Teacher Licensing in Illinois

Presentation by Dr. Doug Bower

Always in motion is the future-Master Yoda

A Time of TransitionsTransition to new tests/testingTransition to new Elementary StandardsTransition to new grade levelsTransition to new teacher evaluation processTransition to new leadership programs

New Tests/TestingBasic Skills/TAP/ACTContent TestsAPT

Changing based on revised Illinois Professional Teaching Standards

Moving to a single version (September 2014)edTPA

Required beginning Fall2015

New Elementary StandardsProposed implementation dates

Admitted after July 1, 2014Completing September 2017 or later

Expectations linked to common core and RTICore areas of literacy and mathematicsStrong tie to research based instructional approachesAreas of attention-assessment, multi-tiered support,

supportive environmentNot held to these standards for licensure but….

More information - http://isbe.net/rules/default.htm

New Grade LevelsNew grade levels (2017)

Early Childhood – Birth – Grade 3Elementary – Grades 1-6 (self contained)Middle School – Grades 5-8 (not self contained)High School – Grades 9-12

Change in endorsement process for Middle SchoolBeginning in February 2018 must complete an

approved middle school program to be endorsed to teach middle school.

More information - http://isbe.net/rules/default.htm

Teacher EvaluationPERA – Performance Evaluation Reform Act

Requires districts to design and implement performance evaluation systems that assess teachers’ and principals’ professional skills as well as incorporate measures of student growth.

Teacher evaluation systems will provide clear descriptions of professional excellence so everyone understands what great teaching means.

The evaluations will be based on standards of effective practice, with evaluators trained and pre-qualified to conduct observations, collect evidence and provide helpful, timely feedback. The new evaluations will add objectivity to a practice that almost universally was subjective.

In addition, student achievement will become a significant factor in every evaluation by the 2016-17 school year.

More information - http://isbe.net/PEAC/default.htm

New leadership programsTeacher LeaderPrincipalSuperintendent