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MARCH 18, 2025
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State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders and members of the Student Advisory Council kicked off ISBE’s first-ever Student Summit in Normal last week. The summit provided approximately 125 students from 40 high schools across the state with a platform to share their experiences, advocate for their needs, and help shape the future of education in Illinois.
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PERFORMANCE LEVEL DESCRIPTORS
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Dear Colleagues:
I have appreciated meeting with you and hearing your feedback at our Assessment & Accountability Redesign Listening Tours. Our next stop is coming up on Friday at Hall High School District 502 in Bureau County. Your feedback is an essential part of our effort to right-size the proficiency benchmarks on our state assessments to more accurately reflect student and school performance. We recently published the complete first draft of our new Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs), which lay the foundation for the standard-setting we will conduct this summer and the new proficiency levels you’ll see on the 2025 Illinois Report Card this fall. These new benchmarks will go into effect for the spring assessments students are taking right now.
PLDs, rather than replications of the standards, are carefully designed statements that define the levels of proficiency expected from students on a given assessment. Whereas academic standards represent a collective commitment around what students should learn each year, PLDs are focused on defining expectations with the right level of rigor and clarity. Aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, PLDs provide a bridge from standards-aligned classroom instruction to the state assessment. The resulting state assessment data allows us to see patterns in performance that should guide school and district improvement, helping identify areas of strength and opportunity.
I want to thank the more than 100 dedicated educators who participated in grade band and subject-specific teams over the past five months to collaboratively develop the PLDs. They have had to play Goldilocks trying to find the “just right.” Your expertise and insights are invaluable in refining these drafts, ensuring they best serve our students and educators. We encourage you to review collaboratively, capturing the unique perspectives that each educator brings:
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Grade-level teachers can evaluate how well the PLDs align with instructional practices and student learning progressions.
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Content experts can assess the accuracy, clarity, and rigor of expectations.
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Educators serving special student populations can provide essential insights on accessibility, differentiation, and inclusivity to ensure all students are represented.
We invite you to give your input on the new PLDs, as well on potential new accountability models, at a listening tour stop near you. You can also provide public comment online. To guide your review, we have developed a PLD Review Guiding Questions document. We invite you to review one subject at a time and submit your feedback via the online submission form or directly via email to essa@isbe.net. The public comment window closes at 5 p.m. Monday, April 7.
Finally, please help spread the word! Share this opportunity with your teachers, colleagues, department heads, and leaders of teaching and learning and curriculum and instruction. Together, we can ensure that the new PLDs reflect the diverse needs of our students and educators.
As always, thank you for your dedication and partnership in shaping a bright future for Illinois students!
All my best,
Tony
Dr. Tony Sanders
State Superintendent of Education
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NEW! 2025 ILLINOIS TEACHER OF THE YEAR COHORT
ISBE has announced the members of the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort, including the 13 finalists for 2025 Illinois State Teacher of the Year. The annual Teacher of the Year program honors incredible classroom educators who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. ISBE will showcase cohort members in the Weekly Message each week leading up to the announcement of the 2025 Illinois State Teacher of the Year this spring. Congratulations to all this year’s extraordinary awardees!
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Jennifer Gross
Special Education Teacher of the Year
Thornton Fractional South High School, Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215
At Thornton Fractional South High School in Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215, Jennifer Gross teaches Students Obtaining and Achieving Rigor (SOAR) -- an intensive instructional program focused on academics and daily living skills for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Her students operate the school's Special T’s t-shirt store and Holiday Craft Bazaar and have a partnership with the local police department. Read more about Jennifer Gross.
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Nina McLean
Southern Regional Teacher of the Year
James Avant Elementary School, East St. Louis School District 189
Nina McLean teaches fifth grade English language arts at James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189. She also is a guest lecturer on diversity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a coordinating teacher for more than 20 teacher candidates. She wholeheartedly dedicates herself to the success of each of her students, all while serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Read more about Nina McLean.
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Leslie Rennick
Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year
Stark County Elementary School, Stark County Community School District 100
Leslie Rennick teaches special education at Stark County Elementary School in Stark County Community School District 100. She is the Individualized Education Program case manager for students in Grades K-5. She's not shy about demonstrating her love and compassion for students and their families -- delivering gift baskets to students grieving a loss, re-creating a computer program in paper form for a student who struggled with the online format, starting a Coffee Chat Club for a young girl seeking connection, and taking a 30-hour phonics training after being assigned to teach two third graders having difficulty reading. Read more about Leslie Rennick.
