Dr. Andrew Volunteer New Miami
Wegner IECA’s Spotlight: Conference
Pre-Conference Luisa Rabe Session
Workshop page 7 page 16
TM page 4
The Newsletter of the Independent Educational Consultants Association Insights
October/November 2006
CONFErENCE INSIGHTS
calendar
of upcoming
events Keeping Tempo in Miami
October 3-4 Northeast Ohio
College Tours
October 4 Transitioning to
Private Practice (Joint IECA/
November 2 and the Miami Professional Day. As a network
NACAC Seminar) Pittsburgh, PA conference are fast approaching, news correspondent, anchor, writer
October 5 IECA/College and IECA is offering a program and producer, she became known
Admission Officer Luncheon,
Pittsburgh, PA chock-full of interesting speakers, as a different type of reporter:
October 9 Columbus Day – office discussions, and breakouts. literate, funny, irreverent, and never
closed
In addition to Member Day condescending. Her trademark sign
October 30 - November 1
Miami-area College Tours keynote speaker Donna Shalala, off “And so it goes” became part of
November 1 Membership Dinner, Linda Ellerbee will speak as the pop culture and was the title of her
Miami Beach, FL Professional Day keynote. Other 1986 bestseller. Ellerbee’s career
November 2-4 IECA National program highlights include four has taken her through the news
Conference Miami Beach, FL
Linda Ellerbee
featured speakers: Lisa Machoian, divisions at all three networks and
November 2 Donna Shalala
Conference Keynote, Member Peter Van Buskirk, Randy Blum, over the years she won numerous Awards, a duPont Columbia Award,
Day
and Todd Hoffman. awards including an Emmy. In and three additional Emmys. In
November 3 Linda Ellerbee
Conference Keynote; College, the early 1990s Ellerbee turned 2002 Ellerbee was again awarded
Linda Ellerbee, outspoken
School, LD Fairs/Swap
her attention to children when an Emmy, this time for her
journalist, award-winning television
November 4 Therapeutic
she wrote and hosted Nick News coverage of children in Afghanistan
Program Swap producer, best-selling author,
for Nickelodeon. While there, the following the September 11, 2001
November 5 IECA Foundation breast cancer survivor, and mom
Golf Tournament, Miami Beach, show collected three Peabody continued on page 4
FL will offer the keynote address on
November 23-24 Thanksgiving
Break–office closed
inside insights
30 Years of IECA History
President’s Letter 2
1974
1974 - 1976 Counselors Association
Ethics Committee 3
Pre-Conference Workshop 4
• Seven educational counselors incorporates with 30 charter
Dickinson College meet in Boston home of Robert members
Announcement 6 Parsons • Conducts first “public” event
Volunteer Spotlight 7 • SSAT, NAIS, ERB provide early at NAIS Conference
East Coast Training Institute 10 support • Dues are set at $50
Conference Sponsors 11 1976 • Mel Levine speaks to group,
In the News 12 • Independent Educational will return twice more
Member Status Changes 13
Introductions 14
PrESIDENT’S LETTEr
Separating Hype from Reality
I am writing this at the end of August as the press and digging deeper. And with so
summer is coming to a close. Ads for back- much information readily available through
to-school shopping are everywhere. Articles the Internet, it can be a huge challenge to
appear in magazines and newspapers tell fact from fiction. With careful and well
about going off to college, the latest college considered guidance, consultants have the
rankings, trends on college admission and opportunity to introduce schools, colleges,
other school related topics. Alexandra or programs that are a great match. One of
robbins’ new book, The Overachievers; the best rewards of being a consultant is
The Secret Lives of Driven Kids, has hit the witnessing students when they realize they
bookstores. Time Magazine questions who have such exciting options.
needs Harvard and suggests students look school level are provided by Boston
The landscape of schools and colleges
beyond the Ivy League. Magazine, since both public and private
has changed dramatically in the 20 or so
schools create pressure.
Not a week goes by without advice being years that have passed for the parents of
dispensed concerning what strategy to When a student or his/her parents bring up most of our clients. Helping them decipher
develop given the emerging trends. And this subject during a consultation, I find it everything they thought they knew about
one of those strategies is not to hire a great springboard for discussion about schools and colleges is challenging. Of
overpriced consultants who polish students, what really matters and what is best for course they want the best for their children,
making them appear not as they truly the student, our client. As I ask questions, but helping them define best is the greatest
are. U.S. News & World Report rankings, I am able to qualify what is important. work we do.
and Kaplan College Guide, which touts Sometimes the student really does put
Several workshops at our fall conference in
America’s 25 hot schools, are just two status or prestige at the top of his/her list
Miami will focus on these issues. Building
examples of the media preying upon the of criteria. When that is the case, we need
Collaborative, Cohesive, and Respectful
anxiety levels of parents and students to respect them and incorporate those
Relationships in the College Admission
alike. Similar reports at the Independent criteria into the process. For most however,
Process; Overcoming Negative Media
answering my questions helps them realize
Reports: How to Talk to Parents; and
Insights
that they have been unduly influenced by
one of our featured speakers, Peter Van
status or prestige. The hard work of figuring
Buskirk, will address Winning The College
out where they are headed can begin.
Admission Game. These are just a few
Published by:
IECA consultants have always had the examples of timely sessions offered in
Independent Educational
student’s best interest at the core of their Miami. Consultants, school, and college
Consultants Association
practices. Getting to know the student gives professionals will have many opportunities
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 510
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 us the chance to help them find a good to learn from and interact with each other
Phone: 703-591-4850 fit. Families who understand that the data, to broaden our knowledge and enhance our
Fax: 703-591-4860
which drive these lists and rankings, are ability to do our jobs better.
www.IECAonline.com
e-mail: info@IECAonline.com not necessarily what is important can move
President: Timothy B. Lee on to do their own research with us to find
Executive Director: Mark H. Sklarow what is best for their child. Our work as
Editor: Sarah Brachman Timothy B. Lee, Ed.M., CEP
consultants is to help families understand IECA President
Design and Layout: Sarah Brachman
and evaluate the options going beyond
2 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
COMMITTEE INSIGHTS
SAT
Materials
We’re Glad You Asked! Available
What Does The Ethics Exclusively
Committee Do Anyway? to IECA
by Diane Geller, CEP, IECA Vice President for Ethics & Professional Practices Members
As you know, over the years the IECA
The College Board announced that
membership has developed a set of ethical
they will again make SAT registration
guidelines that govern the actions of
and practice materials available to
consultants in relationships with students
IECA member consultants through
and families, schools and colleges, and
the National office. The College Board
colleagues. In the last year, the Principles
makes these materials available
of Good Practice was reviewed, revised,
to schools and exclusively to IECA
and discussed at the Annual Membership
Members, as the College Board draws
Meeting in May.
a distinction between IECA consultants
Our bylaws charge the Ethics & Professional and non-member consultants. For more
Practices Committee to “promote awareness information on ordering the booklets,
of and compliance with the statement see the Member-To-Member section of
Diane Geller
of Principles of Good Practice.” As IECA this issue of Insights.
vice president for Ethics and Professional white, and obviously right or wrong, there
Practices, I am head of that committee are sometimes instances involving shades
which currently includes Georgia Irvin and of gray. In some cases, it isn’t a question
Bill Dingledine. of shading, or unethical behavior, but
merely a case of good manners or common
The basic guidelines address such issues
courtesy. Many of these kinds of situations
as practicing only within our areas of
are dealt with in a gentle reminder or a
competence and consultant relationships
phone call to a consultant. An initial attempt
with families, schools, colleges, and
is made by the executive director or chair
programs. Also addressed are conflicts
of the Ethics Committee to mediate any
of interest and maintaining professional
informal complaint. If that mediation does
and ethical practices. While there are
continued on page 5
many situations that are clearly black or
1979
1977 1977 - 1980 Association changes name to Independent
Educational Consultants Association
• David Edgar serves as IECA’s president
and soon director 1980
• Dues doubles to $100 and begins $100/ Associate membership category created
year increase through 1982 (and will evolve, disappear and re-appear
• Yearly budget is under $10,000 numerous times over the history)
1978
IECA prints 10,000 membership directories
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 3
Miami Conference, Continued from page 1
CONFErENCE INSIGHTS
attacks. Over the last several years Ellerbee
authored a series of fiction books aimed at
middle schoolers. She can be frequently
heard as a contributor on National Public Pre-Conference Workshop:
radio.
