance, all while walking in the 100 degree in heat in shoes that weren’t made for walking! I was not quite as cheerful once I made my way inside…the heat just zapped me.

But once inside, my meeting with this local international school that offers an American curriculum was delightful. I found the headmistress of the school to be warm, friendly, engaging, and obviously passionately committed to her students. She used the word “love” in relationship to her students multiple times. Her main advisor is her daughter, who earned her Ph.D. in education at Boston University, and I found her to be very attuned to the latest best practices in education. The third person I met with was the special education teacher, trained in Lebanon, who was also very committed to her students. We discussed a student I am working with, and we all agreed on the plan of action. We also discussed professional collaboration, and I pointed to the IECA materials that I had presented to them about “Working with Students with Learning Disabilities” as well as the brochure about IECA’s Principles of Good Practice. I told them of my personal belief about the importance of collaboration, pointing out—with pride—my association with a group of collaborative professionals in the U.S.

I left satisfied that I had made new allies.

Next up: a meeting with parents of a struggling teen. Just as in the U.S., a difficult conversation awaits me regarding a serious situation. I think I might need another cup of ‘joe’ before I venture back out into the heat—both metaphorically and literally.

Just another day in the life of an IECA consultant…

by Sarah Brachman, Manager of Communications, IECA

As we head into the final two weeks before our Fall Conference in Charlotte, NC, we wanted to highlight our featured speakers.

Wednesday’s General Session Keynote speaker (1:00 p.m.) is Daniel Pink, author of several books, including “A Whole New Mind,” about the changing world of work, and the six abilities individuals and organizations must master in an outsourced, automated world. A free agent himself, Mr. Pink held his last ‘real’ job in the White House, where he served as chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore. He also worked as an aide to U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, and in other positions in politics and government. (for school, college, and LD representatives, and all educational consultants)

Thursday’s Lunch Keynote speaker (12:00 p.m.) is Nido Qubein, president of High Point University. Dr. Qubein has authored numerous books on leadership, sales, communication, and achievement. The Qubein Foundation has awarded more than $3 million to over 600 students and scholarship endowments at several universities. He is also a business leader, serving as chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company and also serves on the corporate boards of BB&T bank and La-Z-Boy Corporation. (for school, college, and LD representatives, and all educational consultants)

Saturday features a Master Class (9:30 a.m.) by Jeffrey Georgi, clinical director of the Duke University Addictions Program and Intervention Program, and author of “The Adolescent Brain.” Although primarily known for his work in the field of addictions with adolescents, adults, and families, Mr. Georgi is also a national trainer. We invited Georgi back to speak at our Charlotte conference after the positive feedback from his keynote presentation and breakout session at our San Francisco conference. (for therapeutic and emotional growth schools and programs, and all educational consultants)

In addition to these top-notch speakers, the conference will include an abundance of educational and networking opportunities through pre-conference programs, breakout sessions, speed meetings, and all of the activities in Conference Central: the vendor exhibit hall, networking cyber-lounge, bookstore, and one-on-one help with your social networking presence. We look forward to seeing you there!

by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

Participating colleges and universities in our Fall Conference in Charlotte, NC continues to grow, and with two weeks remaining until the November 12 School & College Fair we expect additional colleges to register and join us. Colleges can register on our Web site by clicking here.

To assist the nearly 300 registered educational consultants in planning their time, here’s a complete list of registered colleges—so far.(Conference attendees will get complete contact information at the conference):

