Masters in Governance program redesigned for busy board members
Easy access, comprehensive resources, and convenient interaction with other participants mark the new program
Published: February 26, 2013
Recognizing school governance teams’ need for cost-effective and efficient professional development, CSBA has redesigned its Masters in Governance program with today’s busy and Web-connected team members in mind. The curriculum has also been retooled to align with CSBA’s Effective Governance System, a research-based framework that clarifies the roles and responsibilities of school board members and superintendents as they set the direction for student success.
“Given the enormous challenges facing public schools, the importance of effective governance is more apparent than ever,” said Martin Gonzalez, CSBA’s assistant executive director for Member Services. “We redesigned the MiG program to help school board members and superintendents meet today’s challenges.”
More than 2,000 school board members and superintendents have participated in CSBA’s highly acclaimed MiG program since it was introduced in the late 1990s, gaining the knowledge they need to fulfill their governance responsibilities more effectively. But the world has changed. People’s schedules are busier and information is more accessible. Professional development—even college degree work—is now routinely pursued online.
With that in mind, the new program will take half as long, with each of the nine formerly full-day learning modules reduced from seven hours to 3½. MiG participants will receive readings and assignments before coming to class, making their face-to-face time more productive and interactive. Follow-up activities will help participants apply what they’ve learned, including opportunities to interact with module classmates online. All materials will eventually be available in an online resource library.
“The model we’ve created is now better aligned with MiG participants,” said Jean Dunn-Gallagher, CSBA’s senior director of Association Education. “The new curriculum really bridges the distinct needs of our members and how they want to receive training.”
The revamped program will be tested during four classes at CSBA headquarters in West Sacramento from March to June. Later in the spring and summer, MiG faculty and staff will finalize the materials and online content for all the modules.
The first full sessions using the new modules will be presented in San Jose Sept. 20-21 and in Rancho Cucamonga Oct. 18-19. Stay tuned for further updates as new registration dates open up.
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