Testing and Test
Ellerbee will draw on a life of success and
commitment to children in her address on Interpretation
Friday, November 3, following lunch.
Presented by
In addition to the keynoters and featured
Dr. Andrew Wenger
presenters, the conference program
includes the most breakout sessions ever
Wednesday, November 1
scheduled for an IECA conference: 16
sessions on Member Consultant Day, and 29
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
sessions during the Professional Days.
This workshop will provide an
MEMBER CONSuLTANT DAy HigHLigHTS overview of the WISC-IV and the
New this year, IECA is offering several Woodcock Johnson Cognitive and
Miami and completed a post-doctoral
discussion sessions, to provide a more Achievement Tests, although other
fellowship at UM’s Jackson Memorial
interactive environment especially suited specific tests will also be discussed.
Hospital. Dr. Wenger has a private
for the more experienced consultant. Other Dr. Wenger will review basic test
practice in the Coral Gables area
highlights include: interpretation to better understand a
that specializes in the evaluation and
student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Overcoming Negative Media Reports: How treatment of children and adolescents
He will also focus on how to review
to Talk to Parents (Discussion) with emotional, educational, and
psychological reports so that we
The media is filled with horror stories about behavioral difficulties. He serves
can look beyond the numbers to
wilderness camps, therapeutic programs as advisor and trainer to a number
understand the whole student’s
and transport services. In this discussion, of social service and educational
psychological and educational needs.
consultants will explore effective means to agencies. Dr. Wenger has also served
Dr. Wenger will discuss interventions
counteract these impressions when dealing as a professor at the University of
and recommendations that follow from
with nervous parents. Miami for eight years.
various profiles in these reports.
To register for the conference, call 703-
Andrew Wenger holds a Ph.D. in
591-4850 or e-mail info@iecaonline.
Psychology from the University of
continued on page 5
com.
1982
• First IECA Conference held at Brewster 1982 - 1991 meeting” in New York
• Annual budget surpasses $50,000
Academy in New Hampshire
1987
• Bill Pierce hired as part-time assistant to
Membership reaches 100
the president, later executive director
• Dues reach $600 and have been 1991
unchanged for 24 years Ad Hoc Committee on Organization
• First newsletter appears formed to restructure IECA for the future
1983
•• Tri State holds its first “regional IECA
4 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
Ethics, continued from page 3 Miami, continued from page 4 to adulthood is lack of understanding about
transitioning itself. This applies as well to
parents who are transitioning into mid-life,
not resolve the issue or a written complaint What Makes an Effective Essay from the
Reader’s Perspective then empty-nesting. This session provides
is received, the Ethics Committee steps in
After a presentation by admission insight into transitioning and provides
to hear all sides of the issue before taking
professionals, attendees will act as a practical suggestions.
action which might range from exoneration
to termination of membership. It is college admission committee to evaluate Grounding Helicopter Parents
important to note that, without a complaint essays and discuss what makes for an A lecture and open discussion about how
in writing, the full ethics committee will not effective submission. Presented by rahsaan consultants and admission representatives
hold a hearing or respond as a committee Burroughs, associate director of admissions, can better work with difficult and over-
to a complaint. The George Washington University; involved parents, including establishing trust
Nicholas J. rosato, assistant dean/director and appropriate boundaries.
However, when we do receive a complaint
of transfer admissions, Office of Enrollment
in writing about questionable or unethical Dynamic is In—Static is Out!
Management, rensselaer Polytechnic
behavior, the ethics committee steps in. More than ever, students begin their
Institute; and Melissa Falk, senior associate
Our first line of action is a basic inquiry— school search online. They expect their
director of admission, Muhlenberg College.
reading the complaint and hearing all sides first interaction with your school to be rich
before attempting to resolve the situation. iECA Leadership Series: and multi-dimensional. Virtual tours, blogs,
Most issues are resolved without further understanding iECA From the inside Out chats, and rSS feeds provide opportunities
complications. IECA introduces its Leadership Series— for deeper and more personalized
breakout sessions to be offered at every connections. Learn how to help students
In the coming months, we will be
conference that will explore topics including not read about your school, but picture
addressing issues and answering questions
leadership theory, communications, meeting themselves there.
in Insights about ethics issues that arise
management, and more. Especially designed
in your practices and/or come before The full conference program, including a
for those seeking leadership roles within and
our committee, in hopes that everyone schedule for all breakout sessions, is posted
beyond the Association. In this first offering,
understands and practices our principles of on IECA’s website at: http://www.iecaonline.
the IECA organizational structure, board/
good practice. com/consult_conference.html#Conf.
staff roles and volunteer leadership will be
Conference brochures are already in the
examined.
mail. The Loews Hotel is selling out fast,
so be sure to make your reservations as
PROFESSiONAL DAyS HigHLigHTS
soon as possible. With the wide variety
Some highlights of the Professional Days
of breakout sessions, dynamic keynote
program:
speakers, and fun nightlife activities, Miami
Understanding Transitions will be a vibrant conference for all!
One of the biggest challenges for
transitioning young people from childhood
1993
1993 - 1997 1996
Half-day Principles and Practices Training • IECA establishes a Foundation to serve
Institute introduced the needs of others and the profession
• Daniel Goleman (EQ) keynotes 20th
1994
Anniversary celebration
• First full-time executive director, Mark
• Staff grows to three employees
Sklarow, hired
• Office moves from Cape Cod to 1997
Washington DC suburbs • Membership reaches 200
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 5
Dickinson College Will No information about the college. Our president,
provost and vice president for enrollment
Longer Post Rankings do not, however, participate in opinion
surveys about other institutions, such as the
U.S.News ratings of “academic prestige.”
