Online Learning: Course Descriptions

Welcome to IASB's LeaderShop Online Learning Center. Three courses are currently available to board members. Here are descriptions of each course by title, objective, credits and cost:

1. School District Labor Relations: What Illinois Law Requires

Most school board members put their highest priority on maintaining a good, solid educational system. But management-labor relationships, and particularly collective bargaining, can sometimes generate pressures that lead board members to forget their original priority and decide to focus on beating the union.

The purpose of this course is to help you understand the legal aspects of collective bargaining and contract management in Illinois' public schools and to serve as a foundation for your board work and decision-making in these important areas.

Learning Objectives

By the time you complete this course, you will:

• understand both the historical influence of teacher unionization and the legal requirements for collective bargaining in Illinois public schools;
• be familiar with the key provisions of the Illinois Educational Relations Labor Act including: unfair labor practices, disputes, mediation, arbitration, and grievances;
• be familiar with the key functions of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board;
• understand what must be bargained and the elements of good faith bargaining;
• be familiar with your local labor contract provisions.

Successful completion of this course will earn 10 Master Board Member points and will count as one School Board LeaderShop elective course. The cost of this course is $80 for IASB members, $135 for non-members.

Register now for this course.

2. Superintendent Evaluation

Evaluation of the superintendent can be a stressful activity for all involved. However, careful preparation, clearly articulated performance goals, and following a few tips for constructive feedback and consensus building can make the process a positive experience for everyone.

The purpose of this course is to help your board and superintendent team turn the superintendent evaluation process into a positive step that moves the district toward higher performance and builds team trust as you go through the process.

Learning Objectives

By the time you complete this course, you will:

• identify steps in a year-round cycle to prepare the board and superintendent for an evaluation "without surprises" that encourages top performance;
• develop performance goals and evaluation instrument items that clearly articulate board expectations for the superintendent and can be used as objective evaluation criteria;
• conduct an evaluation conference with the superintendent that ensures that the board speaks with one voice, provides clear feedback on performance, and focuses on goals for the future rather than the mistakes of the past;
• analyze your own district's superintendent evaluation process to determine strategies for making it more productive.

Successful completion of this course will earn 10 Master Board Member points and will count as one School Board LeaderShop elective course. The cost of this course is $80 for IASB members, $135 for non-members.

Register now for this course.

3. Media Relations

Building a positive relationship with the local media outlets may be one of the most positive things a school district can do. What is the role of the board and individual board members when it comes to this important, and often tumultuous, relationship?

The purpose of this course is to help school board members understand the basic workings of the media and to use the media to get their educational messages out to the public.

Learning Objectives

By the time you complete this course, you will:

• understand who the "media" are and how they determine "news"; and the nature of the relationship between your district, board and the media;
• learn helpful tips in working with the media in your role as a board member including how to prepare for and participate in successful interviews;
• learn and understand the importance of Key Messages and a district communications plan;
• and learn how to be a proactive spokesperson for your district.

Successful completion of this course will earn 10 Master Board Member points and will count as one School Board LeaderShop elective course. The cost of this course is $60 for IASB members, $135 for non-members.

Register now for this course.

For more information or if you have questions about IASB's LeaderShop Online Learning Center, email: onlinelearning@iasb.com, or Sandra Kwasa, IASB board development consultant, at ext. 1213.

LeaderShop Online Learning Center

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