RD388 - Open Education Curriculum Board Annual Report - November 2011


Executive Summary:
The Open Education Curriculum Board (OECB) has met five times in 2011: January 10, March 30, June 6, July 25, and October 17.

During the initial meeting, Senator John Watkins was voted chair of the committee and Joanie Pond was voted vice chair.

Over the course of the five meetings, members of the committee reviewed open education policy issues in a national and local context. Presentations by various experts in the field as well as by local school divisions who are already doing work with open education resources informed the Board about the issues and complexities involved in their task.

To develop an authentic and viable process for the approval and monitoring of open education consortiums, several resources were reviewed including the Virginia Department of Education’s textbook review process and multidivision online provider application, criteria and processes. The Virginia Educational Technology Advisory Committee (VETAC) provided suggestions on criteria for excellence that might be considered.

During the first ten months after it was first convened, the Board has acquainted itself with the issues involved in their charge, have considered the various models for implementation, and have charted a course of action for the next year.