Public Act 099-0920

SB2912 Enrolled LRB099 19280 NHT 45355 b

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,

represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections

21B-20, 21B-25, 21B-30, 21B-35, 21B-40, and 21B-45 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/21B-20)

Sec. 21B-20. Types of licenses. Before July 1, 2013, the

State Board of Education shall implement a system of educator

licensure, whereby individuals employed in school districts

who are required to be licensed must have one of the following

licenses: (i) a professional educator license; (ii) a

professional educator license with stipulations; or (iii) a

substitute teaching license. References in law regarding

individuals certified or certificated or required to be

certified or certificated under Article 21 of this Code shall

also include individuals licensed or required to be licensed

under this Article. The first year of all licenses ends on June

30 following one full year of the license being issued.

The State Board of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may adopt such

rules as may be necessary to govern the requirements for

licenses and endorsements under this Section.

(1) Professional Educator License. Persons who (i)

have successfully completed an approved educator

preparation program and are recommended for licensure by

the Illinois institution offering the educator preparation

program, (ii) have successfully completed the required

testing under Section 21B-30 of this Code, (iii) have

successfully completed coursework on the psychology of,

the identification of, and the methods of instruction for

the exceptional child, including without limitation

children with learning disabilities, (iv) have

successfully completed coursework in methods of reading

and reading in the content area, and (v) have met all other

criteria established by rule of the State Board of

Education shall be issued a Professional Educator License.

All Professional Educator Licenses are valid until June 30

immediately following 5 years of the license being issued.

The Professional Educator License shall be endorsed with

specific areas and grade levels in which the individual is

eligible to practice.

Individuals can receive subsequent endorsements on the

Professional Educator License. Subsequent endorsements

shall require a minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework

in the endorsement area, unless otherwise specified by

rule, and passage of the applicable content area test.

(2) Educator License with Stipulations. An Educator

License with Stipulations shall be issued an endorsement

that limits the license holder to one particular position

or does not require completion of an approved educator

program or both.

An individual with an Educator License with

Stipulations must not be employed by a school district or

any other entity to replace any presently employed teacher

who otherwise would not be replaced for any reason.

An Educator License with Stipulations may be issued

with the following endorsements:

(A) Provisional educator. A provisional educator

endorsement in a specific content area or areas on an

Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an

applicant who holds an educator license with a minimum

of 15 semester hours in content coursework from another

state, U.S. territory, or foreign country and who, at

the time of applying for an Illinois license, does not

meet the minimum requirements under Section 21B-35 of

this Code, but does, at a minimum, meet the following

requirements:

(i) Holds the equivalent of a minimum of a

bachelor's degree, unless a master's degree is

required for the endorsement, from a regionally

accredited college or university or, for

individuals educated in a country other than the

United States, the equivalent of a minimum of a

bachelor's degree issued in the United States,

unless a master's degree is required for the

endorsement.

(ii) Has passed or passes a test of basic

skills and content area test, as required by

Section 21B-30 of this Code, prior to or within one

year after issuance of the provisional educator

endorsement on the Educator License with

Stipulations. If an individual who holds an

Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for

provisional educator has not passed a test of basic

skills and applicable content area test or tests

within one year after issuance of the endorsement,

the endorsement shall expire on June 30 following

one full year of the endorsement being issued. If

such an individual has passed the test of basic

skills and applicable content area test or tests

either prior to issuance of the endorsement or

within one year after issuance of the endorsement,

the endorsement is valid until June 30 immediately

following 2 years of the license being issued,

during which time any and all coursework

deficiencies must be met and any and all additional

testing deficiencies must be met.

In addition, a provisional educator endorsement

for principals or superintendents may be issued if the

individual meets the requirements set forth in

subdivisions (1) and (3) of subsection (b-5) of Section

21B-35 of this Code. Applicants who have not been

entitled by an Illinois-approved educator preparation

program at an Illinois institution of higher education

shall not receive a provisional educator endorsement

if the person completed an alternative licensure

program in another state, unless the program has been

determined to be equivalent to Illinois program

requirements.

Notwithstanding any other requirements of this

Section, a service member or spouse of a service member

may obtain a Professional Educator License with

Stipulations, and a provisional educator endorsement

in a specific content area or areas, if he or she holds

a valid teaching certificate or license in good

standing from another state, meets the qualifications

of educators outlined in Section 21B-15 of this Code,

and has not engaged in any misconduct that would

prohibit an individual from obtaining a license

pursuant to Illinois law, including without limitation

any administrative rules of the State Board of

Education.

In this Section, "service member" means any person

who, at the time of application under this Section, is

an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces

or any reserve component of the United States Armed

Forces or the National Guard of any state,

commonwealth, or territory of the United States or the

District of Columbia.

A provisional educator endorsement is valid until

June 30 immediately following 2 years of the license

being issued, provided that any remaining testing and

coursework deficiencies are met as set forth in this

Section. Failure to satisfy all stated deficiencies

shall mean the individual, including any service

member or spouse who has obtained a Professional

Educator License with Stipulations and a provisional

educator endorsement in a specific content area or

areas, is ineligible to receive a Professional

Educator License at that time. An Educator License with

Stipulations endorsed for provisional educator shall

not be renewed for individuals who hold an Educator

License with Stipulations and who have held a position

in a public school or non-public school recognized by

the State Board of Education.

(B) Alternative provisional educator. An

alternative provisional educator endorsement on an

Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an

applicant who, at the time of applying for the

endorsement, has done all of the following:

(i) Graduated from a regionally accredited

college or university with a minimum of a

bachelor's degree.

(ii) Successfully completed the first phase of

the Alternative Educator Licensure Program for

Teachers, as described in Section 21B-50 of this

Code.

(iii) Passed a test of basic skills and content

area test, as required under Section 21B-30 of this

Code.

The alternative provisional educator endorsement

is valid for 2 years of teaching and may be renewed for

a third year by an individual meeting the requirements

set forth in Section 21B-50 of this Code.

(C) Alternative provisional superintendent. An

alternative provisional superintendent endorsement on

an Educator License with Stipulations entitles the

holder to serve only as a superintendent or assistant

superintendent in a school district's central office.

This endorsement may only be issued to an applicant

who, at the time of applying for the endorsement, has

done all of the following:

(i) Graduated from a regionally accredited

college or university with a minimum of a master's

degree in a management field other than education.

(ii) Been employed for a period of at least 5

years in a management level position in a field

other than education.

(iii) Successfully completed the first phase

of an alternative route to superintendent

endorsement program, as provided in Section 21B-55

of this Code.

