HB2683eng 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB2683 Engrossed LRB099 07029 NHT 27112 b

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 2-3.25a, 2-3.25c, 2-3.25d, 2-3.25e-5, 2-3.25f, 2-3.136, 7-8, 10-17a, 10-29, 11E-120, and 21B-70 and by adding Section 2-3.25d-5 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25a) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25a)

Sec. 2-3.25a. "School district" defined; additional standards.

(a) For the purposes of this Section and Sections 3.25b, 3.25c, 3.25d, 3.25e, and 3.25f of this Code, "school district" includes other public entities responsible for administering public schools, such as cooperatives, joint agreements, charter schools, special charter districts, regional offices of education, local agencies, and the Department of Human Services.

(b) In addition to the standards established pursuant to Section 2-3.25, the State Board of Education shall develop recognition standards for student performance and school improvement in all public schools operated by school districts. The indicators to determine adequate yearly progress shall be limited to the State assessment of student performance in reading and mathematics, student attendance rates at the elementary school level, graduation rates at the high school level, and participation rates on student assessments. The standards shall be designed to permit the measurement of student performance and school improvement by schools and school districts compared to student performance and school improvement for the preceding academic years.

(Source: P.A. 96-734, eff. 8-25-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25c) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25c)

Sec. 2-3.25c. Rewards and acknowledgements. The State Board of Education shall implement a system of rewards for school districts, and the schools themselves, through a process that recognizes (i) high-poverty, high-performing schools that are closing achievement gaps and excelling in academic achievement; (ii) schools that have sustained high performance; (iii) schools that have substantial growth performance over the 3 years immediately preceding the year in which recognition is awarded; and (iv) schools that have demonstrated the most progress, in comparison to schools statewide, in closing the achievement gap among various subgroups of students in the 3 years immediately preceding the year in which recognition is awarded whose students and schools consistently meet adequate yearly progress criteria for 2 or more consecutive years and a system to acknowledge schools and districts that meet adequate yearly progress criteria in a given year as specified in Section 2-3.25d of this Code.

If a school or school district meets adequate yearly progress criteria for 2 consecutive school years, that school or district shall be exempt from review and approval of its improvement plan for the next 2 succeeding school years.

(Source: P.A. 93-470, eff. 8-8-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25d) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25d)

Sec. 2-3.25d. Multiple Measure Index and Annual Measurable Objectives Academic early warning and watch status.

(a) The State Board of Education shall establish a Multiple Measure Index and Annual Measurable Objectives for each public school in this State that address the school's overall performance in terms of (i) academic success and (ii) equity. At a minimum, "academic success" shall include measures of college and career readiness, growth, and the graduation rate. At a minimum, "equity" shall include both the academic growth and college and career readiness of each school's subgroups of students. Beginning with the 2005-2006 school year, unless the federal government formally disapproves of such policy through the submission and review process for the Illinois Accountability Workbook, those schools that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for 2 consecutive annual calculations in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall be placed on academic early warning status for the next school year. Schools on academic early warning status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a third annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall remain on academic early warning status. Schools on academic early warning status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a fourth annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall be placed on initial academic watch status. Schools on academic watch status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a fifth or subsequent annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall remain on academic watch status. Schools on academic early warning or academic watch status that meet adequate yearly progress criteria for 2 consecutive calculations shall be considered as having met expectations and shall be removed from any status designation.

The school district of a school placed on either academic early warning status or academic watch status may appeal the status to the State Board of Education in accordance with Section 2-3.25m of this Code.

A school district that has one or more schools on academic early warning or academic watch status shall prepare a revised School Improvement Plan or amendments thereto setting forth the district's expectations for removing each school from academic early warning or academic watch status and for improving student performance in the affected school or schools. Districts operating under Article 34 of this Code may prepare the School Improvement Plan required under Section 34-2.4 of this Code.

The revised School Improvement Plan for a school that is initially placed on academic early warning status or that remains on academic early warning status after a third annual calculation must be approved by the school board (and by the school's local school council in a district operating under Article 34 of this Code, unless the school is on probation pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 34-8.3 of this Code).

The revised School Improvement Plan for a school that is initially placed on academic watch status after a fourth annual calculation must be approved by the school board (and by the school's local school council in a district operating under Article 34 of this Code, unless the school is on probation pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 34-8.3 of this Code).

