P-20 Network Newsletter — April 19, 2024

In November 2023, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) updated its policy on teacher credentialing in postsecondary institutions. As a result of this change and other needs identified by the field, HB5020 was proposed earlier in this session of the Illinois General Assembly. The legislation continues to make its way through the legislative process.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Higher Education Committee unanimously approved the amended bill, and it move to the floor of the House, where it was to be read by the end of the day today, Friday, April 19, 2024.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on HB5020, please keep a tab open to the Illinois P-20 Network Newsfeed (and click the RSS button to subscribe to updates).

This year’s Educational Coaching Network Conference isn’t just for educational coaches. If you’re an administrator, team leader, human resources professional or professional development leader – anyone who helps to educate, lead, or coach adults – this conference is for you!

Learn about the science of adult learning from keynote speaker Jennifer Abrams.
Find out how and when the adult brain develops and how this impacts the ways we should be teaching and leading adults.
Discuss concrete, specific experiences you and your peers have encountered – and learn practical solutions you can apply right away.

Discounted registration for teams of three or more is still available for this day of learning at NIU’s Naperville Campus. Don’t miss this great opportunity to wrap up the school year and plan for next year!

Join hundreds of other educators from school districts and postsecondary institutions on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, for the ISBE Career Connections Conference. With an opening featuring ISBE State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, a mid-day keynote panel focused on Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships, and dozens of breakout sessions from educators across Illinois, this is a conference not to be missed! Plus, no substitute teachers are likely to be necessary to support teachers in attending in mid-June!

SkillsUSA is hosting the SkillsUSA ConneCTEd Social on Monday, June 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the North & Maple Kitchen + Bar in Tinley Park. This event is free for all conference participants. Registration for this event is included as part of conference registration.

Breakout sessions have also now been posted on the ISBE Career Connections Conference website. Check out all of the varied learning opportunities!

With the much-publicized issues surrounding this year’s FAFSA process, ISAC, ISBE, ICCB, and IBHE continue to make a concerted effort to support as many students and families as possible with completing the FAFSA or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. As has been recently publicized by ISAC, as of March 29, 42% of Illinois high school seniors had filed their FAFSA. While this is higher than the nationwide average of 35%, it is also 28% lower than the filing rate of seniors in the Class of 2023 one year ago.

Now is the call-to-action to support both twelfth grade students and current postsecondary students with completing their FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application for the 2024-2025 academic year. ISAC is happy to provide assistance with these local efforts!

Submit an outreach request to ISAC
Use the resources available in the FAFSA Completion Communications Toolkit
Take advantage of ISAC professional development for counselors, educators, and other staff

Postsecondary educators and students who are preparing for careers in healthcare fields are invited to attend this free workshop being offered by Northern Illinois University and the Northeast Illinois Area Health Education Center. This event will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at NIU Naperville from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM. The purpose of this event is to strengthen postsecondary paths, including both community colleges and four-year universities, to promote a high-quality healthcare workforce that can meet the needs of our diverse communities.

The Educational Coaching Network (ECN) is excited to announce its 2024-2025 professional learning calendar. All these events will be held at the NIU Naperville Conference and Event Center, and workshops will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to help minimize the impact most schools and school districts are facing with the limited availability of substitute teachers.

Foundations of Instructional Coaching Institute

November 13 – Better Conversations
February 4 – Impact Cycle Day 1
February 5 – Impact Cycle Day 2
March 11 – Data Matters
March 12 – Teaching Practices

Advanced Coaching and Leadership Workshops

February 24 – Advanced Coaching Skills
February 25 – System Design
March 18 – Coaching for Leaders Day 1
March 19 – Coaching for Leaders Day 2

2025 ECN Conference – April 24, 2025

Student-Centered Coaching with Diane Sweeney

Registration for all these events will open in May. Learn more in this ECN News post on the Illinois P-20 Network website.

P-20 Network Email Newsletter —
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