CIS Perspectives Blog

Discover why international schools are shifting from ‘low-level concerns’ to ‘adult conduct concerns’ in safeguarding. Learn how clear terminology, proactive monitoring, and a culture of trust help protect students and empower educators, and how to achieve safer school communities through practical steps.

Just launched! The New Metrics International School (NMIS) program, by CIS and Melbourne Metrics, unites 23 schools worldwide to rethink student assessment. Read highlights from the launch, their focus on shared language, student agency, and organic change to drive long-term transformation in education, and the inspiring Australian schools already driving change in this area.

Join us in celebrating three individuals whose passion, dedication, and leadership have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of countless students and inspire colleagues worldwide.

Louie Barnett reflects on the new initiative championing teacher-led, strength-based assessment that empowers students to showcase their talents and supports learning that benefits both individuals and the planet. 

Inclusion is no longer a secondary aspiration; it is a central pillar of international education. With the launch of the new CIS International Accreditation Framework and the protocol for developing socially responsible learning communities, CIS schools now have a powerful tool to deepen their commitment to inclusive learning

Curious about how schools tackle identity-based harm? This blog walks you through the ways communities can support everyone involved—those who caused harm, the witnesses, and families—using restorative practices and cultural shifts. While international schools are making promising strides, the real change comes from keeping equity, inclusion, and well-being at the heart of everything we do.

CIS school members are committed to exploring, understanding, and adopting leading practices in international education. CIS membership is a mark of quality, signaling to the rest of the world that the school shares a commitment to socially responsible leadership.

When we picture students at risk for substance use, we may think of visible hardship: poverty, instability, or trauma. Still, risk doesn’t always look like struggle. What about the students who seem to have it all? Explore practical tips for schools and parents addressing the link between affluent neglect and adolescent substance abuse.

If you’re interested in what drives meaningful school growth and the heart of our accreditation process, read our latest blog by Dulat Irzhanov, CIS Accreditation Evaluation Team Leader and deputy director at Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools.

This article addresses the most frequently asked questions we receive from schools in our membership community about safer recruitment. And, because we receive so many questions on this topic, we’ll be offering a virtual learning session on 28 October 2025 when I’ll facilitate a deep dive into International Safer Recruitment.

In our work leading institutional improvement, we focus on social responsibility. We help school leaders and governing bodies to improve how they model social responsibility and how they educate students to develop as socially responsible citizens.

Eating disorders are among the most fatal mental health disorders, and their impact on students' physical and emotional health, as well as their academic and social development, can be profound. As international school staff, it is crucial to understand how to effectively support students who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Inspired by the rapid pace of change many of our colleagues and community members are experiencing, we themed our time together around ‘Socially Responsible Leadership in Action: Living Our Values in an Ever-Evolving World.’

International students in Asia are facing increasingly complex post-secondary search and enrolment experiences, as the global higher education landscape grapples with a post-pandemic era and more recent uncertainties.

In an era marked by unprecedented global mobility and shifting educational paradigms, the transition from secondary school to university has become increasingly complex, especially for internationally mobile students.

When faced with frightening headlines and ever-shifting policies, I’m reminded of Mr. Fred Rogers (a reassuring TV presence in my younger life!) who reminded us to “look for the helpers.” In international education, those helpers are the school counsellors, university representatives, and student services professionals who continue to show up for students—even when the path forward is anything but clear.

Jane Larsson reflects on emerging role models and the importance of language and tone. How are we helping emerging leaders understand the power of their words and the importance of communicating effectively? How can we empower them to become thoughtful, effective leaders who act ethically, think critically, and lead with social responsibility?

We’re excited to hear Keynote Hector H Lopez in Bogotá. His initiatives for underserved communities have connected US $28 million in funding to students in Latin America. He brings a wealth of expertise in leadership development and cross-cultural collaboration to empower future generations.

Learn from Dr Spencer Striker in this short Q&A about digital literacy challenges and how interactive media and game-based education can enhance the university research and admission experience for secondary school students.