104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB3170 Introduced , by Rep. Laura Faver Dias SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: See Index Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes. LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b A BILL FOR 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB3170 Introduced , by Rep. Laura Faver Dias SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: See Index See Index Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes. LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b A BILL FOR 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB3170 Introduced , by Rep. Laura Faver Dias SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: See Index See Index See Index Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes. LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b A BILL FOR HB3170LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 AN ACT concerning education. 2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 3 represented in the General Assembly: 4 Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 5 21B-10, 21B-20, 21B-30, 21B-35, and 21B-105 and by adding 6 Sections 21B-32 and 21B-47 as follows: 7 (105 ILCS 5/21B-10) 8 Sec. 21B-10. State Educator Preparation and Licensure 9 Board. 10 (a) The State Teacher Certification Board, which had been 11 established under Section 21-13 of the School Code prior to 12 this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, shall be 13 renamed the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. 14 References in law to the State Teacher Certification Board 15 shall mean the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. 16 The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board shall 17 consist of the State Superintendent of Education or a 18 representative appointed by him or her, who shall be 19 ex-officio chairperson, 5 administrative or faculty members of 20 public or private colleges or universities located in this 21 State, 5 administrative or faculty members of public community 22 colleges located in this State, 3 administrators and 10 23 classroom teachers employed in the public schools (5 of whom 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB3170 Introduced , by Rep. Laura Faver Dias SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: See Index See Index See Index Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes. LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b A BILL FOR See Index LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 2 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 2 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 2 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 must be members of and nominated by a statewide professional 2 teachers' organization and 5 of whom must be members of and 3 nominated by a different statewide professional teachers' 4 organization), and one regional superintendent of schools, all 5 of whom shall be appointed by the State Board of Education; 6 provided that at least one of the administrators and at least 3 7 of the classroom teachers so appointed must be employees of a 8 school district that is subject to the provisions of Article 9 34 of this Code. A statewide professional teachers' 10 organization and a different statewide professional teachers' 11 organization shall submit to the State Board of Education for 12 consideration at least 3 names of accomplished teachers for 13 every one vacancy or expiring term in a classroom teacher 14 position. The nominations submitted to the State Board of 15 Education under this Section to fill a vacancy or an expiring 16 term shall be advisory. Nomination for State Educator 17 Preparation and Licensure Board members must be submitted to 18 the State Board of Education within 30 days after the vacancy 19 or vacancies occur. Nominations to fill an expiring term must 20 be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education State 21 Board of Education at least 30 days before the expiration of 22 that term. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this 23 Section, if a sufficient number of nominations are not 24 received by the State Superintendent of Education State Board 25 of Education for a vacancy or expiring term within the 30-day 26 period, then the State Superintendent of Education State Board HB3170 - 2 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 3 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 3 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 3 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 of Education may appoint any qualified person, in the same 2 manner as the original appointment, to fill the vacancy or 3 expiring term. The regular term of each member is 3 years, and 4 an individual may be appointed for no more than 2 consecutive 5 terms. The term of an appointed member of the State Educator 6 Preparation and Licensure Board shall expire on June 30 of his 7 or her final year. 8 The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board may 9 allow one member representing the Board of Higher Education 10 and one member representing the Illinois Community College 11 Board to serve as nonvoting, ex officio members on the Board. 12 (b) The State Board of Education shall appoint a secretary 13 of the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. 14 (c) The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board 15 shall hold regular meetings at least quarterly and such other 16 special meetings as may be necessary. 17 (d) The necessary expenses of the State Educator 18 Preparation and Licensure Board shall be provided through the 19 State Board of Education. The State Board of Education, in 20 consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure 21 Board, may adopt such rules as may be necessary for the 22 administration of this Article. 23 (e) (Blank). 24 (Source: P.A. 100-596, eff. 7-1-18.) 25 (105 ILCS 5/21B-20) HB3170 - 3 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 4 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 4 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 4 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Sec. 21B-20. Types of licenses. The State Board of 2 Education shall implement a system of educator licensure, 3 whereby individuals employed in school districts who are 4 required to be licensed must have one of the following 5 licenses: (i) a professional educator license; (ii) an 6 educator license with stipulations; (iii) a substitute 7 teaching license; or (iv) until June 30, 2028, a short-term 8 substitute teaching license. References in law regarding 9 individuals certified or certificated or required to be 10 certified or certificated under Article 21 of this Code shall 11 also include individuals licensed or required to be licensed 12 under this Article. The first year of all licenses ends on June 13 30 following one full year of the license being issued. 14 The State Board of Education, in consultation with the 15 State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may adopt such 16 rules as may be necessary to govern the requirements for 17 licenses and endorsements under this Section. 