The revised School Improvement Plan for a school that remains on academic watch status after a fifth annual calculation must be approved by the school board (and by the school's local school council in a district operating under Article 34 of this Code, unless the school is on probation pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 34-8.3 of this Code). In addition, the district must develop a school restructuring plan for the school that must be approved by the school board (and by the school's local school council in a district operating under Article 34 of this Code).

A school on academic watch status that does not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a sixth annual calculation shall implement its approved school restructuring plan beginning with the next school year, subject to the State interventions specified in Sections 2-3.25f and 2-3.25f-5 of this Code.

(b) Beginning in 2015, all schools shall receive Annual Measurable Objectives that will provide annual targets for progress of each school's Multiple Measure Index. Each element of the Multiple Measure Index shall have an Annual Measurable Objective. Beginning with the 2005-2006 school year, unless the federal government formally disapproves of such policy through the submission and review process for the Illinois Accountability Workbook, those school districts that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for 2 consecutive annual calculations in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall be placed on academic early warning status for the next school year. Districts on academic early warning status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a third annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall remain on academic early warning status. Districts on academic early warning status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a fourth annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall be placed on initial academic watch status. Districts on academic watch status that do not meet adequate yearly progress criteria for a fifth or subsequent annual calculation in the same subject or in their participation rate, attendance rate, or graduation rate shall remain on academic watch status. Districts on academic early warning or academic watch status that meet adequate yearly progress criteria for one annual calculation shall be considered as having met expectations and shall be removed from any status designation.

A district placed on either academic early warning status or academic watch status may appeal the status to the State Board of Education in accordance with Section 2-3.25m of this Code.

Districts on academic early warning or academic watch status shall prepare a District Improvement Plan or amendments thereto setting forth the district's expectations for removing the district from academic early warning or academic watch status and for improving student performance in the district.

All District Improvement Plans must be approved by the school board.

(c) All revised School and District Improvement Plans shall be developed in collaboration with parents, staff in the affected school or school district, and outside experts. All revised School and District Improvement Plans shall be developed, submitted, and monitored pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education. The revised Improvement Plan shall address measurable outcomes for improving student performance so that such performance meets adequate yearly progress criteria as specified by the State Board of Education. All school districts required to revise a School Improvement Plan in accordance with this Section shall establish a peer review process for the evaluation of School Improvement Plans. (d) All federal requirements apply to schools and school districts utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(e) The State Board of Education, from any moneys it may have available for this purpose, must implement and administer a grant program that provides 2-year grants to school districts on the academic watch list and other school districts that have the lowest achieving students, as determined by the State Board of Education, to be used to improve student achievement. In order to receive a grant under this program, a school district must establish an accountability program. The accountability program must involve the use of statewide testing standards and local evaluation measures. A grant shall be automatically renewed when achievement goals are met. The Board may adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer this grant program.

(Source: P.A. 98-1155, eff. 1-9-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25d-5 new)

Sec. 2-3.25d-5. Priority and focus districts.

(a) Beginning in 2015, school districts designated as priority districts shall be those that have one or more priority schools. "Priority school" is defined as:

(1) a school that is among the lowest performing 5% of schools in this State based on a 3-year average, with respect to the performance of the "all students" group for the percentage of students deemed proficient in English/language arts and mathematics combined, and demonstrates a lack of progress as defined by the State Board of Education;

(2) a beginning secondary school that has an average graduation rate of less than 60% over the last 3 school years; or

(3) a school receiving a school improvement grant under Section 1003(g) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

The State Board of Education shall work with a priority district to perform a district needs assessment to determine the district's core functions that are areas of strength and weakness, unless the district is already undergoing a national accreditation process. The results from the district needs assessment shall be used by the district to identify goals and objectives for the district's improvement. The district needs assessment shall include a study of district functions, such as district finance, governance, student engagement, instruction practices, climate, community involvement, and continuous improvement.

(b) Beginning in 2015, districts designated as focus districts shall be those that have one or more focus schools. "Focus school" means a school that is contributing to the achievement gaps in this State and is defined as:

(1) a school that has a subgroup or subgroups with low achievement; or

(2) a school with an average graduation rate of less than 60% and not identified for priority.

