Here is a Table of Contents for the November/December 2008 issue of Illinois School Board Journal. Highlighted articles are available here in full-text form. For other articles get in touch with:

IASB Publications
2921 Baker Drive
Springfield 62703
217/528-9688, extension 1131

• Charters sprouting as seeds for change
  by Frances Karanovich
  School board members need to understand the facts about charter schools, including what they are, how they're doing and what their future might hold in Illinois.
  Sidebar:CUSD 300 supportive of unique charter school

• Illinois charter costs: A tale of two districts
  by John Hunt
  A common concern about a charter school is the fiscal impact it will have on the home public school district. Here's a look at what happens.

• Five tasks to effective contract management
  by Walter H. Warfield
  Effective contract management is a key, but often overlooked, component of quality labor relations.

• Keep it or delete it? How to handle e-records
  by Steven M. Baule and Darcy L. Kriha
  Knowing what to keep and having a board policy on e-mail and electronic documents may be more important than an expensive backup system.

• Don't ask teachers to teach to the test
  by Neil Sappington
  Looking for a way out of the "testing trap," Galesburg CUSD 205 developed a system of formative assessments based on their curriculum and supported by professional development.

• Social responsibility: Global task, Illinois essential
  by Cynthia S. Woods
  As education leaders become more aware of the need to lighten our carbon footprint, it becomes our responsibility to help others find means to lighten theirs as well.

• Schools need friends, so build relationships
  by David W. Turner
  Local school officials need to build relationships with legislators that will make their letters and phone calls mean something when they are received.

• Practical PR: Website redesign: Time for a new look?
  by Bridget Newman

• Ask the staff: IASB can help boards focus on student learning