(iv) Passed a test of basic skills and content

area tests required under Section 21B-30 of this

Code.

The endorsement may be registered for 2 fiscal

years in order to complete one full year of serving as

a superintendent or assistant superintendent.

(D) Resident teacher endorsement. A resident

teacher endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who, at the

time of applying for the endorsement, has done all of

the following:

(i) Graduated from a regionally accredited

institution of higher education with a minimum of a

bachelor's degree.

(ii) Enrolled in an approved Illinois educator

preparation program.

(iii) Passed a test of basic skills and content

area test, as required under Section 21B-30 of this

Code.

The resident teacher endorsement on an Educator

License with Stipulations is valid for 4 years of

teaching and shall not be renewed.

A resident teacher may teach only under the

direction of a licensed teacher, who shall act as the

resident mentor teacher, and may not teach in place of

a licensed teacher. A resident teacher endorsement on

an Educator License with Stipulations shall no longer

be valid after June 30, 2017.

(E) Career and technical educator. A career and

technical educator endorsement on an Educator License

with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who has

a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework from a

regionally accredited institution of higher education

and has a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience outside

of education in each area to be taught.

The career and technical educator endorsement on

an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until

June 30 immediately following 5 years of the

endorsement being issued and may be renewed. For

individuals who were issued the career and technical

educator endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations on or after January 1, 2015, the license

may be renewed if the individual passes a test of basic

skills or test of work proficiency, as required under

Section 21B-30 of this Code.

(F) Part-time provisional career and technical

educator or provisional career and technical educator.

A part-time provisional career and technical educator

endorsement or a provisional career and technical

educator endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who has a

minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience in the skill

for which the applicant is seeking the endorsement. It

is the responsibility of each employing school board

and regional office of education to provide

verification, in writing, to the State Superintendent

of Education at the time the application is submitted

that no qualified teacher holding a Professional

Educator License or an Educator License with

Stipulations with a career and technical educator

endorsement is available and that actual circumstances

require such issuance.

The provisional career and technical educator

endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations

is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of

the endorsement being issued and may be renewed only

one time for 5 years. For individuals who were issued

the provisional career and technical educator

endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations

on or after January 1, 2015, the license may be renewed

one time if the individual passes a test of basic

skills or test of work proficiency, as required under

Section 21B-30 of this Code, and has completed a

minimum of 20 semester hours from a regionally

accredited institution.

A part-time provisional career and technical

educator endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations may be issued for teaching no more than 2

courses of study for grades 6 through 12. The part-time

provisional career and technical educator endorsement

on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until

June 30 immediately following 5 years of the

endorsement being issued and may be renewed for 5 years

if the individual makes application for renewal.

(G) Transitional bilingual educator. A

transitional bilingual educator endorsement on an

Educator License with Stipulations may be issued for

the purpose of providing instruction in accordance

with Article 14C of this Code to an applicant who

provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets all

of the following requirements:

(i) Possesses adequate speaking, reading, and

writing ability in the language other than English

in which transitional bilingual education is

offered.

(ii) Has the ability to successfully

communicate in English.

(iii) Either possessed, within 5 years

previous to his or her applying for a transitional

bilingual educator endorsement, a valid and

comparable teaching certificate or comparable

authorization issued by a foreign country or holds

a degree from an institution of higher learning in

a foreign country that the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board determines to be

the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from a

regionally accredited institution of higher

learning in the United States.

A transitional bilingual educator endorsement

shall be valid for prekindergarten through grade 12, is

valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of

the endorsement being issued, and shall not be renewed.

Persons holding a transitional bilingual educator

endorsement shall not be employed to replace any

presently employed teacher who otherwise would not be

replaced for any reason.

(H) Language endorsement. In an effort to

alleviate the shortage of teachers speaking a language

other than English in the public schools, an individual

who holds an Educator License with Stipulations may

also apply for a language endorsement, provided that

the applicant provides satisfactory evidence that he

or she meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Holds a transitional bilingual

endorsement.

(ii) Has demonstrated proficiency in the

language for which the endorsement is to be issued

by passing the applicable language content test

required by the State Board of Education.

(iii) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher from

a regionally accredited institution of higher

education or, for individuals educated in a

country other than the United States, holds a

degree from an institution of higher learning in a

foreign country that the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board determines to be

the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from a

regionally accredited institution of higher

learning in the United States.

(iv) Has passed a test of basic skills, as

required under Section 21B-30 of this Code.

A language endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations is valid for prekindergarten through

grade 12 for the same validity period as the

individual's transitional bilingual educator

endorsement on the Educator License with Stipulations

and shall not be renewed.

(I) Visiting international educator. A visiting

international educator endorsement on an Educator

License with Stipulations may be issued to an

individual who is being recruited by a particular

school district that conducts formal recruitment

programs outside of the United States to secure the

services of qualified teachers and who meets all of the

following requirements:

(i) Holds the equivalent of a minimum of a

bachelor's degree issued in the United States.

(ii) Has been prepared as a teacher at the

grade level for which he or she will be employed.

(iii) Has adequate content knowledge in the

subject to be taught.

(iv) Has an adequate command of the English

language.

A holder of a visiting international educator

endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations

shall be permitted to teach in bilingual education

programs in the language that was the medium of

instruction in his or her teacher preparation program,

provided that he or she passes the English Language

Proficiency Examination or another test of writing

skills in English identified by the State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board.

A visiting international educator endorsement on

an Educator License with Stipulations is valid for 3

years and shall not be renewed.

(J) Paraprofessional educator. A paraprofessional

educator endorsement on an Educator License with

Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who holds a

high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and

either holds an associate's degree or a minimum of 60

semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited

institution of higher education or has passed a test of

basic skills required under Section 21B-30 of this

Code. The paraprofessional educator endorsement is

valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of

the endorsement being issued and may be renewed through

application and payment of the appropriate fee, as

required under Section 21B-40 of this Code. An

individual who holds only a paraprofessional educator

endorsement is not subject to additional requirements

in order to renew the endorsement.

(K) Chief school business official. A chief school

business official endorsement on an Educator License

with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who

qualifies by having a master's degree or higher, 2

years of full-time administrative experience in school

business management or 2 years of university-approved

practical experience, and a minimum of 24 semester

hours of graduate credit in a program approved by the

State Board of Education for the preparation of school

business administrators and by passage of the

applicable State tests, including a test of basic

skills and applicable content area test.

