NSBA’s Key Work guidebook updated

05/09 -- For the past 10 years, local school board members have relied on NSBA’s Key Work to help them create high-quality, results-driven school systems that focus on raising student achievement through community engagement.

A newly revised version of the Key Work of School Boards Guidebook was launched at the Annual Conference.

The original Key Work offered school board members guidance on eight essential, interrelated action areas they need to address to improve student achievement: vision, standards, assessment, accountability, alignment, climate, collaboration and community engagement, and continuous improvement.

The Key Work concept has served as the foundation for many NSBA and state school boards association training programs and has helped countless school boards improve their governance structures and develop policies focused on student achievement.

The revised Key Work guidebook includes a variety of additional materials, including an analysis of the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act and other legislation; guidance on how boards can use emerging technology to improve their governance; recommendations on using data to inform decision-making; and case studies of districts that have used Key Work concepts to raise student achievement.

Additional resources have been added to the Key Work section of the NSBA website and a new interactive feature allows board members to share their Key Work experiences with one another and with NSBA.

National Affiliate school board members can purchase the guidebook for $20; the regular price is $25. There are also discounts for bulk orders. To order, call the NSBA Distribution Center, (800) 706-6722, or visit www.nsba.org and select NSBA Bookstore.