Illinois State Teacher Policy Yearbook

Abstract:

The report’s evaluation spans six areas that include 27 goals. These goals examine the impact of state policy on the preparation, certification, licensure, compensation and effectiveness of teachers across the elementary, secondary and special education spectra.

It finds Illinois has met some goals, yet lags behind many other states in implementing teacher-related policy. Illinois’ best performance is in “Meeting NCLB Teacher Quality Objectives”; however, there is still significant room for improvement.

Illinois requires all applicants to teacher preparation programs to pass a basic skills test. The study finds the state’s standards do more than many states to ensure that elementary teachers study core subject matter as part of their training. However, the state needs to do more to address extensive weaknesses in its teacher policies.

The study finds Illinois’ overall performance “unsatisfactory.”