The chief school business official endorsement may

also be affixed to the Educator License with

Stipulations of any holder who qualifies by having a

master's degree in business administration, finance,

or accounting and who completes an additional 6

semester hours of internship in school business

management from a regionally accredited institution of

higher education and passes the applicable State

tests, including a test of basic skills and applicable

content area test. This endorsement shall be required

for any individual employed as a chief school business

official.

The chief school business official endorsement on

an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until

June 30 immediately following 5 years of the

endorsement being issued and may be renewed if the

license holder completes renewal requirements as

required for individuals who hold a Professional

Educator License endorsed for chief school business

official under Section 21B-45 of this Code and such

rules as may be adopted by the State Board of

Education.

(L) Provisional in-state educator. A provisional

in-state educator endorsement on an Educator License

with Stipulations may be issued to a candidate who has

completed an Illinois-approved educator preparation

program at an Illinois institution of higher education

and who has not successfully completed an

evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness but

who meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Holds at least a bachelor's degree.

(ii) Has completed an approved educator

preparation program at an Illinois institution.

(iii) Has passed a test of basic skills and

applicable content area test, as required by

Section 21B-30 of this Code.

(iv) Has attempted an evidence-based

assessment of teacher effectiveness and received a

minimum score on that assessment, as established

by the State Board of Education in consultation

with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure

Board.

A provisional in-state educator endorsement on an

Educator License with Stipulations is valid for one

full fiscal year after the date of issuance and may not

be renewed.

(3) Substitute Teaching License. A Substitute Teaching

License may be issued to qualified applicants for

substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools,

prekindergarten through grade 12. Substitute Teaching

Licenses are not eligible for endorsements. Applicants for

a Substitute Teaching License must hold a bachelor's degree

or higher from a regionally accredited institution of

higher education.

Substitute Teaching Licenses are valid for 5 years and

may be renewed if the individual has passed a test of basic

skills, as authorized under Section 21B-30 of this Code. An

individual who has passed a test of basic skills for the

first licensure renewal is not required to retake the test

again for further renewals.

Substitute Teaching Licenses are valid for substitute

teaching in every county of this State. If an individual

has had his or her Professional Educator License or

Educator License with Stipulations suspended or revoked or

has not met the renewal requirements for licensure, then

that individual is not eligible to obtain a Substitute

Teaching License.

A substitute teacher may only teach in the place of a

licensed teacher who is under contract with the employing

board. If, however, there is no licensed teacher under

contract because of an emergency situation, then a district

may employ a substitute teacher for no longer than 30

calendar days per each vacant position in the district if

the district notifies the appropriate regional office of

education within 5 business days after the employment of

the substitute teacher in the emergency situation. An

emergency situation is one in which an unforeseen vacancy

has occurred and (i) a teacher is unable to fulfill his or

her contractual duties or (ii) teacher capacity needs of

the district exceed previous indications, and the district

is actively engaged in advertising to hire a fully licensed

teacher for the vacant position.

There is no limit on the number of days that a

substitute teacher may teach in a single school district,

provided that no substitute teacher may teach for longer

than 90 school days for any one licensed teacher under

contract in the same school year. A substitute teacher who

holds a Professional Educator License or Educator License

with Stipulations shall not teach for more than 120 school

days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the

same school year. The limitations in this paragraph (3) on

the number of days a substitute teacher may be employed do

not apply to any school district operating under Article 34

of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 98-28, eff. 7-1-13; 98-751, eff. 1-1-15; 99-35,

eff. 1-1-16; 99-58, eff. 7-16-15; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; revised

10-14-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-25)

Sec. 21B-25. Endorsement on licenses. All licenses issued

under paragraph (1) of Section 21B-20 of this Code shall be

specifically endorsed by the State Board of Education for each

content area, school support area, and administrative area for

which the holder of the license is qualified. Recognized

institutions approved to offer educator preparation programs

shall be trained to add endorsements to licenses issued to

applicants who meet all of the requirements for the endorsement

or endorsements, including passing any required tests. The

State Superintendent of Education shall randomly audit

institutions to ensure that all rules and standards are being

followed for entitlement or when endorsements are being

recommended.

(1) The State Board of Education, in consultation with

the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall

establish, by rule, the grade level and subject area

endorsements to be added to the Professional Educator

License. These rules shall outline the requirements for

obtaining each endorsement.

(2) In addition to any and all grade level and content

area endorsements developed by rule, the State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board, shall develop the

requirements for the following endorsements:

(A) General administrative endorsement. A general

administrative endorsement shall be added to a

Professional Educator License, provided that an

approved program has been completed. An individual

holding a general administrative endorsement may work

only as a principal or assistant principal or in a

related or similar position, as determined by the State

Superintendent of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.

Beginning on September 1, 2014, the general

administrative endorsement shall no longer be issued

except to individuals who completed all coursework

requirements for the receipt of the general

administrative endorsement by September 1, 2014, who

have completed all testing requirements by June 30,

2016, and who apply for the endorsement on or before

June 30, 2016. Individuals who hold a valid and

registered administrative certificate with a general

administrative endorsement issued under Section 21-7.1

of this Code or a Professional Educator License with a

general administrative endorsement issued prior to

September 1, 2014 and who have served for at least one

full year during the 5 years prior in a position

requiring a general administrative endorsement shall,

upon request to the State Board of Education and

through July 1, 2015, have their respective general

administrative endorsement converted to a principal

endorsement on the Professional Educator License.

Candidates shall not be admitted to an approved general

administrative preparation program after September 1,

2012.

All other individuals holding a valid and

registered administrative certificate with a general

administrative endorsement issued pursuant to Section

21-7.1 of this Code or a general administrative

endorsement on a Professional Educator License issued

prior to September 1, 2014 shall have the general

administrative endorsement converted to a principal

endorsement on a Professional Educator License upon

request to the State Board of Education and by

completing one of the following pathways:

(i) Passage of the State principal assessment

developed by the State Board of Education.

(ii) Through July 1, 2019, completion of an

Illinois Educators' Academy course designated by

the State Superintendent of Education.

(iii) Completion of a principal preparation

program established and approved pursuant to

Section 21B-60 of this Code and applicable rules.

Individuals who do not choose to convert the

general administrative endorsement on the

administrative certificate issued pursuant to Section

21-7.1 of this Code or on the Professional Educator

License shall continue to be able to serve in any

position previously allowed under paragraph (2) of

subsection (e) of Section 21-7.1 of this Code.

