The Illinois State Board of Education provides leadership, advocacy, and support for the work of school districts, policymakers, and Illinois residents in making Illinois education Second to None. The State Board’s vision is that Illinois public schools will enable all students to succeed in postsecondary education and career opportunities, to be effective life-long learners and to participate actively in our democracy.
Created in 1975, the nine-member board sets state educational policies and guidelines for schools, preschool through grade 12. In addition to providing leadership for Illinois education, the State Board of Education disburses and oversees more than $8 billion in state and federal funds annually, and administers a policy of equitable educational opportunity for all children. The State Board’s headquarters are in Springfield and Chicago.
As education leaders for Illinois, an essential part of the work of the State Board of Education is to assist schools and districts in building capacity for continuous improvement. At the core of every function and activity of the Illinois State Board of Education is the achievement of student learning outcomes measured against the Illinois Learning Standards.
Special Education Services
The Illinois State Board of Education partners with school districts to provide programs and services for students with specialized educational needs.
Special Education Services assures that these programs and services meet state and federal requirements. This involves both compliance and technical assistance functions. Compliance functions include monitoring least restrictive environment compliance, administering due process system, providing mediation services, conducting compliant investigations, approving policies and procedures, conducting focused and comprehensive reviews and approving nonpublic special education facilities.