Benefits of Online Learning

Go at your own speed: Once enrolled in a course, you can proceed at your own pace, within broad guidelines designed to help you get the most from learning online.

Learn anytime, anywhere: All you need is a computer with an Internet connection. You can work from your home or office, or make arrangements with your school district to use a school computer. Your online coursework is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Feedback and interaction with OSBA staff: Our courses are narrated by OSBA staff. We are always available to answer your questions as you progress through the course.

To take a course in OSBA's Online Learning Center:

• You'll need a willingness to dedicate time to thoughtful consideration of all materials (The estimated time required for each class varies - see course descriptions for more details) and
• A connection to the internet.
• Complete the online registration process (checks and purchase orders accepted).

OSBA offers the following online courses:

Public Meetings - An overview of the do's and don'ts of public meetings, minutes and executive sessions with examples. Whether meeting the letter of the law or the court of public opinion, this course discusses how to stay out of hot water, even if it might be legal. How to handle e-mail and electronic meetings. Narrated by Steve Lamb, this course is 56 minutes long.
Cost: $45/participant
Special board rates: $135 for a five member board; $180 for a seven member board

Roles and Responsibilities - Who does what and why? What are the usual pitfalls, and how can you and your board avoid them? Chain of command, Policy Governance, Board/Superintendent/Community relationships, and Teamwork. Narrated by Betsy Miller-Jones, this hour-long, interactive course features video scenarios, practical concepts, and the things that tend to trip up boards.
Cost: $45/participant
Special board rates: $135 for a five member board; $180 for a seven member board

Ethics - This course includes a framework for understanding the various regulations affecting school board behavior; a review of government ethical standards; and will highlight what you need to know about Oregon’s ethics laws to comply with the law and stay off of the front page of your local newspaper. Narrated by Rebekah Cook and Lori Sattenspiel, the course is about 38 minutes long.
Cost: $45/participant
Special board rates: $135 for a five member board; $180 for a seven member board