Online Learning
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.
Online Courses
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.
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School Finance for Board Members: Basics of the Tax Levy
May 6, 2025
Learn about the property tax levy process, including timeline, key elements, and strategies for success, plus guidance for board members.
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PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 118: Spring Update
May 8, 2025
PRESS Issue 118 is arriving soon! Join the PRESS Editors to for an overview of the latest update and customized PRESS Plus Issue 118.
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From Mission to Performance
May 13, 2025
Presented by SchoolData.net, learn how district dashboards can be used as an interactive and strategic tool and linked to key tenets of your mission s...
The First 100 Days: What New Board Members Must Know
May 15, 2025
How are things going after a month on your board member journey? Hear from a veteran board member as they share what they wish they knew in their firs...
A Guide to Joint Annual Conference Registration
May 22, 2025
Whether you are an experienced roster manager or new to the role, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the regi...
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Advancing Equity: The Equity Journey Continuum & IRC
June 5, 2025
Join representatives from ISBE and ICSA, plus school board members, as they discuss the evolution of the Equity Journey Continuum, including how score...
School Board Policy: What New Board Members Must Know
June 12, 2025
Participants will receive an overview of the board’s five policymaking roles: developing, updating, communicating, reviewing, and monitoring. Policy d...
Budget Time: What New Board Members Must Know
July 17, 2025
School boards across the state are approving district budgets for the upcoming year. What do new board members need to know? What questions should be...
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.
22 Results
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IASB Welcomes You to the Board
April 14, 2025
New Board Members
Learn about IASB and all it has to offer to you and your board as you move into your new role.
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School Finance for Board Members: Expenditures
April 3, 2025
Finance
Learn about fund allocation, budgeting strategies, and best practices for responsible financial oversight.
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Roster Management for Administrative Professionals
March 27, 2025
Administrative Professionals
Learn roster management for your district, including accessing, updating, and best practices before and after elections.
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School Finance for Board Members: Revenue
March 6, 2025
Finance
Explore key funding sources—federal, state, and local—and their impact on budgeting and financial planning.
New Board Member Orientation: The First 90 Days
February 6, 2025
Governance
Learn the role of the board and superintendent in welcoming your newest trustees with an effective orientation.
Interfund Loans and Transfers: What Boards Need to Know
November 12, 2024
Finance
Get an overview of interfund loans and transfers, what boards need to know, and pitfalls to avoid.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 117: Fall Legislative Updates
November 7, 2024
Policy
Review material updates from bills passed in the second half of the 103rd General Assembly.
AI: What It Is and Why It Matters
September 10, 2024
Governance
Learn AI basics, its workings, and ethical concerns, featuring programs like Chat GPT, and why it's trending.
IASB's Administrative Procedure Project
August 29, 2024
Policy
Learn about IASB's Administrative Procedures Project, supporting Illinois school districts with customized manuals.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 116: The Tortured Title IX Process Department
August 15, 2024
Policy
Review updates on 2024 Title IX regulations with PRESS Editors.
Implementing an Effective Superintendent Evaluation Process
August 8, 2024
Governance
Learn how a strong evaluation process for Superintendents promotes growth and accountability with insights from experts.
Identifying, Recruiting, and Mentoring New Board Members
July 25, 2024
Governance
Learn how school boards ensure future leadership by identifying, recruiting, and mentoring candidates.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 115: Soaking Up the Summer Updates
June 13, 2024
Policy
Review updates on school library grants, security, and more with PRESS Editors.
Welcoming Your New Superintendent: The Board's Role
June 6, 2024
Governance
Learn how to ensure a successful transition for your new superintendent with guidance from IASB staff.
Equity Starts at the Top
April 30, 2024
Equity
Discover how Illinois school boards advance equity and inclusion with IASB support through workshops, webinars, and more.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 114: Spring Policy Planting for Summer Blooms
April 9, 2024
Policy
Review updates to materials from recent bills and more with PRESS Editors.
Data Literacy III: Illinois Report Card Deep Dive and Questions Answered
March 28, 2024
Governance
Explore new features and visualizations of the Illinois Report Card with experts Rae Clementz and Maureen Font.
Data Literacy II: Understanding Summative Designations
March 14, 2024
Governance
Illinois Report Card designations help families understand school performance. Learn about key metrics and methods.
Strategic Planning: The Board’s Role and Lessons Learned
February 1, 2024
Governance
Learn how Mount Pulaski CUSD 23 sets district goals and involves the community in strategic planning.
Teacher Retention: A Success Story
January 25, 2024
Governance
Learn how Schaumburg School District 54 retains teachers by building a collaborative culture with effective strategies.
Parliamentary Procedures Unboxed: A Beginner's Toolkit for Productive Meetings
October 12, 2023
Governance
New Board Members
Turbocharge meetings and drive decisions with a toolkit for mastering parliamentary procedure.
Clearing Up Committee Confusion
August 3, 2023
Governance
Join Debra Jacobson and Laura Martinez to understand board committees, their roles, and Open Meetings Act compliance.