Illinois State Board of Education met Nov. 18

By Philip Gonzales

Jan 21, 2022

Illinois State Board of Education met Nov. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.

Chair Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded.

Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with eight members. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Members Present:

Darren Reisberg, Chairperson

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Jaime Guzman, Secretary

Dr. Christine Benson

Roger Eddy

Dr. David Lett

Susie Morrison

Dr. Nike Vieille

PUBLIC

PARTICIPATION

Chair Reisberg reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign up procedures for today’s meeting.

Bob Bardwell, superintendent of Eureka CUSD 140, spoke about ISBE and school district relations. He mentioned that he has previously advocated for local control. He thanked Dr. Ayala and the ISBE team for scheduling a meeting with superintendents. He noted that he would like a solution-oriented relationship and believes the meeting was a great first step and hopes they will continue to be in dialogue in order to better schools and the community. He specifically would like to work with ISBE to create metrics.

Curt Nettles, superintendent of Clinton CUSD 15, discussed local control. He also thanked ISBE for listening and now believes that there is more of a partnership. He shared that the tension in his community is rising again, and he does not want families to feel hopeless at this time.

Kyle Thompson, regional superintendent of Regional Office of Education #11, spoke about local control. He thanked ISBE staff for their collaboration over the past few weeks. He shared that he left the meeting with Dr. Ayala feeling encouraged and he is looking forward to action. He would like ISBE to continue advocating for superintendents. He stressed that a one-size fits-all approach does not work in Illinois and asked what Phase 6 will look like. He also noted that he is planning to monitor all legislative sessions.

Jennifer Garrison, superintendent of Vandalia CUSD #203, thanked ISBE on behalf of the Make-It Local school group. She shared an article and encouraged local leaders to listen to each other and to constituents. She also stated that stability does not mean unity.

Tim Arnold, superintendent of Will County District 92, spoke about better clarity on guidelines and metrics. He shared that he needs clear guidelines for the finish line and noted that his district prioritizes the safety of students and staff and has followed all past guidelines. He added that with vaccinations now available, he is not sure how to move forward. He stated that clear metrics will help each district make decisions.

Brian Kurz, superintendent of El Paso Gridley Schools, discussed Make-It Local. He thanked Dr. Ayala, Policy and Communications Officer Irma Snopek and Legal Officer Jeremy Duffy for meeting with him. He noted that he has been holding his community together, but it has been challenging. He shared that people want to know when this will end, and he would like

to provide light at the end of the tunnel for families and schools. He added that it is not just COVID-19; there has also been a social-emotional toll on students, families, and staff.

Fred Lamkey, superintendent of Mount Pulaski CUSD 15, discussed local control. He noted that he saw colleagues' perspectives change because they had a seat at the table. He added that he is trying to make both physical health and mental health decisions. He shared that there is a growing divide in communities, and superintendents are trying to keep things together. He finally said that he is proud of his team and their initiatives.

Mark Hettmansberger, superintendent of Odell CCSD #435, spoke about local control. He thanked Dr. Ayala for listening and advocating on their behalf. He also apologized for his misplaced anger. He believes that his colleagues know best and would like to continue working with ISBE.

Kevin Blankenship, superintendent of Winchester CUSD #1, talked about local control and equity. He echoed past sentiments about thanking the Board. He stated that mandates are everywhere and noted that Illinois students feel like they are singled out. He shared that students want their leaders to continue to fight and the students are ready to move on.

Chair Reisberg noted that he hears all the district superintendents and is aware of how challenging the situation is.

Dr. Ayala added that she appreciates and is touched by the remarks. She stated that she would like to be a colleague and will continue to listen. She said that she will continue sending messages to where ISBE can take them. She shared that she just had a conversation with Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and would like to coordinate time for Dr. Ezike to speak with district superintendents.

Cynthia Riesman Lund of the Illinois Federation of Teachers spoke about the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) presentation. She believes the NCTQ data is not accurate, and it ignores complexity. She thinks the Licensure team needs to do more to make the field equitable, specifically to address economic barriers and barriers for Black and Brown candidates.

Peter Beale-DelVecchio of Marillac St. Vincent Family Services discussed early childhood education. He would like the Board to consider advocating for before- and after-school care and community-based organizations. He stated that a 10% increase in funding would be an incredible boost to retain teachers since it is challenging to retain teachers.

Gracia Livie of Awake Illinois spoke about masking. She believes that ISBE does not have the authority to force students to wear masks. She would like ISBE to think about religious exemptions.

Amanda Mullarkey, a parent from Naperville, spoke about masks. She thanked the superintendents for their service. She believes that masks do impact students. She thinks that students need to see faces to understand sounds and believes that literacy is an equity issue. She encourages ISBE to consider a mask-optional mandate to improve students’ mental health.

