Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message.
|
|
|
|
|
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
Many districts across Illinois celebrated a milestone last week – the 100th day of school. At some schools, like Wesmere Elementary in Plainfield School District 202, students and staff celebrated by dressing like they were age 100.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Colleagues:
This year, I have asked the State Board of Education to support several important legislative initiatives. After robust discussion on some items, the Board authorized me to pursue several significant law changes. I look forward to sharing updates as session progresses.
Learning Partners
For many years, Illinois has required our Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) and Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) to apply to be learning partners for school improvement. As you know, ROEs and ISCs are statutorily charged with assisting schools with their improvement initiatives. As such, we are seeking to exempt them from having to apply to be learning partners for school districts. This means that districts with schools in Targeted or Comprehensive status can use their Title I School Improvement funds to collaborate with their local ROE or ISC if they choose to do so.
Alternative Learning/Student Discipline
Currently, school districts cannot utilize Alternative Learning Opportunity Program funds to support students in grades kindergarten through third. We propose to change that to support districts in providing push-in support for students who need it.
At the same time, I am asking the legislature to ban expulsions for our youngest learners (kindergarten to second grade). There is no research that supports exclusionary practices in these early grades, and it is a practice we must stop. We know that expulsions do not change behaviors. Rather, they lead to a multitude of other adverse outcomes for the students, their families, and for society in general. Further, I believe that if a child in grades K to second is recommended for a temporary suspension from school, that requires the highest level of attention. As such, I am asking for superintendents to be responsible for making the determination to suspend, and hopefully, for just the amount of time necessary to create a Behavior Intervention Plan or a safety plan.
Student Ticketing
I encourage you to read the attorney general’s legal opinion concerning ticketing. ISBE seeks to clarify Illinois law to make it abundantly clear that school districts cannot issue tickets and cannot refer students to local police to issue fines or tickets. This does not mean that schools cannot call the police when necessary (e.g., if a student brings a weapon or is accused of distributing drugs). What it does mean is that schools – not the police – are responsible for handling student discipline when an infraction occurs on school grounds.
Licensing Omnibus Bill
We also seek to continue removing barriers, streamlining requirements, and expanding opportunities for people wanting to join the teaching profession.
Our teacher pipeline initiatives include:
-
Providing an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn their Professional Educator License (PEL);
-
Waiving certain testing requirements for individuals seeking a PEL with a School Support Personnel Endorsement (e.g., school social worker, psychologist), if they already hold a license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation;
-
Expanding optional partnerships between community colleges and approved educator preparation programs leading to a PEL;
-
Putting forth the recommendations in the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) Task Force report regarding piloting a state-developed TPA; and
-
Increasing transparency in instances of educator misconduct by allowing the state superintendent to release information of a pending investigation to a licensee’s current employing school district.
We are grateful for the partnership of lawmakers and stakeholders in improving our education system to better serve students.
All my best,
Tony
Dr. Tony Sanders
State Superintendent of Education
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please note this is not a complete list of events, meetings, and deadlines. Visit the ISBE Weekly Message Dates & Deadlines webpage for the complete list.
