Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education Policy Planning Committee met Nov. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. Roll Call

Chairperson Susie Morrison brought the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present with three members. She verified that each member could hear one another and follow the discussion, and that they were able to testify.

Committee Members Present

Chairperson Susie Morrison

Dr. Donna Leak (virtual)

Jaime Guzman (virtual)

Other Board Members Present

None

Staff Present

Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, State Superintendent

Kirsten Parr, Board Services Coordinator

Kim Clarke, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent

Barbara Moore, Director of Special Education

Dr. Brenda Dixon, Research and Evaluation Officer

Carisa Hurley, Director of Early Childhood

Dr. Christine Paxson, Director of ESSA/IL-EMPOWER

Dr. Dana Kinley, Executive Director of Systems of Support

Emily Fox, Director of Educator Effectiveness

Dr. Erica Thieman, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Ernesto Matias, Education Officer

Hector Rodriguez, Director of Government Relations

Jeff Aranowski, Executive Director of Safe & Healthy Climate

Dr. Jason Helfer, Deputy Instructional Education Officer

Dr. Jennifer Kirmes, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Jennifer Saba, Executive Director of Regional Services

Laura Boedeker, Assistant Legal Counsel

Krish Mohip, Deputy Operational Education Officer

Marci Johnson, Director of CTE and Innovation

Martin McGreal, Director of District/School Leadership

Oriana Wilson, Executive Director of Programs

Robert Wolfe, Financial Officer

Dr. Sean Clayton, Director of Assessment

Laura Boedeker, Assistant Legal Counsel

Irma Snopek, Policy and Communications Officer

Mark Haller, Director of Nutrition

Dean Held, Supervisor of Nutrition

Cara Wiley, Director of Wellness

Jeremy Duffy, Legal Officer

Molly Uhe-Edmonds, Director of Student Care

Derreck Langwith, Director of ROE/ISC

II. Public Participation

John Burkey, executive director of the Large Unit District Association (LUDA), discussed competency-based education (CBE). He shared a document that LUDA has produced. He explained that the book has stories from seven districts about why they got into CBE and their successes and challenges.

III. Approval of the October 5, 2021, Meeting Minutes

Mr. Guzman made the motion for the Education Policy Planning Committee to approve the October 5, 2021, meeting minutes. Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

IV. Discussion Items

A. National Council on Teacher Quality - Teacher Licensure Tests

Hannah Putnam, managing director of research for the National Council on Teacher Quality, discussed teacher licensure tests. She spoke about the importance of licensure tests, the strengths of Illinois’ elementary content licensure test, and the many ways of examining institutional pass rates. She also showed several graphs, including graphs on best attempt pass rates, first-attempt pass rates, test takers of color, national walk away rate, Pell grant status, and subtest rates. She finally shared opportunities to build off this data.

Ms. Morrison asked how Illinois compares with having science and social sciences testing together, and asked if other states accept standard cut score recommendations. Ms. Putnam noted that more than half of states use subject tests and most follow recommended scores. She added that Pearson does not publish cut score recommendations so the school must do this.

Dr. Leak loved the data that showed the people enrolled in programs versus the people who are not. She asked if the team has any information on the pass rate data. Ms. Putnam said that information might be available through ISBE or the testing agencies.

Ms. Morrison asked how the committee can access the data. Ms. Putnam shared that the website is passrates.nctq.org.

Dr. Leak asked if there is data that shows numbers instead of percentages, and Ms. Putnam showed some graphs with numbers.

Mr. Guzman asked if there is information about what institutions are doing to prepare incoming teachers after they fail the test. Ms. Putnam said that there is no research on that yet at the institutional level.

Dr. Leak asked if there is data on prospective teachers that do not continue after their first failed test. The answer was no.

Mr. Guzman asked what other states are doing to solve the problem, and if states are working with some of the successful institutions. Ms. Putnam said that some states are sharing data informally with teacher preparation programs; Utah is thinking about building its own dashboard. She also mentioned that Pearson should be able to help provide data on the walk-away rate for prospective teachers of color.

Dr. Leak shared that there is a shortage of teachers of color and special education teachers. She thinks that ISBE should meet with teacher prep programs and higher education programs to work on this important issue.

Ms. Morrison thanked Ms. Putnam and reminded the team that it is important what ISBE does with this data. Dr. Ayala added that the data reemphasizes the Strategic Plan, specifically the plan of elevating educators of color and having affinity groups.

B. Update on the Equity Continuum Rollout

Dr. Ayala provided an update on the equity continuum rollout. She shared that there is a fact sheet coming out next week, and the team also created an equity website that has resources. She noted that the Equity

Committee is currently working on presentations for stakeholders. She also said that the data behind the equity continuum will provided to districts in the second semester, and the team wants to provide accurate definitions and information.

