Newly elected board members and veterans have several opportunities this summer to learn about board governance basics, school law and finance. Choices of locations and dates make these professional development events affordable and accessible. View the EVENTS CALENDAR or download the BROCHURE for complete details.

The percentage of Illinois students making the grade on standardized tests in all subject areas combined has risen for the sixth straight year. The bad news, however, is that the number of school districts making Adequate Yearly Progress in every subgroup of students has dropped for the second straight year.

Understanding the present state of education in Illinois requires a look back at the way federal and state mandates have eaten into control seated with the local school board. Find out how in "The politics of education: Erosion of local control." Also...

Compiled each week during sessions of the General Assembly and as needed during off-session times, Alliance Legislative Reports summarize major legislative activities and bills of interest to school leaders. Read the latest ALR here (7/1/09).

Make plans now for the Sep. 24 "Education and Government Finance Support Professionals Conference." This professional development opportunity includes sessions on school finance, minutes and records, OMA and FOIA, parliamentary procedure, legal responsibilities, online board meetings, payroll, budgeting, activity accounts, tech usage, time management, and much more. Registration is now open for this one-day event to be held in Springfield.