ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

This meeting will be audio cast on the Internet at: www.isbe.net

May 20, 2020 10:00 a.m.

1. Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance

A. Consideration of and Possible Actions on Any Requests for Participation in Meeting by Other Means

2. Public Participation

A. Public Participation will be completed using an online form that can be found

at https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-State-Board-of-Education-Calendar.aspx and will open on May 20

at 8:30 a.m. and close at 9:30 a.m. Participants will be able to review the participation guidelines and

indicate if they wish to speak. For Public Participation, please join the link below by computer or

phone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/708857797 Dial in: (786) 535-3211 Access Code: 708-

857-797

3. Presentations

A. Strategic Plan

4. Closed Session

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific

employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a

complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to

determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific

employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act

may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5

ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

B. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and

is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is

probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the

minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)

5. Superintendent’s Report – Consent Agenda

*All action consideration items listed with an asterisk (*) below are considered to be routine and will be enacted in one motion and vote. Any board member who wishes separate discussion on any item listed on the consent agenda may remove that item from the consent agenda, in which event, the item will be considered in its normal sequence.

A. *Approval of Minutes – Plenary Minutes: March 18, 2020 (pp. 3-10)

B. *Rules for Adoption -- Part 235 (Early Childhood Block Grant) Chronic Absenteeism (pp. 11-15)

C. *Rules for Adoption – Part 375 (Student Records) Parental Notification Changes (pp. 16-25)

D. *Rules for Adoption – Part 650 (Charter Schools) Charter School Commission Abolish (pp. 26-79)

Plenary Packet - Page 1

E. *Contracts and Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for

Proposals for E-rate State Matching Grant Program (pp. 80-83)

F. *Contracts and Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the Release and Award of the Competitive Grant from

the SEA Set-Aside Portion of the CARES Act Funding (pp. 84-85)

G. *Approval of Complaints Against Charter School Authorizers Under Section 650.65 of the Administrative

Code (pp. 86-87)

H. *Approval of Revised FY20 Board Meeting Dates (pp. 88-89)

I. *Approval of Revised FY21 Board Meeting Dates (pp.90-91)

End of Consent Agenda

6. Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Climate

Survey Change (pp. 92-101) 7. Discussion Items

A. Legislative Update (pp. 102-103)

B. Illinois CARES Federal Stimulus Funding (pp. 104-114)

8. Upcoming Board Actions

A. Part 226 (Special Education) Bilingual Interpreter (pp. 115-133)

B. Approval of Learning Technology Center Intergovernmental Agreement Renewal (pp. 134-144)

C. Approval of Discretionary Grant to Illinois Association of School Administrators for New Superintendent

Mentoring (pp. 141-144)

D. Approval of Cut Score Recommendations for Redeveloped Licensure Tests – Phase V (pp. 145-159)

E. Approval of IDEA Part D Discretionary Grant: State Personnel Development Grant (pp. 157-159)

F. Approval of additional funding for College Board to support the administration of the SAT being

administered in the Fall of School Year 2020-2021 for grade 12 students (pp. 160-161)

G. Approval of a three-year sole source contract with New Meridian to license Oklahoma science assessment

items to support the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). (pp. 162-163)

9. Public Participation (as needed)

10. Announcements & Reports

A. Superintendent’s/Senior Staff Announcements

B. Chair of the Board’s Report

C. Member Reports

11. Information Items

A. ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports (pp. 164-223)

B. FOIA Monthly Report (pp. 224-240)

12. Adjourn

This meeting will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons planning to attend who need special accommodations should contact the Board office no later than the date prior to the meeting. Contact the Superintendent's office at the State Board of Education. Phone: 217-782-2221; TTY/TDD: 217-782-1900; Fax: 217-785-3972.

NOTE: The Chair of the Board may call for a break in the meeting as necessary in order for the Board to go into closed session.

Plenary Packet - Page 2

Illinois State Board of Education Meeting May 20, 2020

Via Webinar Only

ROLL CALL Board Chairman Mr. Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.

