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Bill > SB1947

IL SB1947

IL SB1947
SCH CD-EDUCATOR LICENSURE-MISC

summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
05/07/2025
Crossed Over
04/09/2025
Passed
08/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
08/01/2025

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes.

AI Summary

This bill amends the School Code to make several significant changes to educator licensure in Illinois. It expands the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board by adding 3 community college administrative or faculty members to its existing membership. For Professional Educator Licenses, the bill provides temporary flexibility for certain coursework requirements until July 1, 2027, specifically exempting those seeking school support personnel or chief school business official endorsements from some existing requirements. The bill requires the State Superintendent to incorporate specific topics into revised licensure examinations by July 1, 2027, including methods of instruction for exceptional children, reading instruction, and strategies for English learners. A notable new provision creates the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program, which offers an expedited route for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in specific content areas like elementary or special education. The program has specific entry requirements, including holding a paraprofessional endorsement, having at least two years of experience as a paraprofessional, and completing 60 semester hours of coursework. Additionally, the bill establishes a Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to help develop and pilot a state-developed teacher performance assessment, and allows institutions of higher education to partner with community colleges to offer educator preparation programs for individuals who already hold bachelor's degrees.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0128 (on 08/01/2025)

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