The general administrative endorsement on the

Professional Educator License is available only to

individuals who, prior to September 1, 2014, had such

an endorsement on the administrative certificate

issued pursuant to Section 21-7.1 of this Code or who

already have a Professional Educator License and have

completed a general administrative program and who do

not choose to convert the general administrative

endorsement to a principal endorsement pursuant to the

options in this Section.

(B) Principal endorsement. A principal endorsement

shall be affixed to a Professional Educator License of

any holder who qualifies by having all of the

following:

(i) Successful completion of a principal

preparation program approved in accordance with

Section 21B-60 of this Code and any applicable

rules.

(ii) At least 4 total years of teaching or,

until June 30, 2019, working in the capacity of

school support personnel in an Illinois public

school or nonpublic school recognized by the State

Board of Education or in an out-of-state public

school or out-of-state nonpublic school meeting

out-of-state recognition standards comparable to

those approved by the State Superintendent of

Education; however, the State Board of Education,

in consultation with the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board, shall allow, by

rules, for fewer than 4 years of experience based

on meeting standards set forth in such rules,

including without limitation a review of

performance evaluations or other evidence of

demonstrated qualifications.

(iii) A master's degree or higher from a

regionally accredited college or university.

(C) Chief school business official endorsement. A

chief school business official endorsement shall be

affixed to the Professional Educator License of any

holder who qualifies by having a master's degree or

higher, 2 years of full-time administrative experience

in school business management or 2 years of

university-approved practical experience, and a

minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate credit in a

program approved by the State Board of Education for

the preparation of school business administrators and

by passage of the applicable State tests. The chief

school business official endorsement may also be

affixed to the Professional Educator License of any

holder who qualifies by having a master's degree in

business administration, finance, or accounting and

who completes an additional 6 semester hours of

internship in school business management from a

regionally accredited institution of higher education

and passes the applicable State tests. This

endorsement shall be required for any individual

employed as a chief school business official.

(D) Superintendent endorsement. A superintendent

endorsement shall be affixed to the Professional

Educator License of any holder who has completed a

program approved by the State Board of Education for

the preparation of superintendents of schools, has had

at least 2 years of experience employed full-time in a

general administrative position or as a full-time

principal, director of special education, or chief

school business official in the public schools or in a

State-recognized nonpublic school in which the chief

administrator is required to have the licensure

necessary to be a principal in a public school in this

State and where a majority of the teachers are required

to have the licensure necessary to be instructors in a

public school in this State, and has passed the

required State tests; or of any holder who has

completed a program that is not an Illinois-approved

educator preparation program at an Illinois

institution of higher education and that has

recognition standards comparable to those approved by

the State Superintendent of Education and holds the

general administrative, principal, or chief school

business official endorsement and who has had 2 years

of experience as a principal, director of special

education, or chief school business official while

holding a valid educator license or certificate

comparable in validity and educational and experience

requirements and has passed the appropriate State

tests, as provided in Section 21B-30 of this Code. The

superintendent endorsement shall allow individuals to

serve only as a superintendent or assistant

superintendent.

(E) Teacher leader endorsement. It shall be the

policy of this State to improve the quality of

instructional leaders by providing a career pathway

for teachers interested in serving in leadership

roles, but not as principals. The State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board, may issue a teacher

leader endorsement under this subdivision (E). Persons

who meet and successfully complete the requirements of

the endorsement shall be issued a teacher leader

endorsement on the Professional Educator License for

serving in schools in this State. Teacher leaders may

qualify to serve in such positions as department

chairs, coaches, mentors, curriculum and instruction

leaders, or other leadership positions as defined by

the district. The endorsement shall be available to

those teachers who (i) hold a Professional Educator

License, (ii) hold a master's degree or higher from a

regionally accredited institution, (iii) have

completed a program of study that has been approved by

the State Board of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, and

(iv) have successfully demonstrated competencies as

defined by rule. have taken coursework in all of the

following areas:

(I) Leadership.

(II) Designing professional development to

meet teaching and learning needs.

(III) Building school culture that focuses on

student learning.

(IV) Using assessments to improve student

learning and foster school improvement.

(V) Building collaboration with teachers and

stakeholders.

A teacher who meets the requirements set forth in

this Section and holds a teacher leader endorsement may

evaluate teachers pursuant to Section 24A-5 of this

Code, provided that the individual has completed the

evaluation component required by Section 24A-3 of this

Code and a teacher leader is allowed to evaluate

personnel under the respective school district's

collective bargaining agreement.

The State Board of Education, in consultation with

the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board,

may adopt such rules as may be necessary to establish

and implement the teacher leader endorsement program

and to specify the positions for which this endorsement

shall be required.

(F) Special education endorsement. A special

education endorsement in one or more areas shall be

affixed to a Professional Educator License for any

individual that meets those requirements established

by the State Board of Education in rules. Special

education endorsement areas shall include without

limitation the following:

(i) Learning Behavior Specialist I;

(ii) Learning Behavior Specialist II;

(iii) Speech Language Pathologist;

(iv) Blind or Visually Impaired;

(v) Deaf-Hard of Hearing; and

(vi) Early Childhood Special Education.

Notwithstanding anything in this Code to the contrary,

the State Board of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may

add additional areas of special education by rule.

(G) School support personnel endorsement. School

support personnel endorsement areas shall include, but

are not limited to, school counselor, marriage and

family therapist, school psychologist, school speech

and language pathologist, school nurse, and school

social worker. This endorsement is for individuals who

are not teachers or administrators, but still require

licensure to work in an instructional support position

in a public or State-operated elementary school,

secondary school, or cooperative or joint agreement

with a governing body or board of control or a charter

school operating in compliance with the Charter

Schools Law. The school support personnel endorsement

shall be affixed to the Professional Educator License

and shall meet all of the requirements established in

any rules adopted to implement this subdivision (G).

The holder of such an endorsement is entitled to all of

the rights and privileges granted holders of any other

Professional Educator License, including teacher

benefits, compensation, and working conditions.

Beginning on January 1, 2014 and ending on April

30, 2014, a person holding a Professional Educator

License with a school speech and language pathologist

(teaching) endorsement may exchange his or her school

speech and language pathologist (teaching) endorsement

for a school speech and language pathologist

(non-teaching) endorsement through application to the

State Board of Education. There shall be no cost for

this exchange.

(Source: P.A. 98-413, eff. 8-16-13; 98-610, eff. 12-27-13;

98-872, eff. 8-11-14; 98-917, eff. 8-15-14; 98-1147, eff.

12-31-14; 99-58, eff. 7-16-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-30)

Sec. 21B-30. Educator testing.

(a) This Section applies beginning on July 1, 2012.