Feb. 12: ISBE offices closed for Lincoln’s Birthday
Feb. 13 | 10 a.m.: Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Capacity Builders Webinar Series Session 5: Evaluating Curriculum and Instructional Practices
Feb. 17: ISBE offices closed for Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)
Feb. 18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: School Finance Workshop (ROE 40, Jerseyville)
Feb. 18 | 5-6 p.m.: Webinar: Creating Culturally Responsive Teaching and ‘The Magnitude of Us’
Feb. 19 | 5 p.m.: Deadline to apply for spring 2025 RSSI REACH Communities of PracticeFeb. 20 | 8:30 a.m.-noon: School Finance Workshop (ROE 13, Centralia)
Feb. 25: 2025 Success Network Conference
Feb. 25 | 2-3 p.m.: Webinar: My Data Dashboard – Welcoming and Empowering District & School Administrators
Feb. 26 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: School Finance Workshop (ROE 21, Marion)
Feb. 28-March 1: Illinois Teacher Leadership Summit
March 1: Deadline to report the intent to move to from half-day kindergarten to full-day kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year
March 4: ACCESS testing window closes
March 5: McKinney-Vento Conference
March 5 | 12:30-2:30p.m.: School Finance Workshop (ROE 8, Freeport)
March 6 | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: School Finance Workshop (ROE 19, DuPage)
March 10 | 1-3 p.m.: Assessment & Accountability Redesign Listening Tour (Parkland Community College, Champaign)
March 12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: School Finance Workshop (West 40 ISC 2, Maywood)
March 13 | 10 a.m.: Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Capacity Builders Webinar Series Session 6: Key Literacy Strategies and Concepts
March 13: Deadline to submit feedback on the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force Final Report
March 15: Deadline to submit ISBE Career Connections Conference Exhibitor Interest Form
March 18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: School Finance Workshop (ROE 20, Carmi)
March 19: IWAS to MyISBE Listening Tour (Vandalia)
March 21 | 1-3 p.m.: Assessment & Accountability Redesign Listening Tour (Hall High School District 502, Spring Valley)
March 26 | 1-3 p.m.: IWAS to MyISBE Listening Tour (Rantoul)
|
|
See More Dates & Deadlines
|
|
|
|
|
NEW! FINANCE
PSCFA Report Saves CUSD 3 Fulton County Over $20,000
CUSD 3 Fulton County is saving an estimated $23,480 in combined annual savings after an Illinois Public School Carbon-Free Assessment (PSCFA) report uncovered potential improvements in the district's HVAC scheduling. A PSCFA report is provided at no cost to ComEd and Ameren Illinois customers. The report provides in-depth analysis in six key areas to help school districts reach the statewide goal of carbon-free energy usage by 2030. Visit ISBE’s PSCFA webpage to request your free assessment.
|
In Case You Missed It: Dr. Sanders Addresses the Federal Executive Orders
In case you missed it, Dr. Sanders addressed the federal executive orders in his Weekly Message column on Jan. 30:
“I understand that district leaders, teachers, and families have a lot of questions about the recent Executive Orders and memos issued by the federal government.
“These actions do not require school districts to make any immediate changes at the board or classroom level. At this time, there have been no changes to federal legislation, regulations or funding that would warrant a local response, and all Illinois state laws remain intact.
“In the meantime, I urge district leaders to continue normal operations. Thank you for your day-to-day leadership in providing a high-quality education to all Illinois students.”
|
School Maintenance Project Grants Quarterly Expenditure Reports Due
All fiscal year 2025 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grants are in the process of being approved by ISBE and submitted to the Comptroller’s Office. Your district may or may not have received its payment as of this notice. Please know payments are forthcoming.
All recipients approved for FY 2025 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grants are required to submit a Quarterly Expenditure Report for the period that ended Dec. 31, 2024. These reports are available in IWAS under School Maintenance Project Grants. Note: If your district has not yet started the approved school maintenance project(s) and/or has not expended any funds, please report accordingly by entering “$0.00” in the appropriate blank.
Please follow the instructions to complete the Quarterly Expenditure Report. Note the following:
-
Quarterly reports must be done even if you have not started any of the work items on the grant. Please enter “0” for any work item that has not been started.
-
Quarterly Expenditure Reports must be submitted until the Final Expenditure Report has been submitted in IWAS to close out the grant.
-
All work items must be updated every quarter until the work item is 100 percent completed.
-
A Final Expenditure Report must be submitted within 20 days after the project is 100 percent completed. Please follow the instructions to submit a Final Expenditure Report.
Please contact Alexandria Alvey at 217-785-8779 or SMPG@isbe.net if you need assistance.
|
SY 2025-26 EBF Funding: Half-Day to Full-Day Kindergarten Conversion
The Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula creates an Adequacy Target for each district based on total average student enrollment, English learner (EL) enrollment, and low-income student count. Kindergarten students are assigned a value of 0.5 in the data if they attend a half day and a value of 1.0 if they attend a full day. Per the EBF statute, a school district may inform the State Board of Education of its intent to convert from half-day to full-day kindergarten. Doing so will prompt conversion of all half-day students to appear as full-day students in the fiscal year 2026 EBF calculation data for both average student enrollment and EL enrollment. The statutory deadline to report the intent to move to full-day kindergarten instruction is March 1.