The following letter was sent to alumni of our gesture is now a singular one, we are
We encourage prospective students and
Dickinson College on August 18, 2006, and is working with other prominent colleges and
their families to make their own direct efforts
reprinted here with the College’s permission. universities to make our current actions
to learn about colleges and universities by
a shared position toward commercially-
contacting institutions and visiting their
offered numerical rankings and to deliver
Today, the annual U.S.News & World Report campuses. There are many fine colleges and
to the public that information which
rankings will be available to the public. universities in the United States, and rather
permits serious transparency and judgment
Please do not expect to see our ranking and than relying on rankings, students should
about our academic quality and general
associated commentary on our Web site or seek to find the best fit based on their own
educational accomplishment. If we are asked
in any other official Dickinson publication. educational goals and on colleges’ specific
As you well know, Dickinson is among Such systems only create unneeded programs and dispositions.
those colleges that have long protested “noise” and misinformation, and Bill Durden ‘71
the applicability and responsibility of the contribute decisively to the frenzy President, Dickinson College
U.S.News rankings. That said, until this year,
and high anxiety that now define the
we posted our ranking and celebrated, or
college admissions process.
seemingly lamented, every little move on the Note from iECA: As consultants we all
sliding scale as irrational as the evaluation recognize the harm that comes when
might be. To be consistent with our broader to comment upon the rankings, the following
anyone (including students, parents, or
position, we will stop posting U.S.News statement will be provided: Dickinson will no
the colleges themselves) overemphasizes
rankings or any other commercial ranking longer comment on the rankings of colleges
school rankings. IECA welcomes this
system, including The Princeton Review. We and universities by U.S.News or other
effort by Dickinson College and we look
must not advance these instruments. Such media. While guidebooks often provide
forward to reporting on efforts by others
systems only create unneeded “noise” and useful information about institutions,
to de-emphasize rankings and ratings of
misinformation, and contribute decisively to Dickinson is engaged in a nationwide effort,
colleges. We are all best served when
the frenzy and high anxiety that now define through The Education Conservancy and
students, parents, counselors, consultants,
the college admissions process. As you other groups, to question the methodology
and admission representatives look at the
may know, Dickinson ceased completing and assignment of numerical rankings
whole of the institution’s offerings as well
the inappropriately subjective “Academic because, by their nature, such rankings are
as the whole of the student’s needs and
Prestige” survey for U.S.News. Thus, our artificial and often misleading. In the spirit
expectations in matching one to the other.
current action, decided upon several months of openness Dickinson does respond to
ago, is simply a progressive step. While requests from guidebooks for quantitative
• In Nashville, Information Swap divided
into two sections to accommodate
1999 - 2003 2001
• Membership reaches 300
growing number of special purpose • In Tampa, conference grows by half day
schools/programs—both Swaps held on with increased breakouts and two
same day larger Swaps held on consecutive days
• First Certified Educational Planners 2003
named in Nashville • IECA Principles and Practices training
1999 grows to five-day Summer Institute
• Budget exceeds a half million dollars • Toronto Conference shifts to Orlando ten
• Insights introduced as IECA newsletter days out due to SARS outbreak
6 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
VOLUNTEEr SPOTLIGHT
Community Service Recognition: Luisa Rabe
Luisa rabe (PA) is president of Pruett rabe underperforming Philadelphia school, one
Associates, but it’s hard to imagine where of the feeders for the district’s new School
she gets the time to run a business since of the Future venture with Microsoft. Four
her volunteer activities are enough to keep years ago, when she learned that the first
anyone busy full-time. grade teacher was alone with 33 young
children—many with learning and behavior
A graduate of Smith College and Wharton
issues and all receiving subsidized breakfast
Graduate, Luisa became an educational
and lunch at school—Luisa decided to take
consultant in 1998. Earlier in her career,
action.
Luisa was executive director of Friends of
Independence Park in Philadelphia, where
Luisa is committed to making it possible for
she oversaw 50,000 hours of volunteer
people with physical disabilities to achieve I get 5,000-fold back from each of
support. She also headed a consulting firm
their life goals. She is a twenty year my volunteer experiences.
focused on not-for-profits. Clearly, service
member of Inglis Foundation’s Board which
is a big part of what defines Luisa.
she now chairs. Inglis subsidiaries include
“I met an incredibly dedicated educator
Luisa’s volunteer efforts are focused a 300 bed nursing facility, Philadelphia’s
who was overwhelmed given all she
on faith communities, health care and largest developer of housing for people
wanted to accomplish,” said Luisa. “She
education. An active member of her with physical disabilities. Last year Luisa
hooked me, but I couldn’t give her all the
church, she chaired the Sunday school, chaired Inglis Housing Corporation’s Board.
help she needed. I recruited a team of
and taught and coordinated both youth and
Deeply involved in her children’s schools,
volunteers so she had an aide every day of
adult programs. The Episcopal Diocese of
Luisa served as PTA president of two
the week. Having the time to concentrate
Pennsylvania called on Luisa several times,
Philadelphia suburban schools; as a parent-
on teaching rather than discipline made all
asking her to serve on five Discernment
on-call at a third, a volunteer stint that may
the difference in her classroom and in those
Committees, to chair the Education
have presaged her current career; and on
children’s lives.” Last fall, the same teacher
Committee, and to manage the celebration
three college parent committees.
had 52 first graders. In November, when
of the 25th anniversary of the ordination
Luisa is passionate about equity in the school district hired a newly minted
of women. She is also treasurer of the
Diocese’s graduate studies scholarship fund education. She spends Wednesdays as
for women. a teacher’s aide at Leidy Elementary, an continued on page 11
2004
• Membership reaches 400
2004 - 2006 • Student membership category is
introduced
• Budget exceeds one million dollars
2006
• Staff grows to four employees
• Summer Training Institute held on two
2005 coasts
• IECA hold first pre-NACAC training for • Membership surpasses 500
transitioning professionals • Staff grows to five full-time professional
• In Philadelphia, conference attendance employees
surpasses the 1,000 mark for first time • Foundation hires part-time administrative
assistant
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 7
IECA FOuNDAtION INSIGHtS October/November 2006
IECA FOuNDAtION REpORt Golf TournamenT 2006
A N N U A L G I V I N G C A M PA I G N SPONSOrS
(through 9/22/06)
2006-2007 DONORS DiAMOND SPONSOR Grand river Academy
Hillside School Great Lakes Educational
(CuRRENT ANNuAL CAMPAigN OTHER DONORS
Consulting, LLC
BEgAN JuLy 1) Kay Branaman Eakin gOLD SPONSOR
Hyde School
Cammie Bertram Aspen Education Group
FOuNDER’S CiRCLE ($5,000 +) Katz Family in memory of Irv
Katz
SiLVER SPONSOR
Sang Yong Kim
On-TrAC College Coaching
San Cristobal ranch Academy
Optimum Performance Institute
CHARTER CiRCLE ($1,000 - $4,999)
BRONZE SPONSOR Pasadena Villa
Phyllis Kozokoff
Hidden Lake Academy Small Boarding Schools
Ann Montgomery-Bridgeway Association
Capital Mgmt. REFRESHMENT CART SPONSOR
Starr & Chapman, Inc.
Shortridge Academy
Optimum Performance Institute The Devereux Glenholme
Wasatch Academy School
Ann Sloan
The Forman School
PuTTiNg gREEN SPONSORS
Three Springs
LEADERSHiP CiRCLE ($500 - $999) The Deck House School
Western Connecticut Boarding
Christ School Independent Small Programs
School Association
Alliance
PATRONS CiRCLE ($100 - $499) ADDiTiONAL SPONSORS
BREAkFAST SPONSOR
Steve Antonoff Ascent, Inc.
Antonoff & Associates, Inc.
Karen Curreri Christ School
SHuTTLE BuS SPONSOR Confident Living, Inc.
The Discovery School of
Virginia, Inc. Second Nature Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.
Echo Springs Transition Study PrN For Families
gOLF HOLE SPONSORS
Center Starr & Chapman, Inc.
Aspiro Inc.