Alexandra Philips, a therapist, discussed mental health for children. She shared that she is a mom and a self-employed therapist. She believes that all students need mental health resources. She shared that there have been higher suicide rates, more bomb threats, and increases in anxiety and depression this school year. She would like schools to address mental health issues that are negatively impacting students. She also noted that the current curriculum is pre-pandemic.

PRESENTATIONS NATIONAL COUNCIL ON TEACHER

QUALITY- TEACHER LICENSURE TESTS

Dr. Hannah Putnam, managing director of Research for the National Council on Teacher Quality, presented on teacher licensure tests.

Dr. Putnam shared why licensure tests matter and the strengths of Illinois’ elementary content licensure tests.

Mr. Eddy asked how much lower the cut score is. Dr. Putnam shared it is one standard deviation lower but would need to look at the raw data. Dr. Jennifer Kirmes confirmed that Dr. Putnam’s data analysis is with the older form. She shared that last year the Board approved a new form, and the updated version does not have this issue and is at the recommended level. Dr. Putnam added that the data she is sharing is from three-year period of 2015-18 and the data is before the pandemic.

Dr. Putnam also discussed the many ways of examining institutional pass rates. Dr. Leak reminded the Board that in in the Education Policy Planning Committee meeting, members talked about teacher prep data versus teachers not in teacher preparation programs. She added that the data is not available yet.

Dr. Putnam then discussed pass rates, first attempt pass rates, pass rates for teachers of color, the walk-away rate, standout institutions, Pell grant recipients, subtest-level data, and opportunities to build off the data.

Ms. Morrison asked who collects the data that NCTQ could not collect and asked how can ISBE access it. Dr. Putnam said the data is available through Pearson and should be available to ISBE. Ms. Morrison asked if this is a planned initiative for ISBE. Dr. Kirmes noted this is something can be worked on in the future.

Mr. Guzman brought up the standout institutions and thinks there should be communication with these programs. He asked Dr. Putnam if her team is seeing any trends at the national level. She shared that her team has only done case studies for a few institutions and has not done an exhaustive consideration yet, but it is on its radar. Chair Reisberg added that it could be an opportunity to celebrate and highlight standout institutions.

Ms. Morrison is interested in the data considering less selectivity and high pass rates and would like ISBE to take a deeper dive at this data.

Dr. Leak is interested in the data on students of color and historically black colleges and universities and if there is a higher pass rate. She noted that there is a high walk-away rate for people of color. She believes that all children need to see teachers of color, and Dr. Putnam agreed.

Chair Reisberg asked if ISBE staff knows if prospective students and districts are looking at the information on the profiles on the website. Dr. Kirmes is not sure if it can be determined who specific people are who are looking at the site, but site metrics like how many views there are, and which parts of the profile are getting attention, can be observed.

Mr. Eddy brought up a point from public participation about test bias and asked how the team thinks about bias. Dr. Putnam said that, generally, she has a panel of diverse practitioners look at prospective biases and differential pass rates but noted she cannot speak specifically to this particular test. She also noted that alternatives to testing could have similar or worse biases. Dr. Kirmes added that the Educator Effectiveness team did an internal process and disaggregated the data by race and ethnicity. She noted there is a bias review by design of the test and they can also ask for more analysis once the test is in review. She shared this process is being conducted with the early childhood tests now.

Mr. Eddy noted that Cynthia Riesman Lund said during public participation that there are not enough adjustments and asked if there are test score adjustments. Dr. Kirmes said there is no differential scoring, and the team wanted to remove bias. Dr. Ayala added that through using the equity impact tool, the agency is asking specific questions through an equity lens.

CLOSED SESSION (AS NEEDED)

Chair Reisberg asked if the team has considered separating the social sciences and science testing. Dr. Kirmes noted that that has not been discussed, and she noted that Illinois currently has four subtests.

Chair Reisberg thanked the Education Policy Planning Committee for its first conversation, and thanked Dr. Putnam for her presentation.

Mr. Guzman moved that the State Board of Education go into closed session for the following exception items:

A. 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)

B. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29)

They 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 11:44 a.m. to go into closed session at noon. The open meeting reconvened at 1:39 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes

Plenary Minutes: October 19, 2021

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the October 19, 2021, meeting minutes.

