Subject Index Schools

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) adopted amendments to the Part titled Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition, and Supervision. After initial implementation during the 2023-24 school year, additional updates were needed to align the Part with other regulations and state agencies.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code. A teacher who resigns after the conclusion of a school year must do so at least 30 calendar days prior to the commencement of the first student attendance day of the following school year.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Student Debt Assistance Act. Institutions of higher education must provide an official transcript to current or former students who owe a debt if the transcript is for a job application; academic transfer; application for state, federal, or institutional financial aid; to join the U.S. Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; or to pursue other postsecondary opportunities.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Bullying is now recognized on the additional bases of physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, and homelessness.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, school board members serving under section 10-10 of the School Code must complete trauma-informed practices training for students and staff during their required professional development leadership training.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act, adding requirements for higher education institutions, the Board of Higher Education, and the Illinois Community College Board to aid students who experience homelessness.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code, adding requirements for school districts to include suicide prevention information on identification cards.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code, adding requirements to ensure that school districts’ content on internet websites or web services is accessible to persons with disabilities.

This Act amends the School Code to allow full-time teachers and other qualifying individuals to take sick leave for mental or behavioral health complications.

On May 20, the Third District of the Illinois Appellate Court reversed a school board’s dismissal of a tenured guidance counselor.

The State Board of Education adopted an amendment to Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees under the School Code. The amendment implements the School Code’s new evaluation timeframes for teachers.

The Office of the Treasurer amended the Secure Choice Savings Program. Eligibility for the program is expanded to cover employees who are 18 years or older and work for an employer with at least five employees.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code to reflect updated leadership training requirements for Illinois school board members. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, trauma-informed practice training for students and staff will be required.

The State Board of Education adopted amendments to the Agricultural Education Program. The amendments provide changes to the eligibility and use of the incentive grants for secondary agricultural education.

The Dual Credit Quality Act is amended to require each community college district, in partnership with area high schools, to ensure students with disabilities have access to dual-credit courses and relevant supplementary aids if they meet the entry criteria.

The Illinois State Board of Education amended Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision. The amendment modifies an existing computer science framework by introducing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, augmented reality, and robotics, beginning in the 2022-23 school year.

On Sept. 20, 2021, the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that student report cards of two school districts should not be compared in certain circumstances when reviewing a petition for detachment and annexation.

The School Code is amended to mandate school districts to include in their policies a definition of prohibited grooming behaviors and how to report these behaviors.

The School Code is amended to include in the school curriculum an age-appropriate discussion about sexting.

The State Board of Education updated the social science learning standards for K-12 students. For the 2022-23 school year, the social science learning standards will consist of inquiry standards and disciplinary standards.

The School Code was amended to require schools to provide written notifications to the parent or guardian when their student commits an act of misconduct.

This Act amends the School Code and various other acts to give the governing boards of school districts the ability to modify sports uniforms.

The State Board of Education adopted amendments to Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision, effective June 24, 2021, concerning the use of restraints in special-needs situations when necessary for the safety of students and staff.

The Illinois General Assembly adopted the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act in response to the U.S. Supreme Court holding that the NCAA cannot restrict student athlete compensation.

The Illinois State Board of Education adopted rules to incorporate culturally responsive teaching and leading (CRTL) standards into Illinois preparation programs.

The Illinois State Board of Education adopted amendments to the Part titled Special Education. The rulemaking creates a “qualified interpreter” position to assist parents with limited English proficiency during individualized education program (IEP) meetings.

The Illinois State Board of Education adopted amendments establishing education protocols to be followed whenever the governor declares a disaster due to a public health emergency. Specifically, the rulemaking addresses the implementation of remote-learning days and “blended” remote-learning days, teacher performance evaluations, and certain graduation requirements.

On Jan. 22, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the 2011 amendment to section 34-85 of Illinois School Code does not diminish the Chicago Board of Education’s implied power to issue a suspension on a tenured teacher.

The Department of Children and Family Services adopted amendments to Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes, Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, and Licensing Standards for Group Day Care Homes.