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September/October 2006

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

• Key to accountability:
  Good decisions must marry data, research
  
  by Sandra G. Watkins and Donna S. McCaw
  New models of governance demand that school board members begin to make their decisions based on data and research, something that often is foreign territory

• Using data enriches improvement efforts
  by Frances Karanovich and Jennifer Ross
  Three free Web sites allow board members, as well as the community, access to rich databases that can help with school improvement efforts.

• Develop a scorecard for what matters most
  by Mark Van Clay
  A school board can make use of data-rich resources while still maintaining a strategic, visionary role by monitoring indicators that matter most to the board.
  Sidebar: What is good, what is bad data for the board?
  Sidebar: Formative vs. summative data
  Sidebar: The board's strategic decision making role and where it fits
  Sidebar: Choosing indicators and targets

• New contracting pays you to save
  by William H. Phillips
  Performance-based contracting can offer school districts a creative option when it comes to updating facilities.

• Collaboration builds vo-tech charter idea
  by Eileen Quinn Knight, Patrick M. Knight and Terry Stirling
  A 2-year-old charter school in Chicago has forged a unique collaboration between higher education and local trade unions.

• Healthcare access may help students succeed
  By Anthony Przeklasa
  School board members should look at Illinois' new All Kids program as an opportunity to ensure good student health.

• Dealing with gangs, America's scourge
  By Linda M. Schmidt
  A first-person look at gang activity points out the importance of being able to recognize and deal with the signs at school.

• Practical PR: Repeat after me...'Media are our friends'
  by Kathy Wallig

• Ask The Staff: Bonding a treasurer helps protect funds