Training Menu
ASBA offers various training throughout the year, primarily in the form of workshops, seminars, and conferences. Our training opportunities are summarized below.
New Board Member Workshop
We present this daylong workshop in Little Rock after the annual school election in the fall. The session is designed to ground newly elected board members in the fundamentals of board service, but many veteran members attend every year for review and updates. The workshop focuses on the duties and responsibilities of school boards and school finance. It also includes a look at particular legal issues and provides a brief overview of ASBA, as well as time for participants to network with one another. Download handouts and materials from the 2006 event.
ASBA’s Annual Conference
Held each December, this two-and-a-half-day conference is the largest gathering of school board members in the state. General sessions feature noted speakers, and breakouts offer more focused learning as board members choose from a full menu of topics according to their own needs and interests. The policy-making ASBA Delegate Assembly also convenes to conduct its annual business, and an exhibit hall features products and services of interest to the education community.
To register for the conference, download a registration form or sign up online. Registration begins about October 30 each year. View handouts and materials from the 2006 event.
Joint Conference of ASBA and AAEA
Each spring, ASBA joins with the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) to host the daylong Team Leadership Conference. Topics usually focus on understanding and complying with regulations pertaining to education. After a session of the state legislature, emphasis is on the new Arkansas laws.
Regional Meetings
Every fall, ASBA schedules dinner meetings in each of its 14 regions. At these gatherings, board members and superintendents network with their regional colleagues. ASBA leaders share timely topical information about district governance and discuss current and upcoming events.
Board Academy
The goal of ASBA’s Board Academy is to strengthen school district leadership through team building and the principles of the Key Work of School Boards. Held over a long weekend, the Academy is a residential retreat for a school district’s superintendent and board. Multiple boards work in a group setting and learn to work smarter toward improving student achievement. An Academy is scheduled based on requests from school districts.
Seminars
Sexual Misconduct: Investigation and Response
School administrators can learn how to address potential cases of sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct in schools. Board members gain understanding of the response process, learn why the investigations are frequently time-consuming, and hear how districts can limit their exposure to liability.
From Documentation to Termination
Superintendents and school administrators learn appropriate ways to document and respond to unacceptable employee conduct. Board members learn about statutory due process and the appropriate role and responsibility of the school board should a problem with employee performance arise. The course is regularly updated with revisions to the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act and new case studies.
Board Meetings from A to Z
This seminar is a practical overview of the why and how of holding school board meetings. Board members and superintendents review the Freedom of Information Act, parliamentary procedure, meeting management, board agendas, and other practical aspects of school board meetings.
Ethics for School Leaders
Elected officials, including school board members, are subject to more and more ethics rules, including new laws forbidding nepotism. In this seminar, participants learn how to comply with current law.
School Law Seminar
Every few years, ASBA holds a one-day seminar on school law taught by our expert attorneys and others who practice school law in Arkansas. This popular day-long program is always interesting and well attended by board members, superintendents, and school attorneys.
Community Engagement and Study Circles
Student achievement is enhanced when the surrounding community is interested in what is going on in their local school district. School board members often wish for more public engagement, but are unsure about how to get started. ASBA supports and promotes the study circles model of community engagement and involvement. Study circles work to broaden public engagement through deliberative dialogue to find common ground, build trust, and develop better solutions for all Arkansas communities in the area of education.
Topic-Specific Training
Based on demand and availability, we can arrange to present specialized training at the ASBA offices in Little Rock, at local or regional locations, or through compressed interactive video (CIV).
Facilitation Services
Are you planning a meeting or series of meetings that would run more smoothly with the help of an outside facilitator? ASBA may be able to assist you in finding a facilitator who has experience working the school boards.
Related Links:
Training Overview
Training Requirements
Recognition Program
Related Downloads (pdf):
ASBA Boardmanship Program
Act 1775 of 2005 |