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25e-5)

Sec. 2-3.25e-5. Two years as priority school on academic watch status; full-year school plan.

(a) In this Section, "school" means any of the following named public schools or their successor name:

(1) Dirksen Middle School in Dolton School District 149.

(2) Diekman Elementary School in Dolton School District 149.

(3) Caroline Sibley Elementary School in Dolton School District 149.

(4) Berger-Vandenberg Elementary School in Dolton School District 149.

(5) Carol Moseley Braun School in Dolton School District 149.

(6) New Beginnings Learning Academy in Dolton School District 149.

(7) McKinley Junior High School in South Holland School District 150.

(8) Greenwood Elementary School in South Holland School District 150.

(9) McKinley Elementary School in South Holland School District 150.

(10) Eisenhower School in South Holland School District 151.

(11) Madison School in South Holland School District 151.

(12) Taft School in South Holland School District 151.

(13) Wolcott School in Thornton School District 154.

(14) Memorial Junior High School in Lansing School District 158.

(15) Oak Glen Elementary School in Lansing School District 158.

(16) Lester Crawl Primary Center in Lansing School District 158.

(17) Brookwood Junior High School in Brookwood School District 167.

(18) Brookwood Middle School in Brookwood School District 167.

(19) Hickory Bend Elementary School in Brookwood School District 167.

(20) Medgar Evers Primary Academic Center in Ford Heights School District 169.

(21) Nathan Hale Elementary School in Sunnybrook School District 171.

(22) Ira F. Aldridge Elementary School in City of Chicago School District 299.

(23) William E.B. DuBois Elementary School in City of Chicago School District 299.

(b) If, after 2 years following its identification as a priority school under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code placement on academic watch status, a school remains a priority school on academic watch status, then, subject to federal appropriation money being available, the State Board of Education shall allow the school board to opt into the process of operating that school on a pilot, full-year school plan, approved by the State Board of Education, upon expiration of its teachers' current collective bargaining agreement until the expiration of the next collective bargaining agreement. A school board must notify the State Board of Education of its intent to opt into the process of operating a school on a pilot, full-year school plan.

(Source: P.A. 98-1155, eff. 1-9-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25f) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25f)

Sec. 2-3.25f. State interventions.

(a) The State Board of Education shall provide technical assistance to assist with the development and implementation of School and District Improvement Plans.

Schools or school districts that fail to make reasonable efforts to implement an approved Improvement Plan may suffer loss of State funds by school district, attendance center, or program as the State Board of Education deems appropriate.

(a-5) (Blank).

(b) Beginning in 2017, if If after 3 years following its identification as a priority district under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code, a district does not make progress as measured by a reduction in achievement gaps commensurate with the targets in this State's approved accountability plan with the U.S. Department of Education placement on academic watch status a school district or school remains on academic watch status, then the State Board of Education may (i) change the recognition status of the school district or school to nonrecognized or (ii) authorize the State Superintendent of Education to direct the reassignment of pupils or direct the reassignment or replacement of school district personnel who are relevant to the failure to meet adequate yearly progress criteria. If a school district is nonrecognized in its entirety, it shall automatically be dissolved on July 1 following that nonrecognition and its territory realigned with another school district or districts by the regional board of school trustees in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 7-11 of the School Code. The effective date of the nonrecognition of a school shall be July 1 following the nonrecognition.

(b-5) The State Board of Education shall also develop a system to provide assistance and resources to lower performing school districts. At a minimum, the State Board shall identify school districts to receive priority services, to be known as priority districts under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code. In addition, the State Board may, by rule, develop other categories of low-performing schools and school districts to receive services.

Districts designated as priority districts shall be those that fall within one of the following categories:

(1) Have at least one school that is among the lowest performing 5% of schools in this State based on a 3-year average, with respect to the performance of the "all students" group for the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in reading and mathematics combined, and demonstrate a lack of progress as defined by the State Board of Education.

(2) Have at least one secondary school that has an average graduation rate of less than 60% over the last 3 school years.