Dr. Leak mentioned that she has noticed confusion from her colleagues in terms of critical race theory, equity, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Ayala confirmed that there will be clear definitions for these terms so there will be less confusion.

C. High Impact Tutoring Update

Dr. Kirmes presented a high-impact tutoring update. She discussed the progress and the next steps, and also discussed other supports for tutoring.

Chair Morrison asked if districts have been identified. The answer was no, and Dr. Kirmes explained that the team needed to complete the intergovernmental agreement first.

Chair Morrison asked if the tutoring is still expected to start in January. Dr. Kirmes said that it depends on the progress of the school, but hopefully it all will start by early spring.

Ms. Morrison asked if the tutoring will continue in the summer, and the answer was yes.

Ms. Morrison asked if tutoring for K-2 is still a possibility. Dr. Kirmes mentioned that she has brought it up to partners, and some partners are open to discussing the possibility with districts.

Mr. Guzman asked if the tutoring will still be in-person, and the answer was yes.

Chair Morrison asked if there is an evaluator yet. The answer was no, but Dr. Kirmes noted that there is money in the budget for an evaluator.

Dr. Leak asked if the team could share the information on which districts are participating, and Dr. Kirmes said she can provide that information.

V. Review of November Board Action Items

A. Rules for Initial Review - Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 425 (Voluntary Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Schools) School Recognition Processes

Mr. Langwith presented on this item.

Chair Morrison asked if the team has created a side-by-side comparison document. Mr. Langwith said it has redlined the rules, but this is not in a chart yet.

Chair Morrison asked how long the rules have been in place. Mr. Langwith said that they have been in place for a long time, but he was not sure of the exact length of time.

Chair Morrison asked how often schools have been nonrecognized in the past 10 years. Mr. Langwith only knew of one instance when this occurred.

Chair Morrison asked if the new rules will make school recognition a frequent occurrence. Mr. Langwith said it really depends on the district; there are many opportunities for schools to demonstrate compliance.

Chair Morrison asked who will be choosing the hearing officers. It was determined that the hearing officers will be chosen and paid by ISBE.

Chair Morrison said that it seems like regional superintendents have less of a role than in the past with recognition. She feels like the State Superintendent should be the last stop and not the first stop. She is curious why the regional superintendents are not the first stop in this process. Mr. Langwith reassured that regional superintendents still conduct the initial outreach, do annual visits, and report to ISBE first.

Dr. Leak mentioned that the language on paper might be confusing. Mr. Langwith said that if the committee points out confusing language in the document, the team can edit it. Dr. Leak also agreed that a current and proposed table would be helpful.

B. Rules for Initial Review – Part 6 (Mandatory Vaccinations for School Personnel) New Part Mr. Aranowski presented on this item.

Chair Morrison asked how many other executive orders ISBE has made rules for. Mr. Aranowski said he would need to confirm with the rule maker but believes there have been nearly a dozen emergency rules since the pandemic began.

Chair Morrison asked if ISBE or the Illinois Department of Public Health put these rules forward. The answer was ISBE. She asked which rules ISBE has promulgated, and Mr. Aranowski said he can give information to the team.

Ms. Morrison asked if there is data on teachers who are not employed because of this rule. Mr. Aranowski said that districts did not have to report that information to ISBE.

C. Rules for Initial Review - Part 23 (Standards for School Support Personnel Endorsements), 27 (Standards for Endorsements in Specific Teaching Fields), and 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code)

There were no questions for this item.

D. Rules for Initial Review - Part 25 (Educator Licensure)

Chair Morrison asked if there are virtual options available. Ms. White noted that the educators can submit a portfolio. It was also added that they can provide an audio recording or transcript since edTPA no longer requires educators to submit videos.

E. Rules for Initial Review - Part 30 (Programs for the Preparation of Principals in Illinois) and 33 (Programs for the Preparation of Superintendents in Illinois)

There were no questions for this item.

F. Rules for Adoption – Part 268 (After School Program Rules)

There were no questions for this item.

G. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of FY22 Special Education Data Upward Amendment There were no questions for this item.

H. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) – Collaborative Partnerships

There were no questions for this item.

I. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval to release a Request for Sealed Proposal for USDA Foods Warehousing and Distribution

There were no questions for this item.

J. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with University of Illinois Cooperative Extension/Child Nutrition

There were no questions for this item.

K. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval of FY22 After School Program Allocations and Awards There were no questions for this item.

VI. Review of December Board Action Items

A. Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Bullying Policy Submission Requirements)

Ms. Uhe-Edmonds presented on this item.

Chair Morrison asked if staff is being helpful and verifying that districts have all the elements. Ms. Uhe-Edmonds confirmed this is correct and that it is a collective approach.

B. Rules for Initial Review - Part 35 (Mentoring Program for New Principals)

Mr. McGreal presented on this item.

Dr. Leak summarized the two major changes, and Mr. McGreal confirmed that her summary was correct.

