SBDM 101: An Introduction to School-Based Decision Making is now available online!

SBDM 101 was designed to help new Council members understand the purpose of school-based decision making and the Council’s work related to student achievement. By the end of this session, Council members will be able to recognize the basics of Kentucky statutes and regulations governing their work and roles. New Council members must complete at least six hours of introductory SBDM training. Members who have SBDM experience and have completed the initial six hours of training must complete at least three additional hours per year. Training sessions are ongoing.

SBDM/ALT Experienced Member Training Options:  These trainings are only for SBDM/ALT members who have completed ALT/SBDM training within the previous three years.

1. NEW Portrait of a Council Member:

   Grounded in KDE’s Portrait of a Learner, this session introduces Portrait of an Effective Council Member and connects council work directly to the competencies councils expect to see in students—critical thinking, collaboration, effective communication, and responsible decision-making. To register, interested participants must complete the Portrait of a Council Member registration form to receive additional details regarding this training opportunity.  This training will be held through Zoom on July 13th from 5:00-8:00.

2. Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement:

   The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will be hosting a virtual experienced member training on the Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement on June 16 and 17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. ET. Members will have to participate on both days to obtain their certificate.  During the training, council members will learn about the comprehensive school improvement plan and their role in developing the school’s plan. KDE recommends, however, that if experienced council members have taken this course previously that they participate in a different training course to expand their knowledge regarding their roles and responsibilities as a council member.  To register, interested participants must complete the 2026-2027 Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement Registration form to receive additional details regarding the training opportunity.

3. Online Roles and Responsibilities:

   ​Roles and Responsibilities is available as a free, self-paced online course through Google. To access the course, follow the steps found on the Roles and Responsibilities document. During the course, you will need to access these sample minutes​. 

4. Online Council's Role with Continuous Improvement:

   The Council's Role with Continuous Improvement is available as a free, self-paced online course through Google. To access the course, follow the steps found on the Council's Role with Continuous Improvement document. If needed, please reference this sample Comprehensive School Improvement Plan​. 

KDE will provide a list of participants at the conclusion of each week, and credit will be awarded through Vector each Monday. You should retain your certificate for your records and do not need to forward a copy to the SBDM Office.

SBDM elections require teacher and parent representatives to be elected by their respective groups. Elections can be conducted through various methods and should be widely publicized, with a record of all ballots cast being maintained. Eligibility must be verified and only one vote per eligible voter should be allowed.