(3) Have at least one school receiving a school improvement grant under Section 1003(g) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

The State Board of Education shall work with a priority district to perform a district needs assessment to determine the district's core functions that are areas of strength and weakness, unless the district is already undergoing a national accreditation process. The results from the district needs assessment shall be used by the district to identify goals and objectives for the district's improvement. The district needs assessment shall include a study of district functions, such as district finance, governance, student engagement, instruction practices, climate, community involvement, and continuous improvement.

Based on the results of the district needs assessment under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code, the State Board of Education shall work with the district to provide technical assistance and professional development, in partnership with the district, to implement a continuous improvement plan that would increase outcomes for students. The plan for continuous improvement shall be based on the results of the district needs assessment and shall be used to determine the types of services that are to be provided to each priority district. Potential services for a district may include monitoring adult and student practices, reviewing and reallocating district resources, developing a district leadership team, providing access to curricular content area specialists, and providing online resources and professional development.

The State Board of Education may require priority districts identified as having deficiencies in one or more core functions of the district needs assessment to undergo an accreditation process as provided in subsection (d) of Section 2-3.25f-5 of this Code.

(c) All federal requirements apply to schools and school districts utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(Source: P.A. 97-370, eff. 1-1-12; 98-1155, eff. 1-9-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.136)

Sec. 2-3.136. Class size reduction grant programs.

(a) A K-3 class size reduction grant program is created. The program shall be implemented and administered by the State Board of Education. From appropriations made for purposes of this Section, the State Board shall award grants to schools that meet the criteria established by this subsection (a) for the award of those grants.

Grants shall be awarded pursuant to application. The form and manner of applications and the criteria for the award of grants shall be prescribed by the State Board of Education. The grant criteria as so prescribed, however, shall provide that only those schools that are identified as priority schools under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code and on the State Board of Education Early Academic Warning List or the academic watch list under Section 2-3.25d that maintain grades kindergarten through 3 are grant eligible.

Grants awarded to eligible schools under this subsection (a) shall be used and applied by the schools to defray the costs and expenses of operating and maintaining classes in grades kindergarten through 3 with an average class size within a specific grade of no more than 20 pupils. If a school's facilities are inadequate to allow for this specified class size, then a school may use the grant funds for teacher aides instead.

(b) A K-3 pilot class size reduction grant program is created. The program shall be implemented and administered by the State Board of Education. From appropriations made for purposes of this subsection (b), the State Board shall award grants to schools that meet the criteria established by this Section for the award of those grants.

Grants shall be awarded pursuant to application. The form and manner of application and the criteria for the award of grants shall be prescribed by the State Board of Education.

Grants awarded to eligible schools under this subsection (b) shall be used and applied by the schools to defray the costs and expenses of operating and maintaining classes in grades kindergarten through 3 of no more than 15 pupils per teacher per class. A teacher aide may not be used to meet this requirement.

(c) If a school board determines that a school is using funds awarded under this Section for purposes not authorized by this Section, then the school board, rather than the school, shall determine how the funds are used.

(d) The State Board of Education shall adopt any rules, consistent with the requirements of this Section, that are necessary to implement and administer the class size reduction grant programs.

(Source: P.A. 93-814, eff. 7-27-04; 94-566, eff. 1-1-06; 94-894, eff. 7-1-06.)

(105 ILCS 5/7-8) (from Ch. 122, par. 7-8)

Sec. 7-8. Limitation on successive petitions. No territory, nor any part thereof, which is involved in any proceeding to change the boundaries of a school district by detachment from or annexation to such school district of such territory, and which is not so detached nor annexed, shall be again involved in proceedings to change the boundaries of such school district for at least 2 two years after final determination of such first proceeding, unless during that 2-year 2 year period a petition filed is substantially different than any other previously filed petition during the previous 2 years or if a school district involved is identified as a priority district under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code, is placed on academic watch status or the financial watch list by the State Board of Education, or is certified as being in financial difficulty during that 2-year 2 year period or if such first proceeding involved a petition brought under Section 7-2b of this Article 7.

(Source: P.A. 93-470, eff. 8-8-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/10-17a) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-17a)

Sec. 10-17a. State, school district, and school report cards.

(1) By October 31, 2013 and October 31 of each subsequent school year, the State Board of Education, through the State Superintendent of Education, shall prepare a State report card, school district report cards, and school report cards, and shall by the most economic means provide to each school district in this State, including special charter districts and districts subject to the provisions of Article 34, the report cards for the school district and each of its schools.