(b) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall design

and implement a system of examinations, which shall be required

prior to the issuance of educator licenses. These examinations

and indicators must be based on national and State professional

teaching standards, as determined by the State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation

and Licensure Board. The State Board of Education may adopt

such rules as may be necessary to implement and administer this

Section. No score on a test required under this Section, other

than a test of basic skills, shall be more than 10 years old at

the time that an individual makes application for an educator

license or endorsement.

(c) Applicants seeking a Professional Educator License or

an Educator License with Stipulations shall be required to pass

a test of basic skills before the license is issued, unless the

endorsement the individual is seeking does not require passage

of the test. All applicants completing Illinois-approved,

teacher education or school service personnel preparation

programs shall be required to pass the State Board of

Education's recognized test of basic skills prior to starting

their student teaching or starting the final semester of their

internship, unless required earlier at the discretion of the

recognized, Illinois institution in which they are completing

their approved program. An individual who passes a test of

basic skills does not need to do so again for subsequent

endorsements or other educator licenses.

(d) All applicants seeking a State license shall be

required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area

of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. There

shall be no exception to this requirement. No candidate shall

be allowed to student teach or serve as the teacher of record

until he or she has passed the applicable content area test.

(e) (Blank). All applicants seeking a State license

endorsed in a teaching field shall pass the assessment of

professional teaching (APT). Passage of the APT is required for

completion of an approved Illinois educator preparation

program.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this Article, beginning

Beginning on September 1, 2015, all candidates completing

teacher preparation programs in this State and all candidates

subject to Section 21B-35 of this Code are required to pass an

evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness approved by

the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State

Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. All recognized

institutions offering approved teacher preparation programs

must begin phasing in the approved teacher performance

assessment no later than July 1, 2013.

(g) Tests of basic skills and content area knowledge and

the assessment of professional teaching shall be the tests that

from time to time are designated by the State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation

and Licensure Board, and may be tests prepared by an

educational testing organization or tests designed by the State

Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator

Preparation and Licensure Board. The areas to be covered by a

test of basic skills shall include reading, language arts, and

mathematics. The test of content area knowledge shall assess

content knowledge in a specific subject field. The tests must

be designed to be racially neutral to ensure that no person

taking the tests is discriminated against on the basis of race,

color, national origin, or other factors unrelated to the

person's ability to perform as a licensed employee. The score

required to pass the tests shall be fixed by the State Board of

Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation

and Licensure Board. The tests shall be administered not fewer

than 3 times a year at such time and place as may be designated

by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State

Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.

The State Board shall implement a test or tests to assess

the speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills of

applicants for an endorsement or a license issued under

subdivision (G) of paragraph (2) of Section 21B-20 of this Code

in the English language and in the language of the transitional

bilingual education program requested by the applicant.

(h) Except as provided in Section 34-6 of this Code, the

provisions of this Section shall apply equally in any school

district subject to Article 34 of this Code.

(i) The rules developed to implement and enforce the

testing requirements under this Section shall include without

limitation provisions governing test selection, test

validation and determination of a passing score,

administration of the tests, frequency of administration,

applicant fees, frequency of applicants taking the tests, the

years for which a score is valid, and appropriate special

accommodations. The State Board of Education shall develop such

rules as may be needed to ensure uniformity from year to year

in the level of difficulty for each form of an assessment.

(Source: P.A. 98-361, eff. 1-1-14; 98-581, eff. 8-27-13;

98-756, eff. 7-16-14; 99-58, eff. 7-16-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-35)

Sec. 21B-35. Minimum requirements for educators trained in

other states or countries.

(a) All applicants who have not been entitled by an

Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois

institution of higher education applying for a Professional

Educator License endorsed in a teaching field or school support

personnel area must meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Hold a comparable and valid educator license or

certificate with similar grade level and subject matter

credentials from another state. The State Board of

Education shall have the authority to determine what

constitutes similar grade level and subject matter

credentials from another state. A comparable educator

license or certificate is one that demonstrates that the

license or certificate holder meets similar requirements

as candidates entitled by an Illinois-approved educator

preparation program in teaching or school support

personnel areas concerning coursework aligned to standards

concerning methods of instruction of the exceptional

child, methods of reading and reading in the content area,

and instructional strategies for English learners. An

applicant who holds a comparable and valid educator license

or certificate from another state must submit verification

to the State Board of Education that the applicant has

completed coursework concerning methods of instruction of

the exceptional child, methods of reading and reading in

the content area, and instructional strategies for English

learners. Have completed a comparable state-approved

education program, as defined by the State Superintendent

of Education.

(2) Have a degree from a regionally accredited

institution of higher education and the degreed major or a

constructed major must directly correspond to the license

or endorsement sought.

(3) (Blank). Teachers and school support personnel who

have not been entitled by an Illinois-approved educator

preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher

education shall meet the same requirements concerning

courses in the methods of instruction of the exceptional

child as candidates entitled by an Illinois-approved

educator preparation program in teaching and school

support personnel areas, as defined by rules.

(4) (Blank). Teachers and school support personnel who

have not been entitled by an Illinois-approved educator

preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher

education shall meet the same requirements concerning

coursework in methods of reading and reading in the content

area as candidates entitled by an Illinois-approved

educator preparation program in teaching and school

support personnel areas, as defined by rules.

(5) (Blank). Teachers and school support personnel who

have not been entitled by an Illinois-approved educator

preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher

education shall meet the same requirements concerning

courses in instructional strategies for English language

learners as candidates entitled by an Illinois-approved

educator preparation program in teaching and school

support personnel areas, as defined by rules.

(6) Have successfully met all Illinois examination

requirements. Applicants who have successfully completed a

test of basic skills, as defined by rules, at the time of

initial licensure in another state shall not be required to

complete a test of basic skills. Applicants who have

successfully completed a test of content, as defined by

rules, at the time of initial licensure in another state

shall not be required to complete a test of content.

Applicants for a teaching endorsement who have

successfully completed an evidence-based assessment of

teacher effectiveness, as defined by rules, at the time of

initial licensure in another state shall not be required to

complete an evidence-based assessment of teacher

effectiveness.

(7) For applicants for a teaching endorsement, have

completed student teaching or an equivalent experience or,

for applicants for a school service personnel endorsement,

have completed an internship or an equivalent experience.

