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What we’ve been up to... 

Over the past two weeks, we are very lucky to have been knee-deep in planning meetings with partners across Illinois, both in-person and online, on topics ranging from research to professional development to policy. Looking out over the next 6 weeks or so, this busy-ness will continue. We feel so very lucky to partner with so many of you in communities across Illinois to work together to remove barriers and create solutions for the success of all learners! 

• Township High School District 214 – Despite already offering College and Career Pathway Endorsements across all seven Career Pathways and having hundreds of students earning Endorsements annually, District 214 continues to refine its practices for both student instructional activities and professional development. We were excited to engage with leaders across District 214 with their efforts to further refine their work around Team-Based Challenges and increasing student engagement through authentic learning. Additionally, while there, we were able to order a smoothie from students at the Forest Brew Cafe, and it was delicious! 

• ROE 8 – We have been excited to meet with multiple Regional Offices of Education over the past two weeks on topics ranging from instructional coaching and ECN to the teacher pipeline to research. Among these meetings, we were able to spend time in Freeport with superintendents from Northwest Illinois during their regular monthly meeting. We appreciate the privilege of being able to listen and learn when in spaces like this. Thank you, ROE 8, for the partnership and hospitality! 

• Online learning – We have also been able to join educators from across Illinois for engaging online learning sessions on a wide range of topics. Just one example of this was a single day this week when we were able to join other educators in the following sessions: 

• An exploration of current policy issues and their impact on school districts, community colleges, and state agencies. 
  

• Session 1 of ECN’s new Data Rules book study with instructional coaches. 
  

• Quarterly meeting of the Report Card Suite Stakeholder Advisory group in its new expanded form with district leaders from across Illinois. 
  

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ECN Conference + Online Learning Opportunities

We are excited to be welcoming Diane Sweeney back for this year’s ECN Conference on April 24, 2025. This session is ideal for coaches and administrators to attend as Diane will walk us through some of the most critical issues to get right for school culture, educators’ growth, the long-term success of instructional coaching, and, ultimately, student success. Check out this short video Diane recorded for more information! 

In addition to the ECN Conference, the Educational Coaching Network has also added new online, after-school workshops based on feedback from participants across Illinois. These sessions include… 

• Data Rules Coaching Book Study 

• Instructional Coaching Hot Topic – Recruitment: Inviting Teachers to Engage with Coaches 

• Instructional Coaching Hot Topic – Working Effectively as Partners with Teachers and Your Administrative Colleagues 
  

If you do not already receive the ECN Newsletter that comes out at the end of each month, sign up for free today!

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Celebrate CTE Month with the inaugural ACTE Rural CTE Educators Communities of Practice Webinar 

Join ACTE on February 26 at 2 PM CT for the kickoff webinar in a new series focused on identifying and supporting rural CTE educators and administrators. This interactive session will feature the launch of the Rural CTE Community of Practice – a space to collaborate, share insights, and tackle challenges together. We’ll begin by reviewing key findings from the rural listening session hosted at VISION, followed by a participant vote on future webinar topics to ensure we focus on what matters most to you. Then, hear from rural CTE experts in Illinois who are leading the way in rural Work-Based Learning. Finally, we will engage in a discussion and listening activity to share your perspective and connect with colleagues nationwide. 

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Illinois Council on Family Relations Conference 
A great opportunity for teachers, administrators, clinicians, counselors, faculty, and postsecondary students 

The Illinois Council on Family Relations will hold its annual Conference on April 4, 2025, at Northern Illinois University. The theme for this year’s conference is Strengthening America’s Safety Net – Supporting Women, Children, and Families. This is a great opportunity for both students and practicing educators at all levels, from early childhood through postsecondary, to come together and collaborate with a wide range of practitioners and researchers on how to most effectively engage, partner with, and serve families. 

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ISBE Seeks Feedback on Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force Report 

The Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force is conducting a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full-day kindergarten, which is required for all districts beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. The Task Force is considering adding a criterion to grant two-year waivers to that requirement. This decision must be made by July 1.

ISBE is hoping to get your feedback on the recommendation in the task force's final report. The public comment period is open through March 13, 2025. 

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Financial Aid Supports for All Students 

Next week on Thursday, February 27, 2025, ISAC will be hosting YouTube Live events for parents in English (5:30-6 PM) and Spanish (6:30-7 PM) to review follow-up steps after completing the FAFSA and understanding financial aid offers.  Please share the graphics and details below with your students and their families by right-clicking on each graphic and choosing to save it to your computer. 

Please share these events and the link to ISAC’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ISACvid/streams 

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