Georgia K. Irvin Blue ridge School
rick Schubart CA IECA: Davison, Feldman,
Geller, Hamilton, Solochek
Jill Smilow and rosa Hallowell
Camille M. Bertram
Pamela Tedeschi
Consultants, LLC
Educational Futures
IECA FOuNDAtION INSIGHtS
Famed ‘Great White’ Course tempts United States. In designing the Great White,
Norman blended strategically demanding
Golfers at Foundation tournament fairways with hundreds of palm trees and
sporadic Scottish-style bunkers. Water
comes into play on 14 of the 18 holes, which
The IECA Foundation invites you to join us The tournament will be held at the legendary makes for a challenging, but picturesque
for the 2nd Annual IECA Foundation Golf Great White Course. The 148-acre course, course. It was rated as the best new golf
Tournament on November 5, 2006 at the designed by Greg Norman and built in 1961, course of 2000, according to the National
Doral Golf resort & Spa in sunny Miami, is primarily landscaped with tightly packed Golf Foundation.
Florida. coquina sand and is the only “desert-scape”
In addition to awarding trophies for the
golf course of its kind in the Southeastern
winning foursomes, several other special
contests will mark the day: Hole-in-one;
Streamlined Application process Closest to the pin; Longest drive; and
Encourages More Grant Applicants Putting (for non-golfers).
Non-golfers will find numerous
opportunities for fun and relaxation at the
In an effort to encourage worthwhile Programs or organizations requesting
European-inspired Spa. The Spa at Doral
project submissions, The IECA Foundation funds from the Foundation are now
has earned its reputation as one of the
has announced a new, streamlined asked to answer basic questions about
world’s best resorts. Its reputable staff
application process. their organization and include essential
members include masseuses, nutritionists,
The IECA Foundation funds organizations supporting documents. In addition, the
personal trainers and Chef de Cuisine, all
and programs that expand the mission of Foundation has increased the request limit
dedicated to ensure a serene stay. The
the Association. recent grants have been from $5,000 to $10,000.
Spa has been ranked among the top 10
provided to Cesar Chavez Public Charter The new grant materials are available
spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler’s
School for Public Policy and KEYS, an arts through the IECA Foundation website,
Gold List, and among the top U.S. spas by
enrichment program for children, located www.iecafoundation.org.
the Zagat. Guests can indulge in steam,
in Darien, Connecticut. Support in the past “Please help us identify worthy projects,”
sauna, whirlpools, cold plunge pools, and
has included College Summit and City at said Antonoff. “I hope everyone will think
private sun decks. The Spa offers a variety
Peace college counseling among others. about projects in their community that
of heated pools for guests to choose from.
“Since we’re always on the watch for helps kids grow educationally and socially.
The full-service beauty salon even provides
projects that help students, we want to If you know of a worthy project, please let
various treatments and services poolside so
make submitting materials relatively me know and I’ll follow up.” Questions
you can truly pamper yourself.
easy,” said Steve Antonoff, Grants to Antonoff can be sent to schoolbuff@
Committee chair. “We felt that the comcast.net. Participation in the day for both golfers and
previous application process was a bit too The IECA Foundation was founded in non-golfers includes breakfast, a barbecue
convoluted,” said IECA Foundation chair 1996 and has provided over a quarter of a lunch, great networking, and a gift bag
Brooke Dudley. “Instead of several pages million dollars in support. filled with goodies provided by sponsoring
of required materials, the new procedures organizations.
are simpler and straight forward.”
To register, go to www.iecafoundation.org.
Promoting the profession.” Many left with
“I Feel Like I Earned an MBA a commitment to transfer to others what
they learned. Concluded one evaluation: “In
in Five Days” return, I hope to be able to be just as helpful
to other IECA Members.”
Sold-Out East Coast Summer Institute Lauded by Attendees
IECA has committed to returning to both
the east and west coasts for the summer of
2007. It is expected that both programs will
More than 70 professionals representing therapeutic placements met with Dan
fill to maximum with qualified candidates.
both educational consultants and those McDougal of Second Nature Blue ridge and
Final locations and dates will be available in
transitioning into the field attended five Don Vardell of the Academy at Swift river.
spring 2007.
intense days of training on the campus of School specialists had the opportunity to
the University of Delaware in August. meet with Kirk russell, director of admission
With sessions covering counseling skills,
at West Nottingham Academy the following
morning.
Summer
small business planning and consulting
specialties, attendees had an intense but Much of the participant praise was heaped
Institute
fulfilling experience, according to the on the volunteer faculty: “I was very Follow-Up
evaluations they left behind. “This was impressed by the overall congeniality of the
as good as any of the best professional faculty,” wrote one attendee, “Even though After attending IECA’s Summer
conferences I’ve ever attended,” concluded Training Institute in California this
one evaluation. Another attendee noted, I was impressed with my peers that past June, Paula roderick (FL) was
“I would like to say that this workshop has attended. It seems that people here energized by the training she received
been the highlight of my experience of being are truly committed to being client- and wrote us this letter.
an educational consultant.” centered. “Thanks in no small measure to the
Seven IECA Members served as faculty, —2006 Attendee efforts of my institute classmates and
leading instructional units and small group some very accommodating admission
they were as tired as we were, they were still folks, I managed to get to 17 schools in
discussions. Steve Antonoff, Bar Clarke,
smiling, willing to answer questions, and my first post-Summer Institute travel:
Pearl Glassman, Kendra Johnson, Charlotte
excited about their topics. It was obvious Clemson, Furman, Brevard, Davidson,
Klaar, Sarah Soule, Anne Thompson
they all love what they do!” For others it was Wake Forest, Guilford, Duke, Carolina
and Mark Sklarow were faculty with Sue
not only the faculty, but “I was impressed (these last five with Bruce Brotzman,
Studnicki the staff leader. Adam Metsch also
with my peers that attended. It seems that a fellow Institute alum), richmond,
joined the group for a day, leading a session
people here are truly committed to being Mary Washington, George Washington
on financial aid.
client-centered.” University, Georgetown, George
A number of special guests also participated.
One attendee, transitioning to college Mason, UVA, Washington & Lee, VMI,
A session on Inside the College Admission
consulting, wrote “This was excellent and Virginia Tech.
Office featured three directors of admission:
compared to others I have attended in other It took a couple of visits before I felt
fields. The faculty was great—interesting like I was starting to hit my stride in
In return, I hope to be able to be just
and useful presentations and overall great terms of how to listen well and ask
as helpful to other IECA Members.
speakers. The notebook is crammed with the right questions, take notes, and
—2006 Attendee
wonderful resources. Let me be direct—I find ways to gather information from
love IECA! You are doing a great job of: students, but my IECA training was
Becky Bowlby of Immaculata University,
(1) Teaching ethics, (2) Education—on a big help. Visiting a college from an
Louis Hirsh of the University of Delaware
many subjects, (3) Creating a community
and Corky Surbeck of Goucher College.
continued on page 11
of mentors and colleagues, and (4)
At the same time, those specializing in
10 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
Volunteer Spotlight, continued from page 7 Internet Initiative Task Force, exploring ways C O N F E r E N C E
to deliver high-quality web-based college INSIGHTS
counseling. When people ask why she is
teacher, Luisa found more volunteers to
so involved given her busy practice, Luisa
Conference
support the recent graduate’s transition from
replies, “I get 5,000 fold back from each
student to educator.
of my volunteer experiences. It’s a gift to
In another volunteer role, Luisa spends a spend time working on phonics with six- Sponsors
day a month with City Year helping high year-olds, knowing that at the end of the
OuR THANkS!
school students with college applications. day, high school seniors will come trudging
“It’s frustrating to work with kids and get through my door. Helping people with As of September 18, 2006
them excited and then leave not knowing disabilities remove the physical barriers in
Dean College
how their stories end, so I offered to join their lives opens my eyes to the barriers www.dean.edu
the guidance office instead.” Her new role all of us face. As for IECA opportunities, I
Suffolk University
begins this week. cannot think of a better way to invest in the www.suffolk.edu
future of our profession.”
