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November/December 2001

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

• Black, white or gray? Convening on emotional issues by Linda Dawson
  Public engagement becomes even more important when school boards and their communities come face-to-face with emotional issues, such as the use of Native American mascots.

• Forum initiates Bloomington dialogue by James Russell
  A public forum in School District 87 paved the way for better decision-making, according to school officials.

• Finances, security concerns heighten following terrorism by Linda Dawson
  Representatives of Illinois school organizations comment on what the future may hold following the terrorism of September 11, 2001.

• Adding grade weight to increase achievement by Sherwood C. Dees
  Limestone Community High School District 310 feels weighted grades encourage students to take more substantive classes.

• Weighted grades, weighty problems by Linda Dawson
  Some districts are abandoning weighted grade systems following complaints of unfairness.

• Engaging the community: The fundamental role of school boards by Sandy Gundlach and Anthony Przeklasa
  Keeneyville School District 20 found strategic planning seemed "richer" when it began engaging the public in the process.

• Seeing teen sleep in a new perspective by Natalie Beck
  Early school start times are colliding with teen-age sleep patterns to the detriment of student learning.

• 101 ways to say 'no comment' by Tom Salter
  Answering media questions can be difficult, but "no comment" may be the worst answer of all.

• 64 board members earn master status
  Awards recognize those achieving Master Board Member status for the first time.