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NEW! EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS
Update to Director of Special Education and School Social Worker Content Tests
ISBE made both the previous and new version of the Director of Special Education and School Social Worker content tests available on March 11. Candidates may take either the “234 – Director of Special Education/238 – School Social Worker” exam or its predecessor, the “180 – Director of Special Education/184 – School Social Worker” exam. Candidates should consult with their academic advisor or licensure officer to determine which test they should take.
If a candidate does not pass one version of the test, they may wish to register for the other version for their next attempt.
Please note that after two unsuccessful attempts where the test taker scored within one standard error of measurement of passing on either attempt, test registration is free. The free retakes are only available for the same version of the test that was already taken (e.g., a candidate cannot take the current version of the test twice and use the free retake to take the predecessor test). Test takers who are eligible for free retakes will see a $0 charge when they complete the checkout process for exam registration.
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NEW! FINANCE
Prequalification Guidance for FY 2026 State and Federal Grants
State or federal grantees must ensure all Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) requirements are met. Fiscal year 2026 grant applications must include the following:
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Active public SAM.gov profile. Renewal assistance is available through the Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220.
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Approved current fiscal year Fiscal and Administrative Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) in the GATA Grantee Portal.
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Approved current fiscal year Organizational Risk Assessment (ORA) in IWAS.
A Unique Entity ID must be verified before ICQ scores can be imported into the ORA and grant applications. Discrepancies may cause delays/errors in processing the grant application.
Guidance for completion of the ICQ, additional information, and updates are available on the ISBE GATA webpage, under the “News and Updates” dropdown. Please contact 217-785-8879 or GATA@isbe.net if you need technical assistance or have questions.
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NEW! STANDARDS & INSTRUCTION
FY 2025 District Literacy Plan Implementation Grant Applications Now Available in IWAS
The FY 2025 District Literacy Plan Implementation Grant is now open for applications in the ISBE Web Application Security (IWAS) system. This grant supports school districts in developing and implementing their Comprehensive Literacy Plans, enhancing literacy instruction, and expanding access to high-quality literacy interventions. Funding may be utilized to support the creation or revision of a local literacy plan and implementation. Funding allocation and use are flexible to meet local literacy needs.
Eligibility Requirement:
All public school districts and Regional Offices of Education/Intermediate Service Centers are eligible to apply. Interested applicants must complete the District Literacy Plan survey within IWAS. Applications are due by April 15, 2025, to receive a Jan. 1, 2025, start date, or the final approval date of a substantially approvable application if the initial application is received after April 15. Entities that do not submit an application by April 30 may be at risk for deobligation of funds.
Additional funding may be available. Applications received by April 15 will have priority for any additional funding that may become available.
Key Information:
Please email literacy@isbe.net for more details.
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Next Generation Science Standards Professional Development
ISBE is partnering with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and Regional Office of Education 47 to provide educators with professional learning opportunities that take a dive into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to build strong inquiry-based lessons. Educators can choose from three specialties -- High School Biology, High School Chemistry, and Middle School Science. Each of these series is offered virtually from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 1 - May 1. Participants may earn 24 professional development hours.
Video observations, peer learning, and hands-on experiences will enable participants to gain a deep understanding of the curriculum and its alignment with NGSS and the framework for K-12 science education. They also will develop skills in 3D instruction and assessment and learn to provide effective feedback to support student learning. This is a professional learning series; attendance at all sessions is required. Register for the OpenSciEd Curriculum Launch PD.
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Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence in Support of Social Justice
ISBE is offering professional development from 4-6 p.m. April 2 to help educators enhance their ability to create and implement inclusive, inquiry-based social studies instruction aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science. Teachers will participate in a mini-inquiry exercise to develop skills in evaluating sources and using evidence to highlight and articulate diverse, often marginalized, perspectives. Register for “Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence in Support of Social Justice.”
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CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Inclusive and Welcoming Environments: Revisiting Classroom Culture – A Webinar for New CTE Teachers
The Northern Illinois University Career and Technical Education (CTE) project team, in collaboration with ISBE, has created professional development that addresses the needs of new CTE educators across the state. This session, scheduled for 11 a.m.-noon April 1 will highlight classroom culture by referencing various resources to create culturally responsive classrooms through classroom set-up, established routines and regulations, and problem-solving strategies to address individual student needs. Register for “New Teacher -- Inclusive and Welcoming Environments: Revisiting Classroom Culture in CTE.”
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DATA, ACCOUNTABILITY & ASSESSMENT
Share Your Voice: ISBE Seeks Feedback on New Performance Level Descriptors
We invite you to take part in an important opportunity to shape the future of student learning in Illinois! ISBE is seeking public comment on the first drafts of its new performance level descriptors (PLDs), which will lay the foundation for a new assessment standard-setting this summer and right-sized proficiency benchmarks for the assessment data reported this fall. These drafts were thoughtfully developed by over 100 dedicated educators who collaborated in grade band and subject teams, working diligently from September 2024 through February 2025.