Rules for Initial Review

*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)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Parts 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)

Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

*Rules for Initial Review- Part 25 (Educator Licensure)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on

the proposed rulemaking for

CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION- APPROVAL OF FY22 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ALLOCATIONS AND AWARDS

Part 25 (Educator Licensure)

Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

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

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:

Parts 30 (Programs for the Preparation of Principals in Illinois) and 33 (Programs for the Preparation of Superintendents in Illinois)

Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

Rules for Adoption

*Rules for Adoption – Part 268 (After School Program Rules)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 268 (After-School Grant Program) 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.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2022 Special Education Data Upward Amendment

The State Board of Education authorizes the State Superintendent to approve the upward amendment to the FY 2022 Special Education Data Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The total award will not exceed $4.25 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Southwest Organizing Project– Collaborative Partnerships

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the release of a state discretionary grant not to exceed the amount of $8 million to the Southwest Organizing Project for the expansion of the Parent Mentor Program. The term of the grant is through June 30, 2022.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to release a Request for Sealed Proposals for USDA Foods Warehousing and Distribution

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to issue a Request for Sealed Proposals for the warehousing and distribution of USDA Foods to schools, beginning July 1, 2022. The maximum five-year period covering activities from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, will not exceed $16.05 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with University of Illinois Cooperative Extension/Child Nutrition Program The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into an IGA in excess of $1 million with the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension/Child Nutrition Programs. The total award will not exceed the maximum of $4,156,242 over an eight-year period.

Education Officer Ernesto Matias and Director of Wellness Cara Wiley presented on this item.

Dr. Lett moved that the State Board of Education approve Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million -- Approval of FY 2022 After School Program Allocations and Awards.

Ms. Morrison seconded the motion, and it passed with a roll call vote. Dr. Donna Leak and Dr. Nike Vieille abstained.

RULES FOR INITIAL REVIEW- PART 6 (MANDATORY VACCINATIONS FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL) NEW PART DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Dr. Matias and Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate Jeffrey Aranowski presented on this item. Dr. Ayala also provided more context on this item.

Mr. Eddy noted his concern with ISBE’s authority over this topic. He appreciated Mr. Duffy’s communication but does not agree. Dr. Leak also appreciated Mr. Duffy’s communication with the Board.

Chair Reisberg appreciated that the Board is engaging peacefully even with disagreements.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education approve Rules for Initial Review- Part 6 (Mandatory Vaccinations for School Personnel) New Part

Mr. Guzman seconded the motion, and it passed with Board members Benson, Guzman, Morrison, Vieille, Leak, and Reisberg voting in favor, and Board members Eddy and Lett voting against.

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

Dr. Matias and Derreck Langwith, director of ROE/ISC, presented on this item.

Mr. Eddy appreciated the work in providing due process. He is concerned that the hearing officer is chosen by the State Superintendent. He noted that a striking process with a list of officers might help. Mr. Langwith noted that the team will take that into consideration. Chair Reisberg added that the rules are going out for initial review and there might be public comment on a similar point.

Ms. Morrison asked about the implementation timeline. Mr. Langwith noted that the earliest date of publication would be December 3. He then noted that on January 17, the public comment period ends. On January 19, the Board would approve to submit them to JCAR. He added that a week or two after the JCAR meeting, the rules would be filed with the Secretary of State and become effective. He confirmed that the end date would most likely be at the end of February. Ms. Morrison asked if that timeline is the same timeline as Part 6. That was confirmed as correct. Chair Reisberg noted that there are already emergency rules in effect for both. Mr. Eddy added that public comment is important, but it does not stop the implementation of a rule. Dr. Leak asked if ISBE can implement Mr. Eddy’s suggestion in the emergency rules. Dr. Ayala said the team would have to look at the emergency rules that are in effect right now. Chair Reisberg added that if presumably the rules say the State Superintendent can select, then the State Superintendent could delegate the selection in a way that follows Mr. Eddy’s suggestion. Dr. Leak confirmed that the rules do not preclude this addition right now.

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education authorize the Rules for Initial Review - Parts 1 (Public School Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 425 (Voluntary Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Schools) School Recognition Processes.

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Bullying Policy Submission Requirements) Education Officer Dr. Matias and Director of Student Care Molly Uhe-Edmonds provided information on this item.

Mr. Eddy noted that the memo stated that the assigned statement must be signed by the board president, and he asked if that is part of legislation. It was confirmed that it is part of the rules, not the legislation. Mr. Eddy asked how often this happens; Mr. Duffy stated that it happens as confirmation of and compliance with Board policies. Ms. Uhe-Edmonds noted that she will confirm this information and get back to the Board through an update.

Chair Reisberg stated that State Board supports school teaching and learning and also compliance. He believes that compliance is not just about masking and asks that the team treats all non-compliance equally.

Dr. Leak added that if a school district is out of compliance, it receives a letter from the Regional Office of Education and the issue is often fixed immediately.

Mr. Eddy brought up item No. 3 and noted it is reviewed and reevaluated every two years. He asked if that is the policy. It was confirmed that it is a statutory requirement.