Teachers and school support personnel who have not been

entitled by an Illinois-approved educator preparation program

at an Illinois institution of higher education must submit

verification to the State Board of Education of having

completed coursework as required under items (3), (4), and (5)

of this subsection (a) prior to issuance of a Professional

Educator License. An individual who is not able to verify

completion of the coursework as required under items (3), (4),

and (5) of this subsection (a) may qualify for an Educator

License with Stipulations with a provisional educator

endorsement and must complete coursework in those areas

identified as deficient.

If one or more of the criteria in this subsection (a) are

not met, then applicants who have not been entitled by an

Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois

institution of higher education who hold a valid, comparable

certificate from another state may qualify for a provisional

educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations,

in accordance with Section 21B-20 of this Code.

(b) In order to receive a Professional Educator License

endorsed in a teaching field, applicants trained in another

country must meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Have completed a comparable education program in

another country.

(2) Have had transcripts evaluated by an evaluation

service approved by the State Superintendent of Education.

(3) Hold a degreed major that must directly correspond

to the license or endorsement sought.

(4) (Blank). Have completed coursework in the methods

of instruction of the exceptional child.

(5) (Blank). Have completed coursework in methods of

reading and reading in the content area.

(6) (Blank). Have completed coursework in

instructional strategies for English learners.

(7) Have successfully met all State licensure

examination requirements. Applicants who have successfully

completed a test of basic skills, as defined by rules, at

the time of initial licensure in another country shall not

be required to complete a test of basic skills. Applicants

who have successfully completed a test of content, as

defined by rules, at the time of initial licensure in

another country shall not be required to complete a test of

content. Applicants for a teaching endorsement who have

successfully completed an evidence-based assessment of

teacher effectiveness, as defined by rules, at the time of

initial licensure in another country shall not be required

to complete an evidence-based assessment of teacher

effectiveness.

(8) Have completed student teaching or an equivalent

experience.

Applicants trained in another country must submit

verification to the State Board of Education of having

completed coursework as required under items (4), (5), and (6)

of this subsection (b) prior to issuance of a Professional

Educator License. Individuals who are not able to verify

completion of the coursework as required under items (4), (5),

and (6) of this subsection (b) may qualify for an Educator

License with Stipulations with a provisional educator

endorsement and must complete coursework in those areas

identified as deficient.

If one or more of the criteria in this subsection (b) are

not met, then an applicant trained in another country may

qualify for a provisional educator endorsement on an Educator

License with Stipulations in accordance with Section 21B-20 of

this Code.

(b-5) All applicants who have not been entitled by an

Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois

institution of higher education and applicants trained in

another country applying for a Professional Educator License

endorsed for principal or superintendent must meet all of the

following requirements:

(1) Have completed an educator preparation program

approved by another state or comparable educator program in

another country leading to the receipt of a license or

certificate for the Illinois endorsement sought.

(2) Have successfully met all State licensure

examination requirements, as required by Section 21B-30 of

this Code. Applicants who have successfully completed a

test of basic skills, as defined by rules, at the time of

initial licensure in another state or country shall not be

required to complete a test of basic skills. Applicants who

have successfully completed a test of content, as defined

by rules, at the time of initial licensure in another state

or country shall not be required to complete a test of

content.

(3) (Blank). Have received a certificate or license

endorsed in a teaching field.

A provisional educator endorsement to serve as a

superintendent or principal may be affixed to an Educator

License with Stipulations in accordance with Section 21B-20 of

this Code.

(b-10) All applicants who have not been entitled by an

Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois

institution of higher education applying for a Professional

Educator License endorsed for chief school business official

must meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Have completed a master's degree in school business

management, finance, or accounting.

(2) Have successfully completed an internship in

school business management or have 2 years of experience as

a school business administrator.

(3) Have successfully met all State examination

requirements, as required by Section 21B-30 of this Code.

Applicants who have successfully completed a test of

content, as identified by rules, at the time of initial

licensure in another state or country shall not be required

to complete a test of content.

(4) Have successfully completed modules in reading

methods, special education, and English Learners.

A provisional educator endorsement to serve as a chief

school business official may be affixed to an Educator License

with Stipulations.

(c) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may adopt such

rules as may be necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 98-581, eff. 8-27-13; 99-58, eff. 7-16-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-40)

Sec. 21B-40. Fees.

(a) Beginning with the start of the new licensure system

established pursuant to this Article, the following fees shall

be charged to applicants:

(1) A $75 application fee for a Professional Educator

License or an Educator License with Stipulations and for

individuals seeking a Substitute Teaching License.

However, beginning on January 1, 2015, the application fee

for a Professional Educator License and , Educator License

with Stipulations, or Substitute Teaching License shall be

$100.

(1.5) A $50 application fee for a Substitute Teaching

License.

(2) A $150 application fee for individuals who have not

been entitled by an Illinois-approved educator preparation

program at an Illinois institution of higher education and

are seeking any of the licenses set forth in subdivision

(1) of this subsection (a).

(3) A $50 application fee for each endorsement or

approval an individual holding a license wishes to add to

that license.

(4) A $10 per year registration fee for the course of

the validity cycle to register the license, which shall be

paid to the regional office of education having supervision

and control over the school in which the individual holding

the license is to be employed. If the individual holding

the license is not yet employed, then the license may be

registered in any county in this State. The registration

fee must be paid in its entirety the first time the

individual registers the license for a particular validity

period in a single region. No additional fee may be charged

for that validity period should the individual

subsequently register the license in additional regions.

An individual must register the license (i) immediately

after initial issuance of the license and (ii) at the

beginning of each renewal cycle if the individual has

satisfied the renewal requirements required under this

Code.

(b) All application fees paid pursuant to subdivisions (1)

through (3) of subsection (a) of this Section shall be

deposited into the Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving Fund and

shall be used, subject to appropriation, by the State Board of

Education to provide the technology and human resources

necessary for the timely and efficient processing of

applications and for the renewal of licenses. Funds available

from the Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving Fund may also be

used by the State Board of Education to support the recruitment

and retention of educators, to support educator preparation

programs as they seek national accreditation, and to provide

professional development aligned with the requirements set

forth in Section 21B-45 of this Code. A majority of the funds

in the Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving Fund must be dedicated

to the timely and efficient processing of applications and for

the renewal of licenses. The Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving

Fund is not subject to administrative charge transfers,

authorized under Section 8h of the State Finance Act, from the

Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving Fund into any other fund of

this State, and moneys in the Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving

Fund shall not revert back to the General Revenue Fund at any

time.

The regional superintendent of schools shall deposit the

registration fees paid pursuant to subdivision (4) of

subsection (a) of this Section into the institute fund

established pursuant to Section 3-11 of this Code.