The PLDs are designed to define expectations for student proficiency with the right level of rigor and clarity. Your expertise and insights are invaluable in refining these drafts, ensuring they best serve our students and educators. We encourage you to review collaboratively, capturing the unique perspectives that each educator brings:
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Grade-level teachers can evaluate how well the PLDs align with instructional practices and student learning progressions.
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Content experts can assess the accuracy, clarity, and rigor of expectations.
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Educators serving special student populations can provide essential insights on accessibility, differentiation, and inclusivity to ensure all students are represented.
ISBE has developed a PLD Review Guiding Questions document to assist you in your review. We invite you to review one subject at a time and submit feedback through the online submission form or via email at essa@isbe.net.
Each assessed grade (or grade band) and subject includes three documents for review:
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Detailed PLDs for those familiar with content standards.
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High-level summary PLDs for a broader overview.
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Sample items, responses, and rubrics to illustrate performance expectations.
The public comment window closes at 5 p.m. Monday, April 7. Thank you for your time and expertise in this collaborative effort to strengthen Illinois education.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Register for the IWAS to MyISBE Listening Tour
Join ISBE Chief Information Officer Edobor Efam to give your feedback on the IWAS system as the agency plans a refresh of the portal to enhance its features and make it easier to navigate and more user-friendly. We want to hear from school and district administrators, regional superintendents, and other users of IWAS about your pain points, concerns, and ideas.
We’re also giving IWAS a new name: MyISBE! With MyISBE, the days of multiple accounts, static data, and unverified account information are over. MyISBE will provide real-time data and dashboards, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on.
IWAS is the primary security portal for administrators to apply for and manage grants from ISBE and to access ISBE’s data and reporting systems. The new MyISBE will launch in fiscal year 2026. We look forward to engaging you throughout the process from now until then.
All events 1-3 p.m. Please RSVP at isbe.eventbrite.com. Download and share the flyer.
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SAFE & HEALTHY CLIMATE
Find Behavioral Health Resources With BEACON
Do you have parents looking for behavioral health services for their child? BEACON is a new, centralized resource that connects Illinois families with community-based providers and state-funded programs tailored to their needs. Help us share this important information with your families using the BEACON social media toolkit. By spreading the word about this valuable tool, you can help connect more families to the care and support they need.
BEACON makes it easier for youth who need mental health support, behavioral health services, or other resources to find the right care. Visit beacon.illinois.gov to learn more and explore available services. (The portal is available in eight languages: English, Arabic, Hindi, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Ukrainian.)
And don’t forget to print out and post the BEACON flyer in your front office(s) and other physical spaces frequented by families:
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IN BRIEF
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Student Opportunities
2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers ages 8-18 to submit photos for the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state.
Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500, and $250 will be awarded to students who place first, second, or third in each of the three age categories (ages 8‑10, 11‑14, and 15-18).
The deadline to submit photos is June 13. Each student may submit up to two photos. Visit the Cream of the Crop website to read the rules, terms, and legal conditions associated with this contest or call 217-900-0075.
The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Illinois state treasurer’s Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.
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Educator Opportunities
Teaching With and About Native Americans
Registration is now open for “Teaching With and About Native Americans,” a free professional learning opportunity offered this spring by the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. This series supports the recent amendments to the Illinois School Code that mandates U.S. history education includes the study of Native Americans' roles, contributions, sovereignty, and self-determination.
The “Teaching With and About Native Americans” professional learning series will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. every Wednesday March 19 - May 14. Registration closes March 19.
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AP Summer Institute
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will host the Advanced Placement® Summer Institute from July 14-17 at the I Hotel in Champaign. The subjects that will be offered include AP U.S. History, AP English Composition and Language, AP English Composition and Literature, and AP Psychology.
The University of Illinois System will cover the full cost of tuition for teachers from Illinois public school districts with a senior class AP Exam participation rate of less than 20 percent.
Please share workshop information with other teachers in your district or other teachers you think may be interested.
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Free Quantum Physics Activity Kits for Teachers
Free Wonders of Quantum Physics Activity Kits are available to teachers for hands-on classroom activities designed to introduce quantum physics to students of all ages. The Wonders of Quantum Physics program offers kits focused on Art & Polarization (Grades K-5), Quantum Secret Sharing (Grades 5-8), Electron Transitions (Grades 5-12), and Wave-Particle Duality (Grades 7-12). Kits are accessible for students across disciplines, with teacher facilitation guides and additional activities available online. Sign up now to receive your free kits. Questions can be directed to sarah.parker@wisc.edu.
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Featured ISBE Career Opportunities
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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.
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