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The Association offers its members learning opportunities through online courses and webinars. You are a few clicks away from a wealth of knowledge about board work and current education topics and trends.
Essential Training
New Board Member Training Bundle
This offering sets you on the road to success and includes three courses produced by IASB. Content fulfills state-mandated training requirements for new board members.
CONFERENCE
Joint Annual Conference
November 21, 2025
Illinois' top school leadership event for training, networking, and expert insights on equity, finance, safety & more.
Access your Registered Courses from your Member Profile. If you have previously purchased Online Courses, login to your IASB Member Account to access your courses from your Member Profile.
Online Courses are offered to satisfy state-mandated training requirements and to build your essential knowledge and skills of board work. Registration for Online Courses is required, and course fees may apply. Registrants have access to courses for one year from the time of registration. View Registration Instructions
The New Board Member Training Bundle
New content for 2025! Essential training for new school board members includes three courses: The Basics of Governance, OMA, and PDLT/PERA.
Open Meetings Act (OMA) Training
Covers the law as it applies to school board meetings and satisfies the training requirement for new school board members to complete within 90 days of taking the oath of office.
Professional Development Leadership Training (PDLT) and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training
Fulfills the legal requirements for instruction in education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities within the first year of your first term. This course also includes content on performance evaluation – referred to as PERA; trauma-informed practices; and student outcomes.
Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training
This course covers the topic of Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) and is designed for members needing this topic only.
Advanced OMA: Your Questions, Our Answers
Based on real questions from board members, delve into legal nuances, practical strategies, and techniques to navigate complex OMA requirements. Gain insights on facilitating public access, promoting transparency, handling closed sessions, documenting proceedings, and more. Elevate your understanding of OMA's impact on decision-making, public trust, and community engagement. Enhance your skills and lead with integrity.
Improving Student Outcomes for Veteran School Board Members Only
This course covers the importance of the board constantly focusing on improving student outcomes as they make decisions within the scope of the duties of a school board member.
Trauma-Informed Practices for Veteran School Board Members Only
Covers trauma-informed practices for students and staff with information that is relevant to and within the scope of the duties of a school board member.
Managing Difficult Public Comment: How to K.E.E.P. C.A.L.M.
Focuses on how boards can effectively manage difficult public comment periods during board meetings.
The Basics of Governance
Get up to speed with this essential course on board and board member roles and responsibilities and learn how high-functioning boards make a positive impact on student learning in their districts. It is recommended that every newly-elected or appointed school board complete this training within 90 days of taking the oath of office.
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA)
This free course provides an overview of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA). The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) requires all school district employees to make a report to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child enrolled in the district may be an abused or neglected child. This makes all district employees what are commonly called “mandated reporters.”
Leaders Light the Way: A History of IASB
This course was developed for individuals desiring a deeper understanding of The Illinois Association of School Board’s rich history.
Leaders Light the Way: Division Leadership
This course was developed for division leaders, those who aspire to be division leaders, or any individuals desiring a deeper understanding of the Illinois Association of School Boards’ leadership structure.
Policy 101
One of the most important duties of the school board is to determine lawful school board policy. This 20 minute course is for both new and veteran board members wanting to understand/refresh their memories of the policy and school board connection.
Senate Bill 100: School Discipline Reform
Provides information for Illinois school board members regarding the role of the board in student discipline under Senate Bill 100.
Upcoming Webinars
IASB offers webinars throughout the year to inform on a range of topics, from policy and legal issues to current education topics and trends to leadership best practices. Webinars are presented live and most are recorded for later on-demand viewing.
Legislative Hot Topics: Illinois Direct Admissions Program
September 18, 2025
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, a new law backed by Governor Pritzker requires Illinois high schools to inform students and parents about the n...
Resolutions, Constitutional Changes, and Delegate Assembly
October 9, 2025
Are you a new delegate learning the Resolutions process or a returning delegate needing a refresher on Delegate Assembly? IASB staff will guide you th...
Legislative Hot Topics: Budget Challenges and Pension Report
October 23, 2025
The FY26 budget falls short of the $350 million statutory minimum for Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) and further decreases proration for key Mandated Ca...
Q&A on Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments
November 13, 2025
With the Delegate Assembly just days away, join the Governmental Relations Team and Constitution Review Committee to get your final questions answered...
Recordings
Recordings of IASB webinars are available for on-demand viewing, usually within a week after the live event, free of charge to Association members. Member login is required to view the recordings.