Chair of the Board Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded. Chair of the Board Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with nine members. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Members Present: Mr. Darren Reisberg, Chair of the Board (via webinar) Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair (via webinar) Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Secretary (via webinar) Dr. Christine Benson (via webinar) Ms. Cynthia Latimer (via webinar) Dr. David Lett (via webinar) Ms. Susie Morrison (via webinar) Ms. Jacqueline Robbins (via webinar) Ms. Jane Quinlan (via webinar) Chair of the Board Reisberg recognized Illinois’ educators for their dedication during this time, especially in light of the challenges that remote learning poses. He also gave an update on the stimulus funding Illinois has received via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and congratulated members of the Class of 2020 for their accomplishments.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chair of the Board Reisberg reminded those in attendance of the updated public participation policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s remote meeting.

Matt Kelley, representing Education for Employment District 101 Regional Delivery System and the Kankakee Area Career Center, thanked the agency and Board members for their guidance and leadership. He spoke about the importance of career and technical education and the future of the workforce.

Amy Meek spoke on behalf of the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Illinois Raise Your Hand, the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, and Chicago United for Equity. She thanked Board members for their leadership and asked that the agency listen to the voices of parents and students to inform policy decisions and ensure transparency. She also requested that the agency provide guidance to districts to ensure CARES Act funds are targeted to advance equity and address needs for longer-term investments, rather than filling existing budget holes.

Latasha Schraeder from Carbondale Elementary School District 95 spoke about the Center for Advancement of Educational Initiatives at Illinois State University and the impact of her district’s partnership with the initiative.

Roy Hamilton, chair of board of Directors for Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS), spoke about the importance of keeping CVCS open in light of the pandemic.

LaShaun Bryant, parent and active learning coach at CVCS, spoke on behalf of CVCS and asked the Board to reconsider its decision to revoke CVCS’ charter.

Sharnell Jackson spoke about student engagement indicators and the lack of fairness in evaluating CVCS due to its unique nature. She requested that the Board reconsider its decision to revoke CVCS’ charter.

Approved June 17, 2020

Juanita Gryfinski from St. Charles SD 303 and the Illinois Association of School Nurses spoke about school nurses’ responses to the pandemic and how they continue to serve students and educators. She asked the Board to include nurses’ feedback in agency planning.

Aneesh Sohoni, executive director of Teach of America (TFA) Illinois, spoke about TFA’s response to the pandemic and the feedback that TFA has received from its stakeholders. He requested that the state continue to fund TFA at the levels it had previously.

Daniel Woestman, superintendent of Belvidere School District 100, spoke about the ISBE Draft Strategic Plan and shared some accomplishments from his district that align to it. He shared innovative insights that could potentially be reflected in the Strategic Plan. Dr. Ayala remarked that she looks forward to rescheduling her visit to Belvidere.

Avery Sims, a junior at Westinghouse College Prep, was first to speak from the Chi Students Pandemic Response group. He spoke about being an essential worker and trying to balance work with student responsibilities. He described the lack of empathy that teachers have toward students in similar positions and described the potential effects of Chicago Public Schools’ grading policy during the pandemic. He asked the agency to stand behind students in prioritizing their families and health during this time.

Finley Williams, a junior at Lane Tech College Prep, spoke on behalf of Alisa Smith, a parent of a Lane Tech student. She described how CPS’ grading policy doesn’t take into account different learning styles, requires families to assist students, and penalizes students who lack access to technology. Thus, she said that CPS is not adhering to the agency’s guidelines.

Ms. Williams also spoke on behalf of Jeffery Solan, a computer science teacher at Lane Tech. She asked that the agency compel CPS to modify the grading policy so that students and families had the ability to choose their grading option.

Cassius Palacio, member of the CPS Student Advisory Council, spoke on behalf Kai Louden, a student at Brooks College Preparatory High School. He said that it is unfair to assume that all students can maintain learning at high standards when students are unsafe at home or emotionally during the pandemic. He asked the agency to support students and hold CPS accountable.

Zachary Vander, a senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, explained that CPS is not adhering to agency guidelines for grading and is penalizing students who lack access to technology. He requested that the agency hold CPS accountable and invited the agency to lend its support to the students presenting at CPS’ meeting next week.

Osel Lopez spoke on behalf of Francisca Garcia, a senior at Prosser Career Academy. She testified about her drastic change in grades from third to fourth quarter and her struggle to balance academics and tend to her mental health during the pandemic. She asked the agency to make written objection to CPS’ grading policy.