Agnes Scott College (GA)
American University (DC)
Bard College (NY)
Beacon College (FL)
Belmont Abbey College (NC)
Beloit College (WI)
Bishop’s University (QC)
Brevard College (NC)
Bucknell University (PA)
Case Western Reserve University (OH)
Centre College (KY)
Champlain College (VT)
Clark University (MA)
College of Charleston (SC)
College of Wooster (OH)
Columbia College Chicago (IL)
Columbus College of Art & Design (OH)
Concord University (WV)
Converse College SC)
Cornell College (IA)
Cottey College (MO)
Dean College (MA)
Eckerd College (FL)
Elon University (NC)
Emmanuel College (MA)
Flagler College (FL)
Global College of LIU (NY)
Greensboro College (NC)
Guilford College (NC)
Hampden-Sydney College (VA)
Hastings College (NE)
High Point University (NC) conference sponsor
Hollins University (VA)
Johnson & Wales University (NC)
Lake Forest College (IL)
Lawrence University (WI)
Limestone College (SC)
Loyola University New Orleans (LA)
Lutheran Educ. Conference on N. America
Lynchburg College (VA)
Lynn University (FL)
Manhattanville College (NY)
Marist College (NY)
Mars Hill College (NC)
Marymount College (CA)
Meredith College (NC)
Merrimack College (MA)
Mitchell College (CT)   conference sponsor
Muhlenberg College (PA)
Muskingum University (OH)
The New School-Parsons & Eugene Lang (NY)
Northeastern University (MA)
The Ohio State University (OH)
Ohio Wesleyan University (OH)
Otterbein College (OH)
Pfeiffer University (NC)
Presbyterian College (SC)
Quinnipiac University (CT)
Randolph College (VA)
Randolph-Macon College (VA)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)
Rhodes College (TN)
Rider University (NJ)
Roanoke College (VA)
Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
Sacred Heart University (CT)   conference sponsor
Saint Andrews Presbyterian College (NC)
Salve Regina University (RI)
Savannah College of Art and Design (GA)
Shimer College (IL)
Southern Vermont College (VT)   conference sponsor
Stephens College (MO)
Susquehanna University (PA)
Sweet Briar College (VA)
Transylvania University (KY)
Trinity University (TX)
University of Alberta (AB)
The University of Arizona (AZ)
University of British Columbia (BC)
The University of Montana (MT)
University of New Haven (CT)
University of NC-Charlotte (NC)
University of Richmond (VA)
University of Tampa (FL)
Ursinus College (PA)
Vanderbilt University (TN)
Virginia Wesleyan College (VA)
Virginia Tech (VA)
Wagner College (NY)
Warren Wilson College (NC)
Washington & Jefferson College (PA)
Westchester Community College (NY)
Wheaton College (MA)
Wingate University (NC)
Winthrop University (SC)

We are pleased to welcome all of those attending our conference.  Blogs in the coming days will feature participating schools and programs. See you in Charlotte!

by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

It has been many months since we first announced that we had invited members of CAFETY (Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth) to share the stage at our Charlotte Conference with leaders of the therapeutic community and educational consultants, for a session that will explore all sides of the current debate in Washington DC to regulate therapeutic schools and programs. Now, as the conference gets closer and since my blog of October 12, we have heard from a number of colleagues expressing great concern over the direction of the session, and some even questioning why we would invite a group that is clearly hostile to the view held by most of the conference attendees.

I think everyone and every issue are best served when people have the opportunity to hear diverse viewpoints. As a debate rages on Capitol Hill regarding how far to go in regulating therapeutic schools and programs, we have an obligation to hear as many viewpoints as possible. From my days teaching political science in Philadelphia, I developed a strong belief that nothing is gained when we refuse to listen to those who disagree with us. By allowing those with divergent views—even oppositional views—to share a stage, we may even discover some common ground.

To be sure, I cringe at some of the shrillest voices and unfounded complaints that some have claimed on Web sites about mistreatment at the hands of programs. So, too, I cringe at some of the revelations that have come out regarding the least regulated or poorly run programs—resulting (rightfully so) in some of them discredited or shuttered. Most voices today believe that some regulation is necessary either on a state or national basis; the question is the degree. It is this question—one of policy alternatives—that I hope will be the focus of the session in Charlotte.

Many months ago I met with CAFETY President Brian Lombrowski. He was passionate about his belief in youth rights and reasonable in understanding IECA’s role. We talked about American Psychiatric Association guidelines, least restrictive environments, and local alternatives. Interestingly, since that meeting, new home-based and community-based alternatives have been increasingly explored in the milieu of choices open to educational consultants. As consultants know, community-based alternatives have been tried, unsuccessfully, prior to most residential placements. I told Brian at our meeting that a recitation of horror stories would be misplaced at an IECA gathering: we all know about the best and the worst of therapeutic placements.

Given these reasons and expectations, IECA has planned a session that will allow consultants, school and program representatives, CAFETY members, and a university professor to explore the proposals for government regulation. It’s my sincere hope that we all walk away from the session having learned a little, and understand a lot more than we did before the hour began.

by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

Late last week we noted new independent research stating that 26% of high-achieving high school seniors hired independent educational consultants for their college search and application process. The research did not examine students whose scores were below the 70th percentile, and we don’t know whether the percentage there grows, or, as we suspect, is a bit lower. In either case, the study has affirmed what IECA has been stating: there is significant growth nationwide of a nature that can fundamentally alter the view of this profession.