18 (1) Professional Educator License. Persons who (i) 19 have successfully completed an approved educator 20 preparation program and are recommended for licensure by 21 the Illinois institution offering the educator preparation 22 program, (ii) have successfully completed the required 23 testing under Section 21B-30 of this Code, (iii) until 24 July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a 25 particular content area is implemented, whichever is 26 later, have successfully completed coursework on the HB3170 - 4 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 5 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 5 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 5 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 psychology of, the identification of, and the methods of 2 instruction for the exceptional child, including, without 3 limitation, children with learning disabilities, (iv) have 4 successfully completed coursework in methods of reading 5 and reading in the content area, and (v) have met all other 6 criteria established by rule of the State Board of 7 Education shall be issued a Professional Educator License. 8 Persons seeking a Professional Educator License with a 9 School support personnel endorsement or chief school 10 business official endorsement are exempt from the 11 requirements in items (iii) and (iv). All Professional 12 Educator Licenses are valid until June 30 immediately 13 following 5 years of the license being issued. The 14 Professional Educator License shall be endorsed with 15 specific areas and grade levels in which the individual is 16 eligible to practice. For an early childhood education 17 endorsement, an individual may satisfy the student 18 teaching requirement of his or her early childhood teacher 19 preparation program through placement in a setting with 20 children from birth through grade 2, and the individual 21 may be paid and receive credit while student teaching. The 22 student teaching experience must meet the requirements of 23 and be approved by the individual's early childhood 24 teacher preparation program. 25 Individuals can receive subsequent endorsements on the 26 Professional Educator License. Subsequent endorsements HB3170 - 5 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 6 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 6 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 6 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 shall require a minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework 2 in the endorsement area and passage of the applicable 3 content area test, unless otherwise specified by rule. 4 (2) Educator License with Stipulations. An Educator 5 License with Stipulations shall be issued an endorsement 6 that limits the license holder to one particular position 7 or does not require completion of an approved educator 8 program or both. 9 An individual with an Educator License with 10 Stipulations must not be employed by a school district or 11 any other entity to replace any presently employed teacher 12 who otherwise would not be replaced for any reason. 13 An Educator License with Stipulations may be issued 14 with the following endorsements: 15 (A) (Blank). 16 (B) Alternative provisional educator. An 17 alternative provisional educator endorsement on an 18 Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an 19 applicant who, at the time of applying for the 20 endorsement, has done all of the following: 21 (i) Graduated from a regionally accredited 22 college or university with a minimum of a 23 bachelor's degree. 24 (ii) Successfully completed the first phase of 25 the Alternative Educator Licensure Program for 26 Teachers, as described in Section 21B-50 of this HB3170 - 6 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 7 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 7 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 7 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Code. 2 (iii) Passed a content area test, as required 3 under Section 21B-30 of this Code. 4 The alternative provisional educator endorsement is 5 valid for 2 years of teaching and may be renewed for a 6 third year by an individual meeting the requirements set 7 forth in Section 21B-50 of this Code. 8 (C) Alternative provisional superintendent. An 9 alternative provisional superintendent endorsement on 10 an Educator License with Stipulations entitles the 11 holder to serve only as a superintendent or assistant 12 superintendent in a school district's central office. 13 This endorsement may only be issued to an applicant 14 who, at the time of applying for the endorsement, has 15 done all of the following: 16 (i) Graduated from a regionally accredited 17 college or university with a minimum of a master's 18 degree in a management field other than education. 19 (ii) Been employed for a period of at least 5 20 years in a management level position in a field 21 other than education. 22 (iii) Successfully completed the first phase 23 of an alternative route to superintendent 24 endorsement program, as provided in Section 21B-55 25 of this Code. 26 (iv) Passed a content area test required under HB3170 - 7 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 8 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 8 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 8 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Section 21B-30 of this Code. 2 The endorsement is valid for 2 fiscal years in 3 order to complete one full year of serving as a 4 superintendent or assistant superintendent. 5 (D) (Blank). 6 (E) Career and technical educator. A career and 7 technical educator endorsement on an Educator License 8 with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who 9 has a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework from a 10 regionally accredited institution of higher education 11 or an accredited trade and technical institution and 12 has a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience outside of 13 education in each area to be taught. 14 The career and technical educator endorsement on 15 an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until 16 June 30 immediately following 5 years of the 17 endorsement being issued and may be renewed. 18 An individual who holds a valid career and 19 technical educator endorsement on an Educator License 20 with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor's 21 degree may substitute teach in career and technical 22 education classrooms. 23 An individual who holds a valid career and 24 technical educator endorsement on an Educator License 25 with Stipulations is entitled to all of the rights and 26 privileges granted to a holder of a Professional HB3170 - 8 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 9 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 9 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 9 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Educator License. 2 (F) (Blank). 