The Feasibility Study

1. The Feasibility Study ISNA Education Forum 2010 – Pre-Conference Starting an Islamic High School Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy www.ayatampa.org ISNA Education Forum 2010

2. The Feasibility Study “We have a successful K – 8 Islamic School. We know we want to have an Islamic High School for our students, and we know that we have to provide it for them. It is a noble and necessary venture, and, insha’Allah, we will make it happen.” Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

3. The Feasibility Study "اعقل و تَوَكّل" Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

4. The Feasibility Study A Feasibility Study is: “Analysis or research into the practicality of a proposed plan or method, based on factors like marketplace, competition, available technology, manpower, and financial resources.” (Dictionary.com) In our schools, “facilities” might take the place of “available technology.” Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

5. Feasibility Study Tables - Marketplace Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

6. Feasibility Study Tables - Competition Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

7. Feasibility Study Tables - Facilities Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

8. Feasibility Study Tables - Manpower Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

9. Feasibility Study Tables - Financial Resources Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

10. Feasibility Study Tables - Financial Requirements Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

11. The Feasibility Study The findings from the study must then be discussed, abilities determined and decisions made as to: • Whether or not to proceed with the project of adding a High School to the existing K-8 school. • What date to set as the planned opening date of the High School if the decision is made to proceed. • How many grade levels to add at one time. • What type of academic programs to offer. • Tuition and fee scales that will be set. • Faculty/staff that will be hired, if any, and how they will be recruited. • Retaining contractors if building or modifications of existing building are needed. • How the idea will be marketed to the community and students recruited. • Who will in charge of supervising/spearheading the process. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

12. Implementation An A – Z Checklist ISNA Education Forum 2010 – Pre-Conference Starting an Islamic High School Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy www.ayatampa.org ISNA Education Forum 2010

13. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #1: Setting up the Steering Committee • Composedof: Administration, Board of Directors, Faculty, Clerical/Office Staff, and Motivated Parents • Set up to: Proceed with the investigation into what is required for launching the high school & for following-through until implementation. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

14. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #2: Knowing the Requirements • State Department of Education • County School Board • State University System • Accrediting Board Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

15. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #3: Completing the Feasibility Study The results of the feasibility will guide you through the rest of the steps. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

16. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #4: Setting Aside the Minimum Amount of Start-up Funding How much money is required for start-up? This amount must be collected & set aside; it will be used to cover: • Remodeling existing facilities or buying/building new facilities • Furnishing classrooms and labs if necessary • Recruiting faculty and staff • Recruiting students • Publishing materials • Purchasing Textbooks Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

17. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Sample Budget is in the packet. Attention must be made to what is needed “In Addition To” the existing program. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

18. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #5: Recruiting and Hiring Faculty and Staff The needed faculty and staff will need to be recruited and hired. They will include: • Faculty (Teachers) • Guidance Counselor (PT) • High School Supervisor/Director (PT) Recruiting of Faculty & Staff can be done through several different avenues which may include: • Teacher/Admin recruiting web-sites such as www.teachers-teachers.com • Islamic and/or professional journals • School’s web-site • Local google/yahoo groups • National Listserves Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

19. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist When determining staffing needs, a worksheet can be used that is similar to one included in the packet. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

20. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #6: Recruiting and Finalizing Enrollment for Minimum Number of Students Required • How will the recruitment be done? • Who is targeted? • Who is reached? • Who actually enrolls? Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

21. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #7: Remodeling / Purchasing / Move-In Schedule • This may take more or less time depending on what a school has determined are its needs. If the facilities are sufficient in the K-8 school to accommodate Gr. 9, then the work will be minimal and can probably be completed in a matter of weeks to a month. • If construction of new facilities will be involved, the scope of the construction will determine how early it must be started. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

22. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #8: Finalizing Student Handbook It is very important to review the school’s policies and add what pertains specifically to high school. Include: • Description of the program & course of study • Promotion/retention policies (credit-based?) • Upgrading policy if applicable • Affiliations with local community colleges or on-line high school programs if applicable • Etc. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy www.ayatampa.org ISNA Education Forum 2010

23. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #9: Finalizing Academic Calendar Keep in mind dates for: • PSAT / PLAN • SAT / ACT / SAT Subject Tests • AP Exams • Ordering / Scheduling dates for each of these exams • Graduation Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

24. Implementation: An A – Z Checklist Step #10: Placing Orders for Books, Materials & Supplies • Textbooks can often be purchased at discounted rates from companies such as Follett or Budgetext. • Many supplies and furnishings can often be purchased at local auctions that are held regularly throughout the year. Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010

25. Having an Islamic High School It CAN be done! Insha’Allah wa bi ‘ithnihi Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh – Principal - American Youth Academy ISNA Education Forum 2010