Within IECA, Luisa serves in two ways: she Eckerd Youth Alternatives
is a member of the Association’s Nominating www.eckerd.org
Committee, and she serves as chair of the Gersh College Experience
www.gershacademy.org
IECA Foundation
Summer Institute Follow-Up, me her campus. All the campus offices www.IECAFoundation.org
continued from page 10
were closed, of course, but I managed to
Junior Boarding Schools Association
find a dorm that was open for freshmen www.jbsa.org
educational consultant’s perspective is
orientation. The student manning the
loads different from the perspective of a Montcalm School
registration desk put me in touch with a www.montcalmschool.org
parent of a potential student. I needed to
friend who is a campus tour volunteer
remind myself that while some of those Optimum Performance Institute
during the regular school year. For the www.opiliving.com
campuses I visited might be the perfect
price of a nice lunch, she spent the next
match for my child, I needed to stay SLS Health
three hours showing me her campus and www.slsresidential.com
focused on what each college/university
sharing information I never would have
had to offer across the board and what Savannah College of Art & Design
gotten on a scheduled tour. www.scad.edu
kind of students might fit well there.
I have already used some of what I Three Springs Adolescent Programs
Of course, as we learned during one of
learned to assist a couple of current www.threesprings.com
the sessions at Summer Institute, some of
clients. I’ve also been asked to address a Valley View School
the very best information comes directly
local IB parents meeting next month, and www.valleyviewschool.org
from the college students themselves.
to give a workshop on activity sheets at a Wilderness Quest
Starting with my visit to richmond, I
local high school’s college night. www.wildernessquest.com
made it a point to take the time to find a
few “random” students to chat up. Offer Thanks again to you and all the wonderful
IECA staff/faculty at the Summer For a contact list of our sponsors or
to buy them a cup of coffee or lunch, and
Training Institute for the best educational Exhibit Hall Vendors, write to us at
they’ll give you the full download! At
experience of my life. I am truly inspired. info@IECAonline.com. For sponsorship
Clemson, which I visited on a Sunday,
See you in Miami!” and advertising information, go
spur-of-the-moment whim when my
Paula roderick to: www.iecaonline.com/consult_
travels took me within an hour’s drive
CollegeConnection conference.html#Conf.
of campus, I “hired” a student to show IECA Summer Institute Class of 2006
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 11
IN THE NEWS
Jane Shropshire, CEP, (KY) was featured
in a SmartMoney article, The New College
Gurus, September 2006.
Sarah M. Mcginty, CEP, (MA) was featured
in a U.S. News & World Report article, The
Fine Art of Selling Yourself on August 28.
Jean Hague, CEP, (GA) and Marilyn
Jane Shropshire’s feature in SmartMoney magazine.
Emerson, CEP, (NY) were quoted in a July
30, New York Times article, Southbound.
Toby Waldorf (CA) and IECA executive
Susan Bigg, CEP, (IL), Joan Bress, CEP, director Mark Sklarow were quoted in U.S. Some of them [educational
(MA), and Bari Norman (FL) IECA associate News & World Report article, Coming Up consultants] are very helpful and are
member, were quoted in Take the Stress With a Short List in the 2007 edition of helping students learn how to tell us
Out, in Newsweek’s How To Get Into America’s Best Colleges. about themselves.
College 2007 Edition.
Joan Bress, CEP (MA) was featured in —Lee Stetson,
a Bloomberg article on August 21, MIT Dean of Admissions
We’re trying not to be bulldozed by
Standards, Princeton Aid Rank No. 1 in University of Pennsylvania
the pressure from the media and the
Survey; and in a Dallas Morning News in Time Magazine
families. Our job is to make the best
article, Princeton Tops ‘Best College’ List,
match. on August 17. Judge Mason (AZ) was quoted in a
—Mary Mansfield
IECA executive director Mark Sklarow September 7 Arizona Republic article
in Alexandra Robbins’, The
was quoted in an article, Can We Get a Need Help Finding The Right School?
Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Financial Aid? College Consultants For
Volunteer? in the Dallas Morning News on
Driven Kids Hire. A sidebar directed readers to the IECA
August 6; in an Arizona Republic article,
How to Choose a Consultant on September website.
Elizabeth Zucker (MA) and Steven 7; in a College Parent Magazine article, Jamie Dickenson, CEP, (WV) was featured
goodman, CEP, (DC) were featured in the Private Counselors Help Students Reach on the West Virginia CBS affiliate, WVNS
Boston Globe’s Letters to the Editor on Goals on August 24; an MSNBC article, on September 3, SAT Scores Grow in
September 6, in response to Alex Beam’s College Coaches Can Help Kids Make the Importance for Students Seeking College
article, Harvard’s Admissions of Gilt, Grade on August 2; in a Cleveland Jewish Acceptance Letter.
September 4. News article, Navigating the College
Joan koven (PA) was quoted in the Daily
Application Maze on August 21.
Steven goodman, CEP, (DC) was quoted in Pennsylvanian Article, Penn Image Likely To
the article, Getting In Early, in Newsweek’s Survive Drop In Rank, on August 31.
How To Get Into College 2007 Edition; in a The criteria U.S. News uses to
Bettina g. Heiman, CEP, (DE) was quoted in
Dallas Morning News article, Back a Grade evaluate colleges aren’t necessarily
a Philadelphia Jewish Exponent August 17
to Make the Grade? On August 15; and in those a student should use. article, Admissions Coaches Help Steer—
the August 21-28 issue of Newsweek, The
Joan Bress, (MA) and Cheer—You Into College.
Ex-Factor.
Dallas Morning News
continued on page 13
12 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
In the News, continued from page 12
Member Status Changes
Mary Mansfield, CEP, (MA) and Mark
The following Professional Members have From Ann Sloan (NC):
Sklarow were quoted in The Overachievers:
retired from their practices and are now
The Secret Lives of Driven Kids, by “As a Member Emeritus of IECA, I look
Members Emeritus of IECA:
Alexandra robbins. forward to continuing my strong connections
Ann Crandall Sloan, M.A., CEP (NC)
to the association, and I also plan to
ruth Lipka, M.A. (rI)
continue to enjoy the interesting, growth-
Robbins says a good consultant can
The following Professional Members encouraging and fun relationships with
help guide students toward below- have chosen Inactive status for the 2006- its members! I know, as all of you do, that
the-radar colleges that might fit them 07 membership year, as they are taking our advice to families and the educational
better than über popular ones… temporary leaves of absence from their planning that we provide to students is often
—Alexandra Robbins, author of educational consulting practices: pivotal in helping young people gain the
The Overachievers, quoted in How Samuel Barnett, Ph.D., CEP (VA) skills—life skills and academic skills—that
To Get Into College 2007 Edition, Christine Jackson Counelis, M.Ed., will allow them to achieve success. I must
(Greece)
Newsweek admit that I will miss the gratification that
Toni DiPasquale, M.S.Ed., CEP (OH)
comes from this challenging work, which we
Barbara Stahl, M.A., CEP (CA)
have all shared! Above all, I am grateful that
Janet Rosier (CT), IECA associate member, Chris Teare, M.A., CEP (FL)
Lisa reid will continue Triangle Educational
was quoted in a Connecticut Post article,
Planners, the practice that I started many
First-Day Jitters, on August 22. The following Professional Members who
years ago. She brings expertise, energy, and
were on Inactive status last year have
Tom Eppley, CEP, (Ar) was quoted in sensitivity to her client work. And, of course,
reactivated their memberships:
the July 31 - August 6 issue of Arkansas Lisa and I share a love and respect for the
Janine Braman, M.A. (MN)
Business, in an article called Arkansas profession! I hope to see many of you in
Katsuaki Saito (Japan)
Commitment Program Raises Bar for Miami!”