(2) In addition to any information required by federal law, the State Superintendent shall determine the indicators and presentation of the school report card, which must include, at a minimum, the most current data possessed by the State Board of Education related to the following:

(A) school characteristics and student demographics, including average class size, average teaching experience, student racial/ethnic breakdown, and the percentage of students classified as low-income; the percentage of students classified as limited English proficiency; the percentage of students who have individualized education plans or 504 plans that provide for special education services; the percentage of students who annually transferred in or out of the school district; the per-pupil operating expenditure of the school district; and the per-pupil State average operating expenditure for the district type (elementary, high school, or unit);

(B) curriculum information, including, where applicable, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or equivalent courses, dual enrollment courses, foreign language classes, school personnel resources (including Career Technical Education teachers), before and after school programs, extracurricular activities, subjects in which elective classes are offered, health and wellness initiatives (including the average number of days of Physical Education per week per student), approved programs of study, awards received, community partnerships, and special programs such as programming for the gifted and talented, students with disabilities, and work-study students;

(C) student outcomes, including, where applicable, the percentage of students deemed proficient on assessments of meeting as well as exceeding State standards on assessments, the percentage of students in the eighth grade who pass Algebra, the percentage of students enrolled in post-secondary institutions (including colleges, universities, community colleges, trade/vocational schools, and training programs leading to career certification within 2 semesters of high school graduation), the percentage of students graduating from high school who are college and career ready, the percentage of students graduating from high school who are career ready, and the percentage of graduates enrolled in community colleges, colleges, and universities who are in one or more courses that the community college, college, or university identifies as a developmental remedial course;

(D) student progress, including, where applicable, the percentage of students in the ninth grade who have earned 5 credits or more without failing more than one core class, a measure of students entering kindergarten ready to learn, a measure of growth, and the percentage of students who enter high school on track for college and career readiness; and

(E) the school environment, including, where applicable, the percentage of students with less than 10 absences in a school year, the percentage of teachers with less than 10 absences in a school year for reasons other than professional development, leaves taken pursuant to the federal Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, long-term disability, or parental leaves, the 3-year average of the percentage of teachers returning to the school from the previous year, the number of different principals at the school in the last 6 years, 2 or more indicators from any school climate survey selected or approved by the State and administered pursuant to Section 2-3.153 of this Code, with the same or similar indicators included on school report cards for all surveys selected or approved by the State pursuant to Section 2-3.153 of this Code, and the combined percentage of teachers rated as proficient or excellent in their most recent evaluation.

The school report card shall also provide information that allows for comparing the current outcome, progress, and environment data to the State average, to the school data from the past 5 years, and to the outcomes, progress, and environment of similar schools based on the type of school and enrollment of low-income, special education, and limited English proficiency students.

(3) At the discretion of the State Superintendent, the school district report card shall include a subset of the information identified in paragraphs (A) through (E) of subsection (2) of this Section, as well as information relating to the operating expense per pupil and other finances of the school district, and the State report card shall include a subset of the information identified in paragraphs (A) through (E) of subsection (2) of this Section.

(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, in consultation with key education stakeholders, the State Superintendent shall at any time have the discretion to amend or update any and all metrics on the school, district, or State report card.

(5) Annually, no more than 30 calendar days after receipt of the school district and school report cards from the State Superintendent of Education, each school district, including special charter districts and districts subject to the provisions of Article 34, shall present such report cards at a regular school board meeting subject to applicable notice requirements, post the report cards on the school district's Internet web site, if the district maintains an Internet web site, make the report cards available to a newspaper of general circulation serving the district, and, upon request, send the report cards home to a parent (unless the district does not maintain an Internet web site, in which case the report card shall be sent home to parents without request). If the district posts the report card on its Internet web site, the district shall send a written notice home to parents stating (i) that the report card is available on the web site, (ii) the address of the web site, (iii) that a printed copy of the report card will be sent to parents upon request, and (iv) the telephone number that parents may call to request a printed copy of the report card.

(6) Nothing contained in this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly repeals, supersedes, invalidates, or nullifies final decisions in lawsuits pending on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly in Illinois courts involving the interpretation of Public Act 97-8.