In sending out our media release yesterday, more than 100 press contacts have opened and read the press release, as well as admission representatives from over 100 colleges and universities, and hundreds among the public that viewed the release on the IECA Web site and Facebook page. The release was among the top three viewed pages on the IECA Web site both yesterday and today. And, a number of IECA members have posted the press release to their Web site or blog.

In addition to this blog, the Washington Post’s Admission 101 blog has reported the story and invited readers to offer opinions as to whether educational consultants are “worth it.” A few responses to that blog are reprinted below:

“Sharone2” noted, “We used a college planning service for my daughter, and it was very helpful, particularly in guiding her to make a list of activities she needed to do, month-by-month and providing that external prod to get it done.”

When someone wondered why anyone would pay for a consultant with so much free information available on the Internet, “qrcxx3” responded with an analogy that some can relate to: “To me, it’s like hiring a personal trainer. Yup, I can read manuals and search the internet for information on exercises, technique, etc. But there is nothing like that real-life person standing there correcting my form, suggesting specific exercises, and pushing me…”

“nonook44” spoke from a fresh experience, “I just went to a high school yesterday with a senior class of 1,000, with one college counselor. One parent thought her son was procrastinating, but the truth was he didn’t know where to begin. A couple hundred dollars for peace of mind? To know that you went the extra mile at the end? Totally worth it.”

When some made the assertion that consulting must be just for the wealthy (something the 26% use figure alone would dispute), IECA member Emily Snyder responded “If those using my services are any indication…some can afford the fees private consultants charge, but I, like a significant number of my peers across the country, have worked with those who struggle to do so. There will always be those who step up to the plate to offer [these] service to those who would go without.”

If nothing else, the Independent Educational Consultants Association is at the forefront of helping the public understand the breadth, value, and service of educational consultants, and how the profession is expanding to better serve the needs of students—across both the economic and achievement spectrums.

Congratulations to IECA Conference Manager, Rachel Diamond, who got married over the weekend! The entire IECA staff attended and we all enjoyed sharing in Rachel & Matt’s special day. We welcome Rachel back on Wednesday, now as Rachel King!

by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

We are looking forward to hosting two outstanding Canadian Universities at the IECA office on Tuesday evening. Starting at 5:00 p.m., the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia will share insights about their schools and about college study in Canada. The event is open to Washington, DC area educational consultants. If you wish to attend, contact UT’s Janet Hurd at janet.hurd@utoronto.ca

by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

Lipman Hearne, one of the nation’s leading marketing and communications firms just released a new, independent study of High-Achieving Seniors and the College Decision. One of their findings, which even they called “A Surprise”: 27% of such students hired an educational consultant to assist in their college search. The first study of its kind in many years, the results show a rate about triple what has been the generally assumed percentage.

Based on a nationwide survey of 1,264 students achieving an 1150 or higher on the SATI (on a 1600 point scale) and/or ACT composite of 25 or higher, those identified in the study were in the 70th percentile and higher. Assisting Lipman Hearne in the research phase was the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA).

The study provides tremendous insight into the factors students use when deciding among many variables, and explores information gathering among students; it was the finding that more than a quarter of the students hired an educational consultant that may be most shocking.

The fast-growing percentage of students hiring consultants, evidenced in this study, may be a dramatic game-changer for college admission representatives. In recent years university admission officers have sought to expand their applicant pool, diversify applicants to include all regions of the country, and examine ways to attract applicants most likely to be a good match to their institution. I hear often from deans and directors of admission who recognize that IECA member consultants are the ideal way to reach such populations. Unfortunately the myth has persisted that consultants are used only by a tiny fraction of the populations—I’ve heard under 5%—making it an elitist tool. Today we have proof that this is not the case, that educational consultants are very much being employed in the mainstream and reflect hundreds of thousands of college applicants each year.