(c) The State Board of Education and each regional office

of education are authorized to charge a service or convenience

fee for the use of credit cards for the payment of license

fees. This service or convenience fee shall not exceed the

amount required by the credit card processing company or vendor

that has entered into a contract with the State Board or

regional office of education for this purpose, and the fee must

be paid to that company or vendor.

(d) If, at the time a certificate issued under Article 21

of this Code is exchanged for a license issued under this

Article, a person has paid registration fees for any years of

the validity period of the certificate and these years have not

expired when the certificate is exchanged, then those fees must

be applied to the registration of the new license.

(Source: P.A. 98-610, eff. 12-27-13; 99-58, eff. 7-16-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/21B-45)

Sec. 21B-45. Professional Educator License renewal.

(a) Individuals holding a Professional Educator License

are required to complete the licensure renewal requirements as

specified in this Section, unless otherwise provided in this

Code.

Individuals holding a Professional Educator License shall

meet the renewal requirements set forth in this Section, unless

otherwise provided in this Code. If an individual holds a

license endorsed in more than one area that has different

renewal requirements, that individual shall follow the renewal

requirements for the position for which he or she spends the

majority of his or her time working.

(b) All Professional Educator Licenses not renewed as

provided in this Section shall lapse on September 1 of that

year. Lapsed licenses may be immediately reinstated upon (i)

payment by the applicant of a $500 penalty to the State Board

of Education or (ii) the demonstration of proficiency by

completing 9 semester hours of coursework from a regionally

accredited institution of higher education in the content area

that most aligns with one or more of the educator's endorsement

areas. Any and all back fees, including without limitation

registration fees owed from the time of expiration of the

license until the date of reinstatement, shall be paid and kept

in accordance with the provisions in Article 3 of this Code

concerning an institute fund and the provisions in Article 21B

of this Code concerning fees and requirements for registration.

Licenses not registered in accordance with Section 21B-40 of

this Code shall lapse after a period of 6 months from the

expiration of the last year of registration. An unregistered

license is invalid after September 1 for employment and

performance of services in an Illinois public or State-operated

school or cooperative and in a charter school. Any license or

endorsement may be voluntarily surrendered by the license

holder. A voluntarily surrendered license, except a substitute

teaching license issued under Section 21B-20 of this Code,

shall be treated as a revoked license. An Educator License with

Stipulations with only a paraprofessional endorsement does not

lapse.

(c) From July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, in order to

satisfy the requirements for licensure renewal provided for in

this Section, each professional educator licensee with an

administrative endorsement who is working in a position

requiring such endorsement shall complete one Illinois

Administrators' Academy course, as described in Article 2 of

this Code, per fiscal year.

(d) Beginning July 1, 2014, in order to satisfy the

requirements for licensure renewal provided for in this

Section, each professional educator licensee may create a

professional development plan each year. The plan shall address

one or more of the endorsements that are required of his or her

educator position if the licensee is employed and performing

services in an Illinois public or State-operated school or

cooperative. If the licensee is employed in a charter school,

the plan shall address that endorsement or those endorsements

most closely related to his or her educator position. Licensees

employed and performing services in any other Illinois schools

may participate in the renewal requirements by adhering to the

same process.

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the

licensee's professional development activities shall align

with one or more of the following criteria:

(1) activities are of a type that engage participants

over a sustained period of time allowing for analysis,

discovery, and application as they relate to student

learning, social or emotional achievement, or well-being;

(2) professional development aligns to the licensee's

performance;

(3) outcomes for the activities must relate to student

growth or district improvement;

(4) activities align to State-approved standards; and

(5) higher education coursework.

(e) For each renewal cycle, each professional educator

licensee shall engage in professional development activities.

Prior to renewal, the licensee shall enter electronically into

the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) the name,

date, and location of the activity, the number of professional

development hours, and the provider's name. The following

provisions shall apply concerning professional development

activities:

(1) Each licensee shall complete a total of 120 hours

of professional development per 5-year renewal cycle in

order to renew the license, except as otherwise provided in

this Section.

(2) Beginning with his or her first full 5-year cycle,

any licensee with an administrative endorsement who is not

working in a position requiring such endorsement shall

complete one Illinois Administrators' Academy course, as

described in Article 2 of this Code, in each 5-year renewal

cycle in which the administrative endorsement was held for

at least one year. The Illinois Administrators' Academy

course may count toward the total of 120 hours per 5-year

cycle.

(3) Any licensee with an administrative endorsement

who is working in a position requiring such endorsement or

an individual with a Teacher Leader endorsement serving in

an administrative capacity at least 50% of the day shall

complete one Illinois Administrators' Academy course, as

described in Article 2 of this Code, each fiscal year in

addition to 100 hours of professional development per

5-year renewal cycle in accordance with this Code.

(4) Any licensee holding a current National Board for

Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) master teacher

designation shall complete a total of 60 hours of

professional development per 5-year renewal cycle in order

to renew the license.

(5) Licensees working in a position that does not

require educator licensure or working in a position for

less than 50% for any particular year are considered to be

exempt and shall be required to pay only the registration

fee in order to renew and maintain the validity of the

license.

(6) Licensees who are retired and qualify for benefits

from a State retirement system shall notify the State Board

of Education using ELIS, and the license shall be

maintained in retired status. For any renewal cycle in

which a licensee retires during the renewal cycle, the

licensee must complete professional development activities

on a prorated basis depending on the number of years during

the renewal cycle the educator held an active license. If a

licensee retires during a renewal cycle, the licensee must

notify the State Board of Education using ELIS that the

licensee wishes to maintain the license in retired status

and must show proof of completion of professional

development activities on a prorated basis for all years of

that renewal cycle for which the license was active. An

individual with a license in retired status shall not be

required to complete professional development activities

or pay registration fees until returning to a position that

requires educator licensure. Upon returning to work in a

position that requires the Professional Educator License,

the licensee shall immediately pay a registration fee and

complete renewal requirements for that year. A license in

retired status cannot lapse. Beginning on the effective

date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly

through December 31, 2017, any licensee who has retired and

whose license has lapsed for failure to renew as provided

in this Section may reinstate that license and maintain it

in retired status upon providing proof to the State Board

of Education using ELIS that the licensee is retired and is

not working in a position that requires a Professional

Educator License.

(7) For any renewal cycle in which professional

development hours were required, but not fulfilled, the

licensee shall complete any missed hours to total the

minimum professional development hours required in this

Section prior to September 1 of that year. For any fiscal

year or renewal cycle in which an Illinois Administrators'

Academy course was required but not completed, the licensee

shall complete any missed Illinois Administrators' Academy

courses prior to September 1 of that year. The licensee may

complete all deficient hours and Illinois Administrators'

Academy courses while continuing to work in a position that

requires that license until September 1 of that year.