(Source: P.A. 97-671, eff. 1-24-12; 98-463, eff. 8-16-13; 98-648, eff. 7-1-14.)

(105 ILCS 5/10-29)

Sec. 10-29. Remote educational programs.

(a) For purposes of this Section, "remote educational program" means an educational program delivered to students in the home or other location outside of a school building that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) A student may participate in the program only after the school district, pursuant to adopted school board policy, and a person authorized to enroll the student under Section 10-20.12b of this Code determine that a remote educational program will best serve the student's individual learning needs. The adopted school board policy shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A) Criteria for determining that a remote educational program will best serve a student's individual learning needs. The criteria must include consideration of, at a minimum, a student's prior attendance, disciplinary record, and academic history.

(B) Any limitations on the number of students or grade levels that may participate in a remote educational program.

(C) A description of the process that the school district will use to approve participation in the remote educational program. The process must include without limitation a requirement that, for any student who qualifies to receive services pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, the student's participation in a remote educational program receive prior approval from the student's individualized education program team.

(D) A description of the process the school district will use to develop and approve a written remote educational plan that meets the requirements of subdivision (5) of this subsection (a).

(E) A description of the system the school district will establish to calculate the number of clock hours a student is participating in instruction in accordance with the remote educational program.

(F) A description of the process for renewing a remote educational program at the expiration of its term.

(G) Such other terms and provisions as the school district deems necessary to provide for the establishment and delivery of a remote educational program.

(2) The school district has determined that the remote educational program's curriculum is aligned to State learning standards and that the program offers instruction and educational experiences consistent with those given to students at the same grade level in the district.

(3) The remote educational program is delivered by instructors that meet the following qualifications:

(A) they are certificated under Article 21 of this Code;

(B) they meet applicable highly qualified criteria under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and

(C) they have responsibility for all of the following elements of the program: planning instruction, diagnosing learning needs, prescribing content delivery through class activities, assessing learning, reporting outcomes to administrators and parents and guardians, and evaluating the effects of instruction.

(4) During the period of time from and including the opening date to the closing date of the regular school term of the school district established pursuant to Section 10-19 of this Code, participation in a remote educational program may be claimed for general State aid purposes under Section 18-8.05 of this Code on any calendar day, notwithstanding whether the day is a day of pupil attendance or institute day on the school district's calendar or any other provision of law restricting instruction on that day. If the district holds year-round classes in some buildings, the district shall classify each student's participation in a remote educational program as either on a year-round or a non-year-round schedule for purposes of claiming general State aid. Outside of the regular school term of the district, the remote educational program may be offered as part of any summer school program authorized by this Code.

(5) Each student participating in a remote educational program must have a written remote educational plan that has been approved by the school district and a person authorized to enroll the student under Section 10-20.12b of this Code. The school district and a person authorized to enroll the student under Section 10-20.12b of this Code must approve any amendment to a remote educational plan. The remote educational plan must include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(A) Specific achievement goals for the student aligned to State learning standards.

(B) A description of all assessments that will be used to measure student progress, which description shall indicate the assessments that will be administered at an attendance center within the school district.

(C) A description of the progress reports that will be provided to the school district and the person or persons authorized to enroll the student under Section 10-20.12b of this Code.

(D) Expectations, processes, and schedules for interaction between a teacher and student.

(E) A description of the specific responsibilities of the student's family and the school district with respect to equipment, materials, phone and Internet service, and any other requirements applicable to the home or other location outside of a school building necessary for the delivery of the remote educational program.

(F) If applicable, a description of how the remote educational program will be delivered in a manner consistent with the student's individualized education program required by Section 614(d) of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 or plan to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(G) A description of the procedures and opportunities for participation in academic and extra-curricular activities and programs within the school district.

(H) The identification of a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult who will provide direct supervision of the program. The plan must include an acknowledgment by the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult that he or she may engage only in non-teaching duties not requiring instructional judgment or the evaluation of a student. The plan shall designate the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult as non-teaching personnel or volunteer personnel under subsection (a) of Section 10-22.34 of this Code.

(I) The identification of a school district administrator who will oversee the remote educational program on behalf of the school district and who may be contacted by the student's parents with respect to any issues or concerns with the program.