African-American Students.
The following are no longer affiliated with
Heather Ricker-gilbert (CT), IECA associate
IECA:
member, was quoted in the New Haven
Sandra Bramwell-riley (Jamaica)
Register on July 23, in the article, Parents
Hanna Buck (NJ)
Getting More Involved in Kids’ College Life. Marsha Meyers (no longer in practice)
IECA was mentioned on KVOA News 4 in Patricia Zito (no longer in practice)
Tucson, Arizona on September 7, Some
during senior year enroll in college the
Parents Hiring Consultants To Market Their I N I T I AT I V E S
Kids To Colleges; IECA was also featured fall after high school graduation. This
in an Arizona Republic article, Need Help compares with a little under half of high
Finding the Right School? on September 7. Sue Bigg, CEP, (IL) volunteered as a school seniors overall.
College Counselor at a College Summit
Bobbi Hannmann, CEP (NJ) presented
workshop held at Bradley University in
Your Child is Ready for College—What You
Like most kids and parents who turn July. College Summit identifies average
Need to Know at the annual convention of
students from inner city schools who
to consultants, the motives boil down Parents Without Partners in Albuquerque,
don’t get the attention they need for
to two factors: Time is short, and a lot New Mexico on July 8.
college preparation. Nearly 80% of the
is at stake.
students who complete a College Summit Best wishes to katherine Cohen (NY) who
—Arizona Republic was married in June.
workshop and the concomitant activities
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 13
Susan V. groden g. gregory Nevader
INTrODUCTIONS
(FL) has been an (MA) is director of
associate member college counseling
since 2005. She is at Campus Bound.
PLEASE WELCOME THESE NEW iECA
an independent He previously served
PROFESSiONAL MEMBERS!
college advisor at as a guidance
College Advising counselor and then
Henry B. (Hank) Ewert (TX) serves as Susan V. Groden G. Gregory Nevader
Services. Susan director of school
college planning consultant for Academic
previously worked counseling (K-
Answers. He has over thirty years of
in several high schools as a college advisor, 12) for the Hingham, Massachusetts
experience in education, both in schools
and College Assistance Program (CAP) public schools. Greg earned a Certificate
and independent educational consulting.
College Advisor. She also taught a graduate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in
Hank served as a college counselor for 26 course, College Admission Counseling, at St. school counseling, an M.Ed., and B.S. in
years and director of college counseling Thomas University. Marketing all from the State University
for 22 year at St. Stephen’s School, a of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh. He
Susan is a member of the Southern
private day and boarding school in Texas. is a recipient of the Northeastern New
Association for College Admission
He was site director of the Los Angeles York Association of Counseling and
Counseling (SACAC); the Greater Ft.
campus of the Johns Hopkins Center for Development’s Counselor of the Year Award.
Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce; NACAC;
Talented Youth. He is a member of The College Board, the
and the Dade County Association of College
American Counseling Association (ACA);
Hank served on the College Board Advisors (also served as Charter President).
American School Counseling Association
Southwestern regional Council and She served on the NACAC College Fair
(ASCA); Massachusetts School Counseling
was elected chair of the Council for Planning Committee in Miami; the Dade
Association (MSCA); NACAC; and NEACAC.
2004-2005; he served as president of the Counseling Association Executive Board;
He enjoys traveling, playing racquetball,
Texas Association for College Admission Coca-Cola Scholars Program review
and spending time with his two golden
Counseling in 1996; and serves on the Committee; presented at NACAC and SACAC
retrievers.
board of Admission Control, a nonprofit Annual Conferences, and the Miami National
organization fostering college opportunity College Fair.
G. Gregory Nevader, M.Ed., CAGS
for disadvantaged Central Texas students.
Susan holds a B.S. in Education, from Campus Bound
He has served as a workshop presenter for 1266 Furnace Brook Parkway, Suite 212
Florida International University, and has
the College Board, TACAC, and the Austin Quincy, MA 02169
taken graduate coursework in Guidance
Independent School District. Phone: 617-769-0400
Counseling. She enjoys the beach, growing Fax: 617-769-0404
Hank earned his undergraduate degree orchids, and traveling. E-mail: gnevader@campusbound.com
from Columbia University and his M.A. in Website: www.campusbound.com
Specialty: Colleges
English from the University of Texas. He
Susan V. Groden
is a member of NACAC, TACAC, and The College Advising Services
College Board. 571 SW 63rd Terrace Miriam Parker
Plantation, FL 33317 (GA) has been an
Phone: 954-316-8975
Henry B. Ewert, M.A. associate member of
E-mail: sgroden@aol.com
Academic Answers IECA since 2004, and
Specialty: Colleges
4301 Westbank Dr., Bldg. A, Ste. 270
attended the IECA
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: 512-306-8567 Summer Institute in
Fax: 512-306-8543 Miriam N. Parker 2003. She founded
E-mail: hewert@academic-answers.com her independent educational consulting
Website: www.academic-answers.com
practice, Buckhead Educational Consultants,
Specialty: Colleges
with Joni Towles in 2003. She specializes
14 IECA INSIGHTS October/November 2006
in all aspects of the college search and students. Pam White (CT) is a
selection process. Prior to her work as an Joan L. Towles, CFA nationally certified
educational consultant, Miriam worked as a Buckhead Educational Consultants, Inc. counselor. She
family and child therapist. A clinical social 4651 Roswell Rd., Suite H-701 recently retired as a
Atlanta, GA 30342
worker, Miriam has a B.S. in Family and guidance counselor
Phone: 404-252-7001
Child Services from Auburn University and Fax: 404-252-7616 at New Canaan High
a master’s degree in social work from the E-mail: consultants@buckheadedu.com School. Previously,
University of Houston. She also completed Website: www.buckheadedu.com she worked in
Pam White
Specialty: Colleges
a post-master’s fellowship in child and undergraduate
adolescent psychiatry at the University of Holly Mcglennon admissions at Fairfield University. To stay
Texas Medical Branch. She is a member of Treat (CT) began her current on trends and unique features at the
SACAC and Georgia Initiative. Miriam is educational advising various institutions she recommends, she
the parent of a college graduate, a current practice in 2003 and continually visits and re-visits campuses.
college student, and a high school student. joined Camille M. Pam holds a bachelor’s degree from the
Bertram Consultants University of Wisconsin and two master’s
Miriam N. Parker, MSW in 2005 as the director degrees—in communication and school
Buckhead Educational Consultants, Inc.