(8) Any licensee who has not fulfilled the professional

development renewal requirements set forth in this Section

at the end of any 5-year renewal cycle is ineligible to

register his or her license and may submit an appeal to the

State Superintendent of Education for reinstatement of the

license.

(9) If professional development opportunities were

unavailable to a licensee, proof that opportunities were

unavailable and request for an extension of time beyond

August 31 to complete the renewal requirements may be

submitted from April 1 through June 30 of that year to the

State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. If an

extension is approved, the license shall remain valid

during the extension period.

(10) Individuals who hold exempt licenses prior to

December 27, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act 98-610)

this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly shall

commence the annual renewal process with the first

scheduled registration due after December 27, 2013 (the

effective date of Public Act 98-610) this amendatory Act of

the 98th General Assembly.

(f) At the time of renewal, each licensee shall respond to

the required questions under penalty of perjury.

(g) The following entities shall be designated as approved

to provide professional development activities for the renewal

of Professional Educator Licenses:

(1) The State Board of Education.

(2) Regional offices of education and intermediate

service centers.

(3) Illinois professional associations representing

the following groups that are approved by the State

Superintendent of Education:

(A) school administrators;

(B) principals;

(C) school business officials;

(D) teachers, including special education

teachers;

(E) school boards;

(F) school districts;

(G) parents; and

(H) school service personnel.

(4) Regionally accredited institutions of higher

education that offer Illinois-approved educator

preparation programs and public community colleges subject

to the Public Community College Act.

(5) Illinois public school districts, charter schools

authorized under Article 27A of this Code, and joint

educational programs authorized under Article 10 of this

Code for the purposes of providing career and technical

education or special education services.

(6) A not-for-profit organization that, as of December

31, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-1147) this

amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly, has had or has

a grant from or a contract with the State Board of

Education to provide professional development services in

the area of English Learning to Illinois school districts,

teachers, or administrators.

(7) State agencies, State boards, and State

commissions.

(8) (7) Museums as defined in Section 10 of the Museum

Disposition of Property Act.

(h) Approved providers under subsection (g) of this Section

shall make available professional development opportunities

that satisfy at least one of the following:

(1) increase the knowledge and skills of school and

district leaders who guide continuous professional

development;

(2) improve the learning of students;

(3) organize adults into learning communities whose

goals are aligned with those of the school and district;

(4) deepen educator's content knowledge;

(5) provide educators with research-based

instructional strategies to assist students in meeting

rigorous academic standards;

(6) prepare educators to appropriately use various

types of classroom assessments;

(7) use learning strategies appropriate to the

intended goals;

(8) provide educators with the knowledge and skills to

collaborate; or

(9) prepare educators to apply research to

decision-making.

(i) Approved providers under subsection (g) of this Section

shall do the following:

(1) align professional development activities to the

State-approved national standards for professional

learning;

(2) meet the professional development criteria for

Illinois licensure renewal;

(3) produce a rationale for the activity that explains

how it aligns to State standards and identify the

assessment for determining the expected impact on student

learning or school improvement;

(4) maintain original documentation for completion of

activities; and

(5) provide license holders with evidence of

completion of activities.

(j) The State Board of Education shall conduct annual

audits of approved providers, except for school districts,

which shall be audited by regional offices of education and

intermediate service centers. The State Board of Education

shall complete random audits of licensees.

(1) Approved providers shall annually submit to the

State Board of Education a list of subcontractors used for

delivery of professional development activities for which

renewal credit was issued and other information as defined

by rule.

(2) Approved providers shall annually submit data to

the State Board of Education demonstrating how the

professional development activities impacted one or more

of the following:

(A) educator and student growth in regards to

content knowledge or skills, or both;

(B) educator and student social and emotional

growth; or

(C) alignment to district or school improvement

plans.

(3) The State Superintendent of Education shall review

the annual data collected by the State Board of Education,

regional offices of education, and intermediate service

centers in audits to determine if the approved provider has

met the criteria and should continue to be an approved

provider or if further action should be taken as provided

in rules.

(k) Registration fees shall be paid for the next renewal

cycle between April 1 and June 30 in the last year of each

5-year renewal cycle using ELIS. If all required professional

development hours for the renewal cycle have been completed and

entered by the licensee, the licensee shall pay the

registration fees for the next cycle using a form of credit or

debit card.

(l) Beginning July 1, 2014, any professional educator

licensee endorsed for school support personnel who is employed

and performing services in Illinois public schools and who

holds an active and current professional license issued by the

Department of Financial and Professional Regulation related to

the endorsement areas on the Professional Educator License

shall be deemed to have satisfied the continuing professional

development requirements provided for in this Section. Such

individuals shall be required to pay only registration fees to

renew the Professional Educator License. An individual who does

not hold a license issued by the Department of Financial and

Professional Regulation shall complete professional

development requirements for the renewal of a Professional

Educator License provided for in this Section.

(m) Appeals to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure

Board must be made within 30 days after receipt of notice from

the State Superintendent of Education that a license will not

be renewed based upon failure to complete the requirements of

this Section. A licensee may appeal that decision to the State

Educator Preparation and Licensure Board in a manner prescribed

by rule.

(1) Each appeal shall state the reasons why the State

Superintendent's decision should be reversed and shall be

sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the

State Board of Education.

(2) The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board

shall review each appeal regarding renewal of a license

within 90 days after receiving the appeal in order to

determine whether the licensee has met the requirements of

this Section. The State Educator Preparation and Licensure

Board may hold an appeal hearing or may make its

determination based upon the record of review, which shall

consist of the following:

(A) the regional superintendent of education's

rationale for recommending nonrenewal of the license,

if applicable;

(B) any evidence submitted to the State

Superintendent along with the individual's electronic

statement of assurance for renewal; and

(C) the State Superintendent's rationale for

nonrenewal of the license.

(3) The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board

shall notify the licensee of its decision regarding license

renewal by certified mail, return receipt requested, no

later than 30 days after reaching a decision. Upon receipt

of notification of renewal, the licensee, using ELIS, shall

pay the applicable registration fee for the next cycle

using a form of credit or debit card.

(n) The State Board of Education may adopt rules as may be

necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 98-610, eff. 12-27-13; 98-1147, eff. 12-31-14;

99-58, eff. 7-16-15; 99-130, eff. 7-24-15; revised 10-21-15.)