(J) The term of the student's participation in the remote educational program, which may not extend for longer than 12 months, unless the term is renewed by the district in accordance with subdivision (7) of this subsection (a).

(K) A description of the specific location or locations in which the program will be delivered. If the remote educational program is to be delivered to a student in any location other than the student's home, the plan must include a written determination by the school district that the location will provide a learning environment appropriate for the delivery of the program. The location or locations in which the program will be delivered shall be deemed a long distance teaching reception area under subsection (a) of Section 10-22.34 of this Code.

(L) Certification by the school district that the plan meets all other requirements of this Section.

(6) Students participating in a remote educational program must be enrolled in a school district attendance center pursuant to the school district's enrollment policy or policies. A student participating in a remote educational program must be tested as part of all assessments administered by the school district pursuant to Section 2-3.64a-5 of this Code at the attendance center in which the student is enrolled and in accordance with the attendance center's assessment policies and schedule. The student must be included within all adequate yearly progress and other accountability determinations for the school district and attendance center under State and federal law.

(7) The term of a student's participation in a remote educational program may not extend for longer than 12 months, unless the term is renewed by the school district. The district may only renew a student's participation in a remote educational program following an evaluation of the student's progress in the program, a determination that the student's continuation in the program will best serve the student's individual learning needs, and an amendment to the student's written remote educational plan addressing any changes for the upcoming term of the program.

(b) A school district may, by resolution of its school board, establish a remote educational program.

(c) Clock hours of instruction by students in a remote educational program meeting the requirements of this Section may be claimed by the school district and shall be counted as school work for general State aid purposes in accordance with and subject to the limitations of Section 18-8.05 of this Code.

(d) The impact of remote educational programs on wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment of educational employees within the school district shall be subject to local collective bargaining agreements.

(e) The use of a home or other location outside of a school building for a remote educational program shall not cause the home or other location to be deemed a public school facility.

(f) A remote educational program may be used, but is not required, for instruction delivered to a student in the home or other location outside of a school building that is not claimed for general State aid purposes under Section 18-8.05 of this Code.

(g) School districts that, pursuant to this Section, adopt a policy for a remote educational program must submit to the State Board of Education a copy of the policy and any amendments thereto, as well as data on student participation in a format specified by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education may perform or contract with an outside entity to perform an evaluation of remote educational programs in this State.

(h) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules necessary to ensure compliance by remote educational programs with the requirements of this Section and other applicable legal requirements.

(Source: P.A. 97-339, eff. 8-12-11; 98-972, eff. 8-15-14.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-120)

Sec. 11E-120. Limitation on successive petitions.

(a) No affected district shall be again involved in proceedings under this Article for at least 2 years after a final non-procedural determination of the first proceeding, unless during that 2-year 2 year period a petition filed is substantially different than any other previously filed petition during the previous 2 years or if an affected district is identified as a priority district under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code, is placed on academic watch status or the financial watch list by the State Board of Education, or is certified as being in financial difficulty during that 2-year 2 year period.

(b) Nothing contained in this Section shall be deemed to limit or restrict the ability of an elementary district to join an optional elementary unit district in accordance with the terms and provisions of subsection (d) of Section 11E-30 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 94-1019, eff. 7-10-06.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-70)

Sec. 21B-70. Illinois Teaching Excellence Program.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Poverty or low-performing school" means a school identified as a priority school under Section 2-3.25d-5 of this Code in academic early warning status or academic watch status or a school in which 50% or more of its students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches.

"Qualified educator" means a teacher or school counselor currently employed in a school district who is in the process of obtaining certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or who has completed certification and holds a current Professional Educator License with a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation or a retired teacher or school counselor who holds a Professional Educator License with a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation.

(b) Beginning on July 1, 2011, any funds appropriated for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program must be used to provide monetary assistance and incentives for qualified educators who are employed by school districts and who have or are in the process of obtaining licensure through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The goal of the program is to improve instruction and student performance.

The State Board of Education shall allocate an amount as annually appropriated by the General Assembly for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program for (i) application fees for each qualified educator seeking to complete certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, to be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and (ii) incentives for each qualified educator to be distributed to the respective school district. The school district shall distribute this payment to each eligible teacher or school counselor as a single payment.

