ASBA ensured members had the right information anywhere, any time and at any pace. This included the development of a comprehensive collection of learning opportunities such as live virtual sessions, online self-paced resources and professional development. This enabled trustees to be equipped with needed supports and resources to achieve connection, wellness and success.
New learning initiatives
ASBA consulted extensively with zones to identify member supports. During this reporting period, member-driven events included:
Speakers’ Corner Series: these professional development sessions featured presentations by subject-matter experts on items important to trustees, including mental health, anti-racism and more. The inaugural Speakers’ Corner session focused on Violence Threat Risk Assessment and Traumatic Event Systems.
Advocacy Leadership Academy: this event featured engaging sessions from leading experts in education on emerging topics, the latest research in education and information regarding the municipal election. Sessions included lobbying tools, municipal election campaigning and action planning, pandemic recovery and governance review.
Coffee Conversations: this zone-led initiative included facilitated sessions for members to have open and constructive conversations.
In spring of 2021, ASBA launched the Superintendent Evaluation and Contractual Obligations ad-hoc committee to develop tools and resources for Board Chairs.
99%
courses
courses
Professional development at the zone level
ASBA offered six sessions for zones including sessions on position statements, social media protocols, ASBA’s coordinated approach to communications, land acknowledgements, The Learning Centre (TLC) and a governance refresher.
The Learning Centre (TLC)
ASBA expanded the self-paced, self-guided resources available to members through TLC which offers a comprehensive collection of articles, podcasts, presentations, videos, links, reports and more. Additions included online resources on strategic planning, risk management, media relations, the assurance framework and a Trustee eHandbook. The comprehensive range of supports offered to members throughout this reporting period were driven by member input and designed to empower school boards to govern in support of the diverse educational needs of all students. ASBA continues to develop and expand services, based on member input.
Education services
ASBA continued to offer a range of education services including professional services, professional development and leadership services. This included 46 total services offered: offered 16 board engagements, 15 superintendent evaluations and 8 superintendent recruitments.