Nova Gomez, junior at Lane Tech, testified about the personal impact of the CPS grading policy on her academics. She encouraged the agency to hold CPS accountable for letting grades reflect mental health instead of student effort.

Board members discussed how various districts have utilized agency guidance with respect to grading policies. They also discussed some of the difficulties posed to parents by remote learning and the inequities posed to different families. The Board highlighted the need for stronger and more explicit guidance on grading policies and requested that the Superintendent make concrete plans to discuss this issue with Chicago Public Schools

STRATEGIC PLAN PRESENTATION

Dr. Ayala discussed the updated agency Strategic Plan draft, which includes strategies to address needs that have been revealed by the COIVD-19 pandemic. The Board discussed the digital divide, learning loss, and how learning loss can be measured or defined in the Strategic Plan strategies.

Dr. Ayala discussed ESSA requirements, state assessments, and state accountability as they pertain to remote learning and resulting gaps. Financial Officer Robert Wolfe discussed the RSFP process for the state assessment system and the process by which the public could access information on bidder holdings. The Board discussed family and teacher preparation programs in relation to remote learning. Dr. Ayala discussed the process moving forward with the current Strategic Plan draft.

CLOSED SESSION Dr. Leak moved that the Board enter into closed session under the exceptions set forth in the Open Meetings Act of the State of Illinois as follows:

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

B. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILSCS 120/2(c)(11)

She further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The open meeting recessed at 12:06 p.m. and the Board went into closed session at 12:15 p.m. The open meeting reconvened at 1:23 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the consent agenda. Ms. Robbins moved that the State Board of Education approve the consent agenda with edits made to the fiscal year 2020 Board meeting schedule, noting that the March and May meetings were held virtually and that the March meeting was held in multiple locations. An addendum will be added to address the uncertainty of physical gatherings during the pandemic, given the requirements of the Open Meetings Act. Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously with a roll call vote. The following motions were approved by action taken in the consent agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes Plenary Minutes: March 18, 2020

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the March 18, 2020, meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption Part 235 (Early Childhood Block Grant) Chronic Absenteeism

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 235 (Early Childhood Block Grant) to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for second notice. Further, the Board authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to make such technical and non-substantive changes as the State Superintendent may deem necessary in response to suggestions or objections of JCAR.

Dr. Pacione-Zayas asked for clarification regarding the language in the rules, how attendance is calculated for Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs, the impacts on chronic absenteeism monitoring, and about the impact on community-based programs. Heather Calomese, executive director of Programs, and Amanda Elliott, executive director of Legislative Affairs, clarified that the language in the Rules was pulled directly from the statute. Staff will examine proposing clarifying changes to the statute in the future.

Part 375 (Student Records) Parental Notification Changes The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 375 (Student Records) to JCAR for second notice. Further, the Board authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to make such technical and non-substantive changes as the State Superintendent may deem necessary in response to suggestions or objections of JCAR.

Part 650 (Charter Schools) Charter School Commission Abolishment The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 650 (Charter Schools) to JCAR for second notice. Further, the Board authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to make such technical and non-substantive changes as the State Superintendent may deem necessary in response to suggestions or objections of JCAR.

Contracts and Grants Over $1 Million Approval of the Notice of Funding Opportunities /Request for Proposals for E-Rate State

Matching Grant Program The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release a Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO)/Request for Proposals (RFP) and award grants to eligible school districts for the E-rate State Matching Grant Program in FY 2021. The estimated cost of the grants will not exceed the appropriation for the program. Mr. Wolfe provided information on the appropriation of funds and the mechanisms of matching funds. Dr. Jennifer Kirmes, executive director of Teaching and Learning, reported that the agency has been watching the progress in the legislature on expanding this grant to reach home connectivity. Currently, the grant is intended to improve connectivity to school buildings. Approval of the Release and Award of the Competitive Grant from the SEA Set-Aside Portion

of the CARES Act Funding The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release a NOFO/RFP and award grants to eligible school districts for the Digital Divide Equity Grant in FY 2021.