Holly McGlennon of boarding school counseling—from Fairfield University. She
4651 Roswell Rd., Suite H-701
Treat services. She has
Atlanta, GA 30342 earned a school counselor certificate from
Phone: 404-252-7001 been involved with independent school the Connecticut Department of Education,
Fax: 404-252-7616 admissions for the past fifteen years. and a certified counselor certificate from the
E-mail: consultants@buckheadedu.com
Website: www.buckheadedu.com A graduate of Bowdoin College, Holly earned National Board for Certified Counselors. She
Specialty: Colleges her master’s in educational administration is a member of ACA (American Counseling
and social policy from the Harvard Graduate Association), NACAC, and NEACAC. The
School of Education. She has presented mother of two college graduates, she
Joni Towles (GA)
sessions on admission procedures at IECA has also experienced the parent’s role in
has been an
and SSATB conferences. admissions first-hand.
associate member
of IECA since 2004,
and attended the Pamela W. White, M.A.
Holly McGlennon Treat, M.Ed.
IECA Summer Camille M. Bertram Educational Pamela W. White & Associates
Institute in 2003. Consultants, LLC 207 Woodridge Circle
Joan L. Towles
251 Canaan Road New Canaan, CT 06840
She founded her
Salisbury, CT 06068 Phone: 203-972-1344
independent educational consulting practice, Fax: 203-966-1125
Phone: 860-435-5872
Buckhead Educational Consultants, with Fax: 860-201-1033 E-mail: info@pwhiteassociates.com
Miriam Parker in 2003. Joni specializes in all E-mail: hmtreat@cmbertramconsultants.com Website: www.pwhiteassociates.com
Website: www.cmbertramconsultants.com Specialty: Colleges
aspects of the college search and selection
Specialty: Schools
process. Prior to becoming an educational
consultant, she worked as a development
officer for the Westminster Schools in
Exhibitor Hall Vendors
Registered for Miami Conference As Of September 18, 2006
Atlanta. A chartered financial analyst, Joni
has a B.S. degree in mathematics and NIPSA (National Independent Private
AdmissionsQuest
Schools Association
business administration from Vanderbilt Collegia
Peterson’s
Education Unlimited
University. She has completed the UCLA Phillip roy, Inc.
Hobsons
certificate program in college counseling, prepGATE K-12 Education Loan
NAPSEC (National Association of Private
WhippleHill Communications
and is a member of SACAC and Georgia Special Education Centers)
Initiative. She is the parent of two college
October/November 2006 IECA INSIGHTS 15
CONFErENCE INSIGHTS
NEW SESSiON OFFERED iN MiAMi
Session 29, NIPSA: Who We Are, What We Do will be offered on
Friday morning, and will be presented by the National Independent
Private School Association, NIPSA. The group’s director will explain
the organization’s purpose, mission and plans for the future. NIPSA
represents proprietary, tax-paying independent day and boarding
schools. As part of the presentation, NIPSA’s accreditation process
and protocols will be explained.
ALTERNATE HOTELS ARRANgED FOR CONFERENCE ATTENDEES
royal Palm Miami Beach Hotel (next door to Loews Hotel)
1545 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-604-5700
786-276-0100
rate: $185 single/double + $15 resort fee
The Avalon Hotel (10 blocks from Loews Hotel)
700 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
800-933-3306
305-538-0133 For updated conference information, visit www.
Group name: IECA iecaonline.com/consult_conference.html#Conf
Group rate: $159
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 510
iNDEPENDENT EDuCATiONAL CONSuLTANTS ASSOCiATiON
SAT Materials Have Arrived IECA Fall Tour Guide is Online
School and College
Tour Guide
Available to IECA Members Page M3
Page M2 Fall 2006
College and
Boarding School Tours
TM
insights Member-to-Member
October/November 2006
Inside IECA Looks to Formalize
this Issue: Processes Organizationally
Professional Liability Insurance
and at National Office
Available to Members M2
SAT Materials Available M2
Meeting in Boston in August, the IECA Executive
Fall Tour Guide Online M3
Committee worked to advance both the Strategic
New SAT Scores Spur Plan and Board of Directors’ interest in formalizing
Controversy M3
a number of processes designed to strengthen the
Higher Education Reform Association. Among these is the appointment of
Urged M3
a task force to explore ways in which the national
Letter to the Editor M4 office can assist and further the work of regional
Member Day Breakout IECA groups. At the same time, the work of several
Schedule M4 existing task forces and committees will have their
mission examined to ensure IECA makes the most
of their efforts. Going further, IECA president Tim
Lee will explore a Board development committee
to ensure the progress, effectiveness and internal space and staffing will also be conducted to explore
evaluation of the Board itself. the need to expand the national office or move to
another location.
The Executive Committee has also requested that a
series of workshops on leadership and organizational In other areas, the IECA List Serve was a source of
issues be added to conference programs to train any much discussion and possible changes are being
member interested in a future leadership role within explored while the guidelines will be re-posted from
IECA and the larger community feel well prepared. time to time. The proposal to add the subspecialty
In a further effort to strengthen the committees, of Graduate and Professional School consulting is
a more formalized process with calendars and being examined by a Task Force led by Joan Bress,
reporting templates will be provided to the chairs as well as the possibility of a role within IECA for
this fall. allied professionals like psychologists.
The IECA national office has several assignments Finally, as reported earlier, the Association has
as well. The Board has directed IECA executive been in discussions with Microsoft about the use
director Mark Sklarow to create a continuity plan of new technologies to both market the field of
that will speak to IECA’s ability to operate in the consulting and IECA’s leadership, as well as the use
face of a natural disaster or epidemic that could of technologies by consultants to more efficiently
leave the office unusable, or a terrorist act or other meet client needs. A task force headed by Luisa Rabe
emergency that could interfere with a conference or of Pennsylvania has been exploring these issues.
inhibit operations in other ways. A review of office
MEMBER BENEFITS
Devereux-MA
2006 Legacy
Professional Liability Insurance
of Caring
Offered to Members
Conference
IECA has again teamed with the American Professional Agency to offer professional liability
insurance to IECA members. As of September 1, 2006 the policy underwriter has changed In response to heightened concern
from ERI to Darwin Professional Underwriters. ERI policyholders should have already for Internet safety, Devereux
received their new application. Both professional and associate members are eligible to Massachusetts joined thirteen other
receive insurance through American Professional. The application and other important agencies to organize and present the
information may be accessed from www.IECAonline.com/consult_member.html, click on 2006 Legacy of Caring Conference:
“special member benefits,” and scroll down to “professional liability insurance.” Or, you “Who Are the Kids Really IM-ing?”
may contact American Professional Agency directly at 800-421-6694, and let them know that
Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
you are an IECA member. As policy rates were previously set regionally, some members
may see a change in their premiums. Location: Assumption College
10 Hagan Center, Worcester, MA
The following information will be important to keep in mind as you fill out the professional
liability application: Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; includes
breakfast and lunch
4b – Under “I practice as a,” list Educational Consultant.
4c – Only applies if your B.A. is in the mental health field The discounted cost for IECA
5b - VERY IMPORTANT – list “IECA” members to register is $45, a
50% discount off the regular $90
registration fee. To register, or for
additional information, go to http://
SAT Materials Have Arrived events.DevereuxMA.org, or contact
Sandy Fleek at 508-886-4746.
Available Exclusively to IECA Members
The College Board has agreed to, once again, make SAT material available to IECA member
Reminder:
consultants. This offer is being made exclusively to IECA member consultants, as the College Register Now
Board draws a distinction between IECA consultants and non-member consultants.
These materials are available through the IECA national office. Professional and associate
For Miami-Area
members may order a maximum of 15 copies of each booklet. Orders will be filled within a
week of receipt. To order, contact Priscilla Weeks at 703-591-4850, extension 10 or Priscilla@
Tours
IECAonline.com.
