Grant Information Meeting November 17, 2009 Parke Hotel, Bloomington
IBHE (SAHE) receives 2.5% of total state award Approximately $2.9 Award limit--$325,000 Anticipate 3-year grant period, based upon performance Work in concert with SEA (ISBE) Must be judicious in allocation of funds
USDOE gives states authority to determine “defined areas of need” and to place additional weight to applications that “address stated funding priorities.” Through a comprehensive and inclusive process, IBHE has developed the Illinois Success Agenda IBHE views Title II Improving Teacher Quality grants as a program to advance state goals (Goal 1, Recommendation 1, Strategy 2—”Strengthen teacher and school leader quality through upgraded standards and professional development.” Each grant awarded should contribute to, and inform success of the Success Agenda
What are the educational reform issues currently underway in Illinois? How will they affect the work of Improving Teacher Quality grant projects?
Absolute Priority 1: Professional Development Aligned to State Standards Common Core Learning Standards School Leader (Principal) reform Illinois Professional Teaching Standards
Work began with America Diploma Project in 2008 Illinois signed with Common Core, along with 47 other states/territories College and Career Readiness Standards have been disseminated for review (September) High School Standards will be forthcoming (early 2010)
Aligned to 2008 ISLLC Standards and Distinguished Principal Strands Focus on principal serving as instructional leader and school improvement Performance-based All current educational leadership programs required to be redefined and submitted to ISBE, Teacher Cert Board and IBHE for approval
Illinois Professional Teaching Standards are currently under review (work began this summer) ISBE will be developing advisory groups (media, elementary, middle school, high school, school nurse, instructional leader) Conference on November 23 at Parke Hotel
Any Questions?