Rules for Initial Review – Part 35 (Mentoring Program for New Principals) Dr. Matias and Martin McGreal, director of District and School Leadership provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Rules for Initial Review – Part 65 (New Teacher Induction and Mentoring) Dr. Matias and Dr. Jennifer Kirmes, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois State University to Administer the Illinois National Board Professional Preparation Support System

Dr. Matias and Dr. Kirmes provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award FY 2023 Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education Requests for Proposals

Dr. Matias and Director of CTE and Innovation Marci Johnson provided information on this item.

Ms. Morrison asked what the team is removing from the RFSPs. Ms. Johnson noted they are moving work-based learning and curriculum development. Ms. Morrison asked if those will be new RFSPs, and the answer was possibly.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Illinois Early Learning Project Website Intergovernmental Agreement –University of Illinois

Dr. Matias and Carisa Hurley, Director of Early Childhood, provided information on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Sealed Proposals: PFA/PFAE Program Monitoring for Quality and Compliance Dr. Matias and Ms. Hurley provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Proposal for the Preschool Discretionary Support Project - Early CHOICES Dr. Matias and Ms. Hurley provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of a Request for Proposal for the Preschool Discretionary Support Project - STAR NET Dr. Matias and Ms. Hurley provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

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. Matias and Ms. Hurley provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement for Affinity Groups

Dr. Matias and Dr. Kirmes provided information on this item.

Ms. Morrison wanted to make sure she was reading the data points right. She noticed that the retention data point for teachers of color and white teachers are similar. She wondered if the team should solely focus on teachers of color or work on a broader question of retaining all teachers. She also mentioned that several advisory groups are free. She brought up more possible research questions like average salary, and did teachers leave urban or rural districts? She believes that the team can tackle more than just affinity groups and there are many reasons why teachers leave. Dr. Kirmes added that this is one strategy among many for teacher retention, and that this is also the challenge of equity work. Ms. Morrison noted that she does not disagree and believes the team can do an in-depth study of why teachers are leaving.

Dr. Leak brought up the question of sustainability and the importance of tracking the data over the next few years. She knows that eventually the team will see the data it is expecting. Dr. Kirmes noted that team members just had a conversation about data sharing and added that they will have to give more thought to design choices. Dr. Leak emphasized that the project needs to be seed money for systemic change.

Mr. Eddy asked what the expenses are to create the affinity groups. Dr. Kirmes noted that the funding supports design work, meeting protocols, training for facilitators, and data collection. She added that they would like to compensate educators for their time. Volunteer groups often end up excluding people. Mr. Eddy asked how the compensation is determined. Dr. Kirmes shared that there will be an IGA with a project budget, and the big deliverable is a complete implementation plan that will lay out the details.

Chair Reisberg wanted to make sure district leadership is supported and how it works if there is less support at that level. Dr. Kirmes said that one of the current draft performance standards for the agreement has to do with the number of groups that are able to present to their district leadership, along with a number of districts that make a commitment or take action based on the recommendation. She shared that at the local level the initiative will help elevate voices of educators.

Ms. Morrison if the team is using the six Regional Offices of Education and Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Kirmes confirmed the team is using the six Regional Office of Education Areas but is not sure if Chicago Public Schools will be participating in the initiative.

Dr. Vieille asked if the team is only getting information from school districts because sometimes educators are not completely honest in surveys. Dr. Kirmes noted that she would like to use affinity groups as a deeper dive and develop trust in groups locally, and also to empower local teachers. Dr. Vieille suggested that two studies could be more beneficial.

Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board Appointment Dr. Matias and Dr. Kirmes provided information on this item.

Mr. Eddy asked how the nomination process works. Dr. Kirmes noted she would have to ask the Illinois Education Association and can get that information for the Board.

Mr. Eddy asked if the individuals are paid, and the answer was no.

DISCUSSION ITEMS Summary of Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Hearing Funding Requests Financial Officer Robert Wolfe presented this summary. He shared the budget hearing data regarding attendees, speakers, submitted requests, and total modes of requested increases from hearings of fall 2019, fall 2020, and fall 2021. He also showed programs that had 10 or more requests. He shared past data on what the Board recommended versus what was enacted. He then showed data points from the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report. He finally shared the next steps and a timeline of the upcoming meetings.

Dr. Lett had a question about the Evidence-Based Funding enacted in fiscal year 2021. It was confirmed that there was only a $2.1 million increase due to the pandemic.

Chair Reisberg asked what the intended end date of legislative session is. The answer was April 8.

Chair Reisberg noted that the Board had a breakfast meeting with legislators two years ago and was thinking this could occur again in February. Ms. Snopek confirmed that the planning for this meeting is in the works.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Ayala thanked the ISBE staff for their hard work and noted she is very proud of the team.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements.

Member Reports

There were no announcements.

INFORMATION ITEMS

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

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully Submitted,

Ms. Morrison moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the November 18 Board meeting.