Any school district that wishes to make this change for the 2025-26 school year must email ISBE with a board resolution expressing the intent to make the change for the next school year, as well as the minutes from the meeting when the resolution was approved. If you have questions, contact sff@isbe.net or 217-782-0249.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW! ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative
The 2025-26 Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative functionality is now available in the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal.
ISAC's Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative is available to public and private high schools to help identify students who have completed a financial aid application, as well as those who have opted to complete the Nonparticipation Form. Completion data is available every day in GAP Access. Operational details are provided in the Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative – Access and Agreement User Guide. Read the full e-Message sent by ISAC to partners, including information for private schools interested in participating.
Upcoming Professional Development and PaCE Trainings
Please share with your staff and colleagues and join ISAC this spring for these free webinar offerings. Professional development and continuing education hours will be available.
Illinois PaCE Overview: 11-11:45 a.m. Feb. 11 – This webinar will cover the Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act; the Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework; the steps involved with creating and implementing your own school/district-specific, PaCE-aligned Framework; and PaCE support and resources available through ISAC.
What's Next After the FAFSA: 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 18 – This webinar will show how to support your students after they submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/Alternative Application. This webinar also will cover what is included in the FAFSA Submission Summary, how to make corrections to the FAFSA, as well as how to support students through the verification and professional judgment process.
Free In-Person PaCE Middle School Curriculum Training: 8 a.m.-noon Feb. 20, Springfield – This half-day training pertains to the PaCE curriculum for sixth through eighth grade. Attendees will gain an understanding of how student engagement with the curriculum helps meet the Illinois PaCE benchmarks for middle school, as well as learn about the structure and content of the curriculum. This free event will be held at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Please share this opportunity with your networks! Registration will close on Feb. 18 or when full capacity is reached.
Illinois PaCE Updates & Q&A: 11-11:45 a.m. March 4 – This webinar will cover updates to legislation regarding implementation of the Illinois PaCE Framework in schools, as well as resources available to schools and districts to support their college and career readiness efforts with the Illinois PaCE Framework.
FAFSA Q&A: 11-11:45 a.m. March 18 – This webinar will cover the latest updates on the 2025-26 FAFSA and any open issues with possible workarounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to have questions answered live from ISAC's professional development team.
Spring to Action: Increasing FAFSA Completion: 11-11:45 a.m. April 15 – This call-to-action webinar will cover how ISAC can support your students and families with free year-round assistance. Learn more about the latest updates to the FAFSA, best practices for navigating financial aid completion, and FAFSA corrections and verification processes.
Supporting Students Transition to College: 11-11:45 a.m. May 6 – This webinar addresses the impact of “summer melt.” As the academic year concludes, many students face a critical juncture -- the transition from high school to college. However, this transition period, often referred to as "summer melt," presents numerous challenges that can hinder students' enrollment in higher education institutions. Join this webinar to explore effective strategies for supporting students through this delicate phase.
For more information and registration, visit ISAC’s Professional Development Offerings webpage. Contact contact isac.pace@illinois.gov for PaCE trainings questions. Contact ISAC.Outreachtraining@illinois.gov for all other questions.
Financial Aid Application Help for Students
ISACorps™ members are available to assist students and their families with their 2025-26 FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application). ISACorps™ members can:
-
Provide financial aid presentations and application completion workshops. You can schedule a presentation or workshop by completing an Outreach Request Form.
-
Meet virtually with students. Students can book a virtual one-on-one meeting with an ISACorps™ staff member up to 7 days in advance, and there's an option to meet with a Spanish-speaking ISACorps™ member if they prefer. Please share this link with your students and colleagues in your network and community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW! SAFE & HEALTHY CLIMATE
Illinois Launches New Children's Mental Health Portal
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) recently announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs.
That means parents and caregivers across the state now have access to the BEACON portal, a single place where they can learn which community-based resources are available nearby and which state-funded programs youth may be eligible for.
These programs might include outpatient counseling, school-based services, wraparound services to help support families caring for youth with complex needs, or residential treatment services. BEACON also provides assistance in organizing information about a child's care and connecting families with the services, including communication with state agency representatives.