Complaints Against Charter School Authorizers Under Section 650.65 of the Administrative Code

The State Board of Education hereby delegates authority to the State Superintendent to issue final written decisions in response to any complaints against charter school authorizers that are submitted to the agency in accordance with Section 650.65 of the Part 650 rules.

Approval of Revised FY 2020 Board Meeting Dates The State Board of Education approves the revised FY 2020 Board meeting schedule. The calendar will be corrected to denote that the March and May meetings were held virtually and that the March meeting was held in multiple locations. An addendum may be added to address the uncertainty of physical gatherings in light of the pandemic.

Approval of Revised FY 2021 Board Meeting Dates The State Board of Education hereby approves the revised FY 2021 dates for State Board of Education meetings. Ms. Morrison discussed the history of content specialists in the agency and the issues posed to agency staff considering the nonrenewal of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Illinois State University. She asked Dr. Ayala to reconsider the decision not to renew the IGA.

Ms.Quinlan requested information regarding policy, procedures, and protocols used by the agency when entering into or ending an IGA, and also requested that the agency consider how to move forward with IGAs with notifications and logistically closing items out.

RULES FOR INITIAL REVIEW – PART 1 (PUBLIC SCHOOLS EVALUATION, RECOGNITION AND SUPERVISION) CLIMATE SURVEY CHANGE

Dr. Ayala and Jeff Aranowski, executive director of Safe and Healthy Climate, noted that there were no substantive changes to the Part 1 Rules. References to the climate survey removed specific names of vendors, as discussed by the Education Policy Planning Committee. Chair or the Board Reisberg made a brief statement on his choice to abstain from this vote. Ms. Morrison made a motion that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment. Ms. Latimer seconded the motion, and it passed with eight votes in favor. Chair of the Board Reisberg abstained.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Ms. Elliott provided the Board with a legislative update. She discussed the filing of the FY 2021 budget; the companion bill for the budget has not yet been filed. She also discussed bills intended to meet needs resulting from the pandemic that the agency highlighted. Mr. Wolfe provided more information on the budget for FY 2021 and what funding could look like in FY 2022.

ILLINOIS CARES FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING

Dr. Ayala gave an update on the agency’s receipt of federal CARES Act funding and disbursement to schools. School districts are encouraged to apply for funding and utilize it as soon as they are approved. Mr. Wolfe and Dr. Matias broke down the CARES Act and discussed the process by which Local Education Agencies will apply for subgrants from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. The Board discussed the needs that arise from the pandemic with respect to both remote and in-person learning. They discussed the need to ensure that the funds can accommodate both needs and how the agency might support administrators in light of the uncertainties ahead. The Board also discussed how the agency is meeting the federal requirement to ensure community feedback is being gathered regarding the use of Governor's Emergency Education Relief and ESSER funds.

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Part 226 (Special Education) Bilingual Interpreter There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of Learning Technology Center Intergovernmental Agreement Renewal There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of Discretionary Grant to Illinois Association of School Administrators for New Superintendent Mentoring

There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of Cut Score Recommendations for Redeveloped Licensure Tests There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of IDEA Part D Discretionary Grant: State Personnel Development Grant

There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of Additional F for College Board to Support Administration of the SAT Being Administered in the Fall of School Year 2020021 for Grade 12 Students

There were no questions from the Board on this item.

Approval of a Three-Year Sole Source Contract with New Meridian to License Oklahoma Science Assessment Items to Support the Illinois Science Assessment There were no questions from the Board on this item.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements Dr. Ayala gave an update on the applications for CARES Act funds, which can be used until Sept. 30, 2021.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements at this time.

Member Reports Dr. Benson and Ms. Latimer announced that they had completed the Secretary of State literacy grants and invited other Board members to explore these grants. Dr. Pacione-Zayas announced that the Erikson Institute has released on-demand webinars for emergency child care providers and for schools. Dr. Pacione-Zayas is helping with reopening plans for Chicago and the State of Illinois pertaining to childcare and welcomes feedback for her to share. Dr. Leak commended educators across Illinois for their adaptability and creativity during this time. She challenged the Board to find ways to celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of educators.

INFORMATION ITEMS

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Lett moved that the meeting be adjourned. Dr. Pacione-Zayas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 3:07p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas Darren Reisberg Board Secretary Chair of the Board