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INDEPENDENT EDUCATION GROUP

Insights

Perspective, research, and conversations shaping the way we think about children and education.

IDEAS WORTH CONSIDERING

A thoughtful library for families

Explore practical resources, Michelle’s perspective, selected research, and thoughtful voices that can help families understand their children more deeply.

01

TOOLS FOR FAMILIES

Parent Resources

Helpful materials to support conversations and decisions about your child’s school experience.

FILLABLE PARENT CHECKUP · PDF

Beyond the Report Card

Grades show performance. They do not always show how your child is doing. This four-page checkup helps parents reflect on confidence, engagement, belonging, well-being, and the right level of challenge.

Free parent resource · View, fill in, or download the PDF

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02

FROM MICHELLE

Michelle’s Perspective

Original reflections on understanding students and shaping an education around their needs.

Interview courtesy of FOX 5 DC

FEATURED INTERVIEW · FOX 5 DC

Report Card Red Flags

Watch Michelle Smith, Founder and Chief Education Strategist of Independent Education Group, in conversation with FOX 5 DC.

TV interview · October 5, 2026

MICHELLE SMITH · ARTICLE

Helping Education Adapt to the Student Starts With Knowing the Child

03

SELECTED READING

Research We Are Following

Articles Michelle has selected for families interested in schools, admissions, and student experience.

NAIS · INDEPENDENT IDEAS

The Admissions Step That Revealed More

An account of how an on-site writing sample helped a school learn more about applicants’ authentic voices.

NAIS · INDEPENDENT IDEAS

Sports Have Changed How We Do School

Explore the relationship between athletics and the way schools organize student experiences.

04

BOOKS, GUIDANCE, AND IDEAS

In the Conversation

Useful voices and resources for conversations about children’s well-being and parenting.

HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG · ARTICLE

3 Ways to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year

Practical school-year guidance for families from HealthyChildren.org.

GOOD INSIDE · PARENTING RESOURCE

24/7 Parenting Support

Explore the Good Inside parenting resources and support Michelle has shared.

ADELE FABER & ELAINE MAZLISH · BOOK

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

A book about communication between parents and children, shared as part of the wider conversation.

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION

Thoughtful guidance begins with listening.

Connect with Michelle to begin a conversation about your family’s educational journey.
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