The portal is available in eight languages: English, Arabic, Hindi, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Ukrainian. A number of resources are available to help spread the word about this valuable tool:
|
|
Register for the ISBE School Wellness Conference
The ISBE School Wellness Conference is set for April 7-9 at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The conference will feature pre-conference workshops on April 7, inspirational keynote speakers, evening entertainment, and more! The theme is “Thriving Together: Comprehensive School Wellness Solutions." The conference is sponsored by ISBE, the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, and Social-Emotional Learning Hubs. Visit the Conference webpage for more information and to register.
|
|
Checkout ISBE's New Resiliency Toolkit
As part of ISBE’s Strategic Plan Goal 2.1.2, we are excited to introduce the Resiliency Toolkit, a collection of resources designed to foster safe and healthy school climates. These resources are aligned with ISBE’s definition of “resilience” and aimed at supporting the well-being and growth of students, educators, and the broader school community.
We kindly invite you and your staff to provide feedback about the toolkit through a brief survey. Your insights are invaluable in ensuring that the resources meet the needs of all stakeholders and continue to support the development of resilient, safe, and thriving school environments. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW! SPECIAL EDUCATION
Save the Date for the Special Education Directors Conference
Mark your calendar for the 2025 ISBE and Illinois Special Education Leadership Academy Special Education Directors Conference June 9-10 at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Normal. Contact ISBESpecEd@isbe.net if you have questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries.
Program Highlights
-
Funding Available: $5 million-10 million (from the U.S. Department of Labor).
-
Grant Range: $200,000-$1,000,000.
-
Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (e.g., school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state agencies, workforce boards, and nonprofits.
-
Key Populations: Adults, youth, and individuals with disabilities to be placed in apprenticeships.
-
Application Deadline: March 21 to be included in the first application review cycle.
-
Anticipated Grant Commitment Date: July 1.
Informational Sessions
DCEO will coordinate at least three information sessions for this NOFO. Attendance is recommended but not required. The in-person sessions will include options to attend a “Grants 101 Session” and/or “NOFO Information Session.”
For More Information
Learn more about the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion grant on the NOFO website.
Contact Chase.Martin2@Illinois.gov for questions. You also may submit questions to the FAQ page, where they will be posted and answered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STANDARDS & INSTRUCTION
Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries.
Program Highlights
-
Funding Available: $5 million-10 million (from the U.S. Department of Labor).
-
Grant Range: $200,000-$1,000,000.
-
Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (e.g., school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state agencies, workforce boards, and nonprofits.
-
Key Populations: Adults, youth, and individuals with disabilities to be placed in apprenticeships.
-
Application Deadline: March 21 to be included in the first application review cycle.
-
Anticipated Grant Commitment Date: July 1.
Informational Sessions
DCEO will coordinate at least three information sessions for this NOFO. Attendance is recommended but not required. The in-person sessions will include options to attend a “Grants 101 Session” and/or “NOFO Information Session.”
For More Information
Learn more about the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion grant on the NOFO website.
Contact Chase.Martin2@Illinois.gov for questions. You also may submit questions to the FAQ page, where they will be posted and answered.
|
|
Science Professional Development Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries.
NGSS Capacity Builders Series: Evaluating the Science Classroom
9-10 a.m. Feb. 24
This workshop will explore how to effectively evaluate science teachers implementing the NGSS. We will delve into defining effective science instruction, including student-centered learning, 3-dimensional learning, and culturally responsive teaching. We will then discuss strategies for bridging the gap between current evaluation practices and the realities of NGSS instruction, such as aligning rubrics with NGSS, exploring alternative evaluation methods, and supporting teachers and administrators in this transition. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify key characteristics of an effective science classroom and develop strategies for improving teacher evaluation to accurately reflect the quality of science instruction.
For a full listing of upcoming Science Professional Learning opportunities, visit the ROE 47 website.
|
|
|
|
IN BRIEF
|
|
Student Recognition
U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced
Congratulations to the 152 Illinois students that were selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education. A letter of invitation and application instructions have been sent directly to each candidate. Additionally, informational letters have been sent to appropriate school principals and guidance counselors, who must submit a Secondary School Report as part of each student’s application. If one of your students has been selected as a candidate, please consider assisting them in completing their application to this prestigious program. If you have questions or require technical assistance, please contact PSP@scholarshipamerica.org or 507-931-8345.
|
|
Educator Opportunities
2025 EmpowerED Conference
The Specific Learning Disability Support Project (SLDSP) third annual EmpowerED Conference is March 18-19 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Session strands will include reading and dyslexia, writing and dysgraphia, math and dyscalculia, instructional strategies, development of Individualized Education Programs, developmental language disorder, executive function, diverse populations, and multilingual learners. Additionally, a special session strand will be offered for caregivers of students with specific learning disabilities.
Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to expand your professional network and deepen your understanding of how to support the needs of students with specific learning disabilities. Register for the annual EmpowerED Conference.
|
Case Method Institute for High School Social Studies Teachers
The Case Method Institute for Education & Democracy and Harvard Professor David Moss invite high school teachers of U.S. history, civics, and government to join their next special professional development workshop from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 28. An online self-paced option also is available and can be started at any time. Learn more and get registration details in the informational flyer.
|
IATD 2025 Spring Conference
The 2025 Illinois Association of Title Directors (IATD) Spring Conference is scheduled for April 21-22 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Please register via Eventbrite.
|
Ed Leaders Network
Ed Leaders Network offers free one-hour webinars throughout the year to spotlight strategies, leadership tips, and tools. Upcoming webinars include:
|
|
The Art of Communication
3 p.m. Feb. 12
There are so, so, so many aspects to the ART of communication. Andrew Marotta dives deep into this subject, which can make or break you as an educator. Andrew breaks it down into three areas: The one-on-one meeting, the large setting, and everything else. Andrew explores storytelling, listening skills, and techniques to help you thrive in your communication and interactions with others in the school setting! He will share concepts such as E+R=O, 8-37-55, and how to tell the right story at the right time to the right people!
|
|
Creating a PEOPLE FIRST Culture Through Tiny Moments
3 p.m. Feb. 13
Ready to create a PEOPLE FIRST culture where everyone feels valued and energized? Join Phil Boyte for an engaging webinar packed with simple, practical ideas to help leaders take care of themselves and their teams. Phil will share real-world strategies to strengthen relationships, build trust, and make small moments matter. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration and tangible tools to foster a thriving, people-centered culture.
|
|
‘Combat Hate’: a FREE Digital Media Literacy Workshop
Can your students spot identity-based hate online? If they spot it, do they know what actions to take? If not, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance’s “Combat Hate” may be the solution.
Combat Hate: A Digital Media Literacy Workshop empowers Grades 5-12 students to identify hate speech on social media, analyze manipulation and disinformation tactics, and curate a positive digital footprint.
“Combat Hate” is a free classroom-based workshop presented by the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museum of Tolerance using five research lenses -- Media Literacy, Digital Citizenship, Upstander Approach, Empowerment Model, and Culturally Responsive and Sustained Teaching. Students will leave feeling empowered to combat online hate through education, informed action, and digital control for years to come. “Combat Hate” aligns with Illinois 9-12 Media Literacy Standards and has been adapted for Grades 5-8 as well.
|
|
Student Opportunities
“Your Voice: Changing the World, One Speech at a Time” Contest
The Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT), in collaboration with the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, is hosting the annual "Your Voice: Changing the World, One Speech at a Time" contest for Illinois students in Grades 6-12. This year’s contest challenges students to reflect on this powerful quote by Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal: “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of hatred.”
Students are invited to write and present a three-minute speech exploring how this message connects to their lives; why it remains relevant today; and the importance of confronting hate, bigotry, and intolerance.
Key Details
-
Essay Submission Deadline: March 28
-
Finalist Announcement: April 7
-
Live Judging Event: April 27
-
Prizes:
Please share this exciting opportunity with your students and their families. Detailed guidelines are available on the MMOT website.
|
|
FARE Virtual Teen Talks
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) hosts a monthly Teen Talk online. The next one is set for 4-5 p.m. Feb. 15. These events are open to pre-teens, teens, and young adults with food allergies or their siblings/friends (ages 11-22). Register for the FARE Virtual Teen Talk today.
|
|
Featured ISBE Career Opportunities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Illinois State Board of Education is the State Education Agency for Illinois. Our mission is to provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders.
Click here to change your Subscription Preferences. Click here to unsubscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
