State Government

The Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship was created to steer more students of color into the teacher pipeline. But a lawsuit challenging the program could prevent that work in the future.

The State Board of Education’s proposals would bar expulsions for K-2 students, and keep schools from referring cases to local police.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood’s first secretary could be Teresa Ramos, a long-time education advocate, pending confirmation by the state Senate. Pritzker made the announcement Monday.

Chicago Public Schools is complying with state law on restraint and timeout practice, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. The board officially notified Chicago officials that it has closed an investigation that started in 2022 on the district’s restraint and timeout practices.

Illinois 3-8th grade students saw gains in reading and math scores in 2024, but SAT scores declined according to the state’s 2024 report card.

The Illinois State Board of Education kicked off budget season with a public hearing Thursday to get input on what it should propose to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Transportation woes hit Chicago Public Schools for the fourth consecutive year. Special education advocates say the State Board of Education needs to step in again.

With federal COVID relief funds drying up, school districts dealing with tighter budgets, and student chronic absenteeism high, Sanders talked to Chalkbeat Chicago about what the State Board of Education plans to do to support schools

Forty-nine Illinois school districts are still below 70% adequately funded, according to the state.

A research brief from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability said Illinois districts could be in a pinch with the state projecting less revenue from a tax on corporate profits.

Bills to keep police in some Chicago schools, prevent changes to the city’s selective enrollment schools, and provide stipends for student teachers all failed during the session

The $53.1 billion budget funds a new early childhood education department, creates a state child tax credit, and adds $350 million more to K-12 public schools.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Illinois Senate President Don Harmon in a letter late Thursday to hold a bill that would block changes to selective enrollment schools and prevent any school closures until 2027.

CPS says the proposal to build the controversial $150 million high school is still “under review,” but a website has been taken down, and stakeholders say it’s been months without an update.

Illinois high school juniors will have to take the ACT to graduate starting spring 2025. This comes at a time when most colleges and universities are again requiring students to take entrance exams for the admissions process.

lllinois lawmakers overhauled K-12 funding seven years ago and promised to 'adequately fund' every district by 2027. A new report finds that won’t happen until 2034, unless more education money is budgeted every year.

A moratorium on closing any Chicago public schools until 2027, funding for K-12 schools, and the state’s early childhood department are some outstanding education issues before the Illinois legislative session ends in a few weeks.

Illinois has required high school students to complete the FAFSA in order to graduate since 2020. But state lawmakers want to waive the requirement for this school year.

Proposed legislation would also block the current school board from changing admissions policies at selective enrollment schools.