If you haven’t already done so, remember
Available materials:
to register for the Miami-area tours,
• SAT Registration Booklet scheduled for Monday, October 30,
• SAT Preparation Booklet Tuesday, October 31, and Wednesday,
November 1, prior to the IECA Fall
• SAT Subject Test Booklet Conference in Miami. You do not need to
• SAT International Booklet attend the conference to participate in this
tour.
• SAT Online Registration Flyer
To register, or for more information, go to:
www.iecaonline.com/consult_member.html,
and click on “campus tours.”
M2 IECA MEMber-to-member INSIGHTS October/November 2006
INFOCUS
Fall Tour guide now available
online
National IECA’s popular School & College Tour Guide is now available
Reporting online. You may access and print out the guide from
the IECA website: www.iecaonline.com/con- ool
and
Col
lege
Sch Guide
of New SAT
r
Tou
sult_member_tours.html. This guide is password
protected; members have received the password
Scores Spurs via e-mail. When you open the document you will
Boar
ding
2006
Fall and
ge
Colle Tours
Scho
ol
be prompted to enter the password. If you cannot
Controversy locate it, contact Priscilla Weeks at 703-591-4850
ext. 10, or Priscilla@IECAonline.com. By distributing
the Guide in this way, we will be able to make regu-
The College Board, in late August,
lar updates and keep the listings current. We hope
announced the first nationwide results of
this will make the Guide even more useful to you. This
the expanded SATs. The announcement led
information is copyrighted and may not be e-mailed or
to the re-emergence of concerns about the
shared with non-members.
length of the exam.
The results showed the sharpest decline in
average scores in 31 years, as the critical
reading scores dropped five points (to 503)
and the math section scores fell two points National Commission Calls for
(to 518). The first average reported for
the writing section was 497, bringing the Higher Education Reform
national cumulative score average to 1518
out of a possible 2400.
As has been the case traditionally, females A national panel of experts has called for comparison of student performance
did better than males on the reading urgent reform in higher education. In a draft
•Increase federal funding in critical fields
section; males outpaced females on the document, the commission, established by
like science
math section. In the new writing section, secretary of education Margaret Spellings,
females averaged 11 points higher. Overall expressed concerns that America’s college •Increase college accountability through
males still did 26 points better than system is being overshadowed by those in use of standardized tests
females. other countries.
The Commission was made up of 19
Some educators pointed to the drop in The panel explored four topics: access, experts in higher education, including
scores as evidence that the test, at nearly affordability, accountability, and quality and university presidents, distance learning
four hours, is too long and tiring. The innovation. The goal was to see if students experts, professors, and corporate leaders,
College Board has rejected that view, are adequately being prepared for their place among others. Eighteen of the commission
but others find it impossible to dismiss in a global economy and to make specific members signed the final report with
the possibility of some impact from the recommendations for legislation that could American Council on Education president
longer format. The College Board has bring about improvements. David Ward the sole abstaining member.
hypothesized that the decrease was the Ward has expressed a concern that the panel
Among the specific recommendations:
result of fewer repeat test-takers (scores took a “one solution fits all” approach.
tend to increase an average of 30 points •Increase need-based aid to ensure Pell
Many have welcomed the federal
when a student takes the test again). Grants meet at least 70% of need
government’s involvement and hope
The new writing section was also observed •Streamline financial aid process legislation, particularly in increased financial
for variances based on race and ethnicity aid, will be forthcoming. Others, citing
•Cut costs and improve productivity
with many fearing the subjective aspects the lack of success of the No Child Left
toward lowering yearly tuition increases
of grading the section could favor some Behind law see little evidence that federal
groups over others. White test takers •Create a fee comparison chart so families involvement can significantly improve
averaged a 519 on the essay section, Asian can easily compare college costs university offerings, accessibility, or success.
students 512, Latino students 450 and Black
•Create a tracking system to allow for
test takers 428.
October/November 2006 IECA member-to-member INSIGHTS M3
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
BREAKOUT
To the Editor:
High school seniors are not getting the best
applicable to the equivalent courses tested,
SCHEDULE
(2) they are excused from taking these
or correct advice about how to choose the
colleges they should consider applying to.
courses, and for Miami
Of course I realize how bold and awful this
(3) they will not have to pay tuition for the Conference
credits.
sounds, but it is unfortunately true, and was
even confirmed by The Commission on the CLEP can have a profound effect on For full titles and descriptions, please
Future of Higher Education in their report students’ college careers, and counselors see the conference brochure. The
submitted on August 9, 2006 to Margaret will now be able to advise each student on complete listing of all breakouts is
Spellings, the U.S. secretary of education. the colleges that best meet their individual posted on the IECA website at: www.
requirements—educational, social and iecaonline.com/consult_conference.
In their research they found that students,
financial. html#Conf
their parents and their advisors are being
terribly shortchanged. They deplored the Learning the courses CLEP tests by studying
THURSDAY
fact that students, their advisors and parents on their own time, when possible, or taking
(IECA MEMbER COnSUlTAnTS OnlY)
will be deprived of information until colleges off-campus courses to prepare themselves
start to “become more transparent about will change the college careers and future 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
cost and price” and colleges provide “clear, lives—for the better—for many students. D: Advanced Discussion of Complex
accessible information about crucial aspects Therapeutic Cases
Sincerely,
of” their operations. F: Identifying and Countering Executive
Maynard Merel Function Disorders
The report had it right. As additional proof, K: Effective Essays from the Reader’s
MaynardMerel@gmail.com
even though 2,900 U.S. colleges and Perspective
[Mr. Merel has a book coming out soon on
universities participate in CLEP*, so few M: Virtual Education in the Consulting
the CLEP Exam Policies of 400 colleges.]
students are aware of the existence of the Practice
program that almost zero percentage (2/3 of *CLEP is the acronym for the College Level O: Effectiveness of Psychotherapy and
Examination Program. It is a division of other Therapies
1%) of them take CLEP exams each year.
P: Leadership Series: Understanding
the College Board, the organization that
How many students are told that by taking IECA Internal Processes
administers the SATs. CLEP administers 36
(and of course, passing) a CLEP challenge
examinations (many cover more than one 1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
exam, which is similar to the exams in their
term of a subject) that allow students to opt A: Discussion of College Application
own school, they will receive the following
out of many introductory and elementary Myths & Truths
benefits:
classes. C: Discussion of Boarding School
(1) they are awarded the number of credits Developments
G: Marketing Your Practice
H: Incorporating Family in the
Treatment Process
Is Your Information Service Bulletin I: College Affordability
in Need of a Face Lift? 2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
B: Discussion on the Media and
Therapeutic Placements
Binders for the quarterly IECA Information Service Bulletin are given to members when they E: Effective Campus Tours for
first join IECA. We suspect that some of those may be a bit…tattered? You may request a Consultants
new binder to house your ISB by calling Priscilla Weeks at 703-591-4850 or e-mailing her at J: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Priscilla@IECAonline.com. L: Junior Boarding Schools
N: Pre-Vet and Pre-Med Advising
The Bulletin is updated and printed four times annually and includes contact names, phone,
fax, and e-mail information on hundreds of schools, colleges, and programs. Given its
regular updates, members are likely to find that the contact information is more accurate
than other once-a-year directories. In addition, all listees can provide a description and
updated campus information.
In August, the ISB contained 140 boarding schools, 74 colleges, 43 other post-secondary
programs, 124 special needs and LD programs, as well as several consultant services, for a
total of nearly 400 listings.
M4 IECA MEMber-to-member INSIGHTS October/November 2006