In today’s Washington Post Admission 101 blog, Jay Mathews notes this surprising high percentage but notes that most of those in survey indicate that consultants are not influential when making the final enrollment decision. Matthews wonders whether this indicates that consultants are not really valuable. As I noted in a comment to his blog, he misses the point. A consultant should NOT be influential in the final decision-making phase; rather the consultant’s value comes earlier, when creating a list that explores a student’s needs, desires, interests, preferences, along with the consultant’s extensive first-hand knowledge of colleges. Once that list is created, a great consultant, a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, to be sure, seeks to empower students to conduct their own research, explore the possibilities, visit campuses, and ultimately make their own decision.  The consultant does create that initial list, but then acts as a coach and advisor, not the “decider.”

I suspect this new research will have significant and dramatic impact on the way consultants are perceived by college admission officials as well as by families. As always, hiring a consultant may be a good option, but only if the family finds a consultant that is knowledgeable, ethical, well-informed, and student-centered. We hope that as the field grows, IECA maintains its leadership role in demanding such high standards of its member consultants.

by Mark H. Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

I needed to be in Boston earlier this week for 25 hours on IECA business. It was a hectic day, but I was able to join a group for dinner Tuesday. None were consultants or admission directors or educators of any stripe. Rather, each was related to the hospitality industry: a hotel manager, sales representative, a representative of the Boston Convention Bureau. Eventually I was asked to explain what members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association do. As I began my explanation, one person stopped me and said: “I just realized, I used a consultant when my parents decided I should go to a private high school.” Another noted that her sister just hired an educational consultant to help with their college search for her nephew. In both cases the consultant was a member of IECA.

The conversation was a great reminder of how far the profession has come. Not long ago, when I described what an educational consultant does, I was met with quizzical stares. “People PAY for that?” was often the question. Today those I meet are much more likely to immediately grasp the importance of hiring a knowledgeable, informed expert when exploring educational choices for their child. I’m heartened by how many people already know because they have either heard of the field from news reports or know someone in their own circle who has hired a consultant in their school, college, or therapeutic search.

As awareness and familiarity grows, the profession becomes more accepted and more appreciated. It is this that has led IECA to make use of as many outlets for promoting the profession as possible. We send out press releases and grant interviews with electronic and print media. Our goal is to do more of this in the coming year. Our Web site continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors, including parents looking to find a consultant to assist their family. Our Web presence has grown with greater commitment of resources, including paid advertising on behalf of our members, and the serious commitment we have made to using social networking and blogging has begun to have real impact on extending the awareness of the profession to new communities.

Of course awareness of the profession requires greater commitment to professional training and ethical values. As more people look at consulting, we want them to discover what we know: in a profession where anyone can hang out a shingle, IECA membership is the one way parents can rest assured that the individual they hire is knowledgeable, ethical, and competent in a way that assures the best possible outcomes for their student.

We continue to explore new ways to reach out and welcome ideas from members as to how we can extend our reach and awareness. Next year when I sit down with five hoteliers, I hope all five have their own IECA educational consultant story to share.

by Mark H. Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA

For several years there has been talk about governmental regulation of therapeutic schools and programs. During this time several states have created licensing procedures, often with the active participation of program leaders. The most controversial efforts have involved those by Representative George Miller (CA) who chairs the House Committee on Education and Labor. He has proposed legislation that regulates such programs by federal statute. Among those who have lobbied for very strict federal guidelines are CAFETY (Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth). While many therapeutic programs have endorsed the concept of regulation, most have voiced a concern that the specifics in the proposed legislation could destroy the existence of such programs and have argued for guidelines that they feel would improve the quality of care without decimating the field. The National Association for Therapeutic Schools and Programs has been in the forefront of this effort.

For the very first time at an IECA conference, we have scheduled a General Session topic that will bring in speakers with diverse opinions, explaining their point of view and answering questions from the audience. This promises to be a dynamic and informative session, open to all conference attendees starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009 at the IECA Fall Conference in Charlotte. I will call on my skills as a former political science teacher in moderating a session that we expect will better illuminate all points of view than in creating tension.

The presenters for this general session are expected to include:

Dr. Jared Balmer, Executive Director, Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment

Grace Cole, Member, CAFETY

Dr. Robert Friedman, Professor, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida

Brian Lombrowski, President, CAFETY

Chris Noroski, Vice President, CAFETY

Dr. John Santa, Clinical Director and Founder, Montana Academy

Lon Woodbury, Founder, Woodbury Reports; Educational Consultant, IECA

Hopefully we will all leave the session with a better understanding of this complicated issue and an appreciation for the diversity of viewpoints.