The State Board of Education's annual budget must set out by separate line item the appropriation for the program. Unless otherwise provided by appropriation, qualified educators are eligible for monetary assistance and incentives outlined in subsection (c) of this Section.

(c) When there are adequate funds available, monetary assistance and incentives shall include the following:

(1) A maximum of $2,000 towards the application fee for up to 750 teachers or school counselors in a poverty or low-performing school who apply on a first-come, first-serve basis for National Board certification.

(2) A maximum of $2,000 towards the application fee for up to 250 teachers or school counselors in a school other than a poverty or low-performing school who apply on a first-come, first-serve basis for National Board certification. However, if there were fewer than 750 individuals supported in item (1) of this subsection (c), then the number supported in this item (2) may be increased as such that the combination of item (1) of this subsection (c) and this item (2) shall equal 1,000 applicants.

(3) A maximum of $1,000 towards the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' renewal application fee.

(4) (Blank).

(5) An annual incentive equal to $1,500, which shall be paid to each qualified educator currently employed in a school district who holds both a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation and a current corresponding certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and who agrees, in writing, to provide at least 30 hours of mentoring or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards professional development or both during the school year to classroom teachers or school counselors, as applicable. Funds must be dispersed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority given to poverty or low-performing schools. Mentoring shall include, either singly or in combination, the following:

(A) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification candidates.

(B) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards re-take candidates.

(C) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards renewal candidates.

(D) (Blank).

Funds may also be used for instructional leadership training for qualified educators interested in supporting implementation of the Illinois Learning Standards or teaching and learning priorities of the State Board of Education or both.

(Source: P.A. 97-607, eff. 8-26-11; 98-646, eff. 7-1-14.)

Section 10. The School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act is amended by changing Section 2.5 as follows:

(105 ILCS 125/2.5)

Sec. 2.5. Breakfast incentive program. The State Board of Education shall fund a breakfast incentive program comprised of the components described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this Section, provided that a separate appropriation is made for the purposes of this Section. The State Board of Education may allocate the appropriation among the program components in whatever manner the State Board of Education finds will best serve the goal of increasing participation in school breakfast programs. If the amount of the appropriation allocated under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Section is insufficient to fund all claims submitted under that particular paragraph, the claims under that paragraph shall be prorated.

(1) Additional funding incentive. The State Board of Education may reimburse each sponsor of a school breakfast program at least an additional $0.10 for each free, reduced-price, and paid breakfast served over and above the number of such breakfasts served in the same month during the preceding year.

(2) Start-up incentive. The State Board of Education may make grants to school boards and welfare centers that agree to start a school breakfast program in one or more schools or other sites. First priority for these grants shall be given through August 15 to schools in which 40% or more of their students are eligible for free and reduced price meals, based on the school district's previous year's October claim, under the National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.). Depending on the availability of funds and the rate at which funds are being utilized, the State Board of Education is authorized to allow additional schools or other sites to receive these grants in the order in which they are received by the State Board of Education. The amount of the grant shall be $3,500 for each qualifying school or site in which a school breakfast program is started. The grants shall be used to pay the start-up costs for the school breakfast program, including equipment, supplies, and program promotion, but shall not be used for food, labor, or other recurring operational costs. Applications for the grants shall be made to the State Board of Education on forms designated by the State Board of Education. Any grantee that fails to operate a school breakfast program for at least 3 years after receipt of a grant shall refund the amount of the grant to the State Board of Education.

(3) Non-traditional breakfast incentive. Understanding that there are barriers to implementing a school breakfast program in a traditional setting such as in a cafeteria, the State Board of Education may make grants to school boards and welfare centers to offer the school breakfast program in non-traditional settings or using non-traditional methods. Priority will be given to applications through August 15 of each year from schools that are identified as priority schools under Section 2-3.25d-5 of the School Code on the Early Academic Warning List. Depending on the availability of funds and the rate at which funds are being utilized, the State Board of Education is authorized to allow additional schools or other sites to receive these grants in the order in which they are received by the State Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 96-158, eff. 8-7-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25m rep.)

Section 15. The School Code is amended by repealing Section 2-3.25m.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2015.