C. Rules for Initial Review - Part 65 (New Teacher Induction and Mentoring)

Dr. Kirmes presented on this item.

Dr. Leak asked about the changes in funding for the stipend. Dr. Kirmes explained that there has not been an appropriation for a long time. She added that now that the language was changed, ISBE has more discretion on how this money is spent. Dr. Leak asked if it would be fluid, and the answer was yes.

D. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois State University to Administer the Illinois National Board Professional Preparation Support System

Ms. White presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

E. Contracts and Grants over $1 Million: Approval to Release and Award FY 2023 Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education Requests for Proposals

Ms. Johnson presented on this item.

Chair Morrison asked what part of the stakeholders’ recommendation should be changed. Ms. Johnson said their recommendations were not related to this grant, so the team is working on how to fund those projects. She explained that some of the initiatives include more support with work-based learning and focusing on curriculum.

Chair Morrison asked if the five field service people and director are going to lose their jobs. Ms. Johnson said she does not know since others can apply, but the new entity can possibly take on the six employees.

Chair Morrison questioned if not-for-profit entities were the best option. Ms. Johnson said the team can take this into consideration as they write the Request for Proposals (RFP). She shared that the team got comments from the field that other entities would like to apply.

Chair Morrison asked if there is an external evaluation. Ms. Johnson said that there is a yearly annual report but not an external evaluation and noted she could certainly investigate this.

Dr. Leak was happy to see that more people of color are participating and asked if the virtual options are going to continue. Ms. Johnson said there were many virtual supports during COVID-19, and the team can consider keeping some as options.

Chair Morrison asked about the options the team will not include in an RFP. Ms. Johnson explained that the biggest topic is curriculum because the team wants to move curriculum development somewhere else with its own funds.

F. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Illinois Early Learning Project Website (IELP) Intergovernmental Agreement – University of Illinois

Dr. Helfer presented on this item.

Dr. Leak confirmed that items 6.F, 6.G, 6.H, 6.I, and 6.J are all related. Dr. Helfer confirmed this is correct, and they are all under the Early Childhood Block Grant.

G. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Sealed Proposals (RFSP): PFA/PFAE Program Monitoring for Quality and Compliance

Dr. Helfer presented on this item.

Mr. Guzman asked if the program monitoring includes topics such as race, equity, and ethnicities. Dr. Helfer said he could provide this information in a Board update.

H. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Preschool Discretionary Support Project - Early Choices

Dr. Helfer presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

I. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Preschool Discretionary Support Project – STAR Net

Dr. Helfer presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

J. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval to release and award a Request for Proposals for Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion Training and Technical Assistance: Three to Five Years

Dr. Helfer presented on this item.

Dr. Leak asked if this contract is about training and technical assistance, and the answer was yes.

K. Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement for Affinity Groups Ms. White presented on this item.

Chair Morrison asked if this was a request that came from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS). Ms. White explained ROE 51 was chosen because of its past working relationship and it was funded with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief II funds. Chair Morrison asked if IARSS weighed in on which ROE should be the lead. Ms. White was not sure if IARSS was contacts, but the regional superintendent at ROE 51 was contacted.

Chair Morrison asked about the data points for three-year retention for non-white and white educators. Ms. White said the data considered whether educators stayed in the same district for three years and the retention rate for white teachers was higher.

Chair Morrison noticed that the data was different on the website. Ms. White explained that the website shared data if educators stayed within the profession, even if they moved to another district. The data Ms. White shared displayed if educators stayed within the same district. Chair Morrison asked if the team prefers for educators to stay in the same district, and Ms. White said yes that is better for students. Ms. Morrison would like for the data to be confirmed.

Chair Morrison asked where the money is going toward. Ms. White said there is first prework, then working with schools and the data, and then coordination. Ms. Morrison asked if the teachers will be paid for participating. Ms. White said the contract is not finished yet, but this could be a possibility.

Dr. Leak would also like to know what the ROE is specifically planning to provide and how it is going to reach people of color. She believes that the data tells a true story in terms of retention.

Mr. Guzman wondered how the affinity groups and policy fit together and would like more details. He also encouraged the team to set realistic expectations.

L. Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board Appointment

Ms. White presented on this item.

Dr. Leak asked if there is still one teacher vacancy, and Ms. White confirmed this is correct and the team is working on that now.

VII. New Business: Items for the Next Agenda

Dr. Leak would like more information for item 6.K.

Chair Morrison asked for an update on IL-EMPOWER and asked for any possible updates on assessment.

Mr. Wolfe shared that there will be an extra Finance and Audit Committee meeting on December 14 to discuss the budget.

VIII. Next Meeting: December 2, 2021

IX. Adjourn

Dr. Leak made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Guzman seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Chairperson Morrison adjourned the committee at 2:33 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20211104-EPP-Minutes.pdf