3 (G) Transitional bilingual educator. A 4 transitional bilingual educator endorsement on an 5 Educator License with Stipulations may be issued for 6 the purpose of providing instruction in accordance 7 with Article 14C of this Code to an applicant who 8 provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets 9 all of the following requirements: 10 (i) Possesses adequate speaking, reading, and 11 writing ability in the language other than English 12 in which transitional bilingual education is 13 offered. 14 (ii) Has the ability to successfully 15 communicate in English. 16 (iii) Either possessed, within 5 years 17 previous to his or her applying for a transitional 18 bilingual educator endorsement, a valid and 19 comparable teaching certificate or comparable 20 authorization issued by a foreign country or holds 21 a degree from an institution of higher learning in 22 a foreign country that the State Educator 23 Preparation and Licensure Board determines to be 24 the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from a 25 regionally accredited institution of higher 26 learning in the United States. HB3170 - 9 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 10 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 10 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 10 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 A transitional bilingual educator endorsement 2 shall be valid for prekindergarten through grade 12, 3 is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years 4 of the endorsement being issued, and shall not be 5 renewed. 6 Persons holding a transitional bilingual educator 7 endorsement shall not be employed to replace any 8 presently employed teacher who otherwise would not be 9 replaced for any reason. 10 (H) Language endorsement. In an effort to 11 alleviate the shortage of teachers speaking a language 12 other than English in the public schools, an 13 individual who holds an Educator License with 14 Stipulations may also apply for a language 15 endorsement, provided that the applicant provides 16 satisfactory evidence that he or she meets all of the 17 following requirements: 18 (i) Holds a transitional bilingual 19 endorsement. 20 (ii) Has demonstrated proficiency in the 21 language for which the endorsement is to be issued 22 by passing the applicable language content test 23 required by the State Board of Education. 24 (iii) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher from 25 a regionally accredited institution of higher 26 education or, for individuals educated in a HB3170 - 10 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 11 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 11 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 11 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 country other than the United States, holds a 2 degree from an institution of higher learning in a 3 foreign country that the State Educator 4 Preparation and Licensure Board determines to be 5 the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from a 6 regionally accredited institution of higher 7 learning in the United States. 8 (iv) (Blank). 9 A language endorsement on an Educator License with 10 Stipulations is valid for prekindergarten through 11 grade 12 for the same validity period as the 12 individual's transitional bilingual educator 13 endorsement on the Educator License with Stipulations 14 and shall not be renewed. 15 (I) Visiting international educator. A visiting 16 international educator endorsement on an Educator 17 License with Stipulations may be issued to an 18 individual who is being recruited by a particular 19 school district that conducts formal recruitment 20 programs outside of the United States to secure the 21 services of qualified teachers and who meets all of 22 the following requirements: 23 (i) Holds the equivalent of a minimum of a 24 bachelor's degree issued in the United States. 25 (ii) Has been prepared as a teacher at the 26 grade level for which he or she will be employed. HB3170 - 11 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 12 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 12 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 12 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 (iii) Has adequate content knowledge in the 2 subject to be taught. 3 (iv) Has an adequate command of the English 4 language. 5 A holder of a visiting international educator 6 endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations 7 shall be permitted to teach in bilingual education 8 programs in the language that was the medium of 9 instruction in his or her teacher preparation program, 10 provided that he or she passes the English Language 11 Proficiency Examination or another test of writing 12 skills in English identified by the State Board of 13 Education, in consultation with the State Educator 14 Preparation and Licensure Board. 15 A visiting international educator endorsement on 16 an Educator License with Stipulations is valid for 5 17 years and shall not be renewed. 18 (J) Paraprofessional educator. A paraprofessional 19 educator endorsement on an Educator License with 20 Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who holds a 21 high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and 22 (i) holds an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 23 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited 24 institution of higher education; (ii) has passed a 25 paraprofessional competency test under subsection 26 (c-5) of Section 21B-30; or (iii) is at least 18 years HB3170 - 12 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 13 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 13 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 13 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 of age and will be using the Educator License with 2 Stipulations exclusively for grades prekindergarten 3 through grade 8, until the individual reaches the age 4 of 19 years and otherwise meets the criteria for a 5 paraprofessional educator endorsement pursuant to this 6 subparagraph (J). The paraprofessional educator 7 endorsement is valid until June 30 immediately 8 following 5 years of the endorsement being issued and 9 may be renewed through application and payment of the 10 appropriate fee, as required under Section 21B-40 of 11 this Code. An individual who holds only a 12 paraprofessional educator endorsement is not subject 13 to additional requirements in order to renew the 14 endorsement. 15 (K) Chief school business official. A chief school 16 business official endorsement on an Educator License 17 with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who 18 qualifies by having a master's degree or higher, 2 19 years of full-time administrative experience in school 20 business management or 2 years of university-approved 21 practical experience, and a minimum of 24 semester 22 hours of graduate credit in a program approved by the 23 State Board of Education for the preparation of school 24 business administrators and by passage of the 25 applicable State tests, including an applicable 26 content area test. HB3170 - 13 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 14 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 14 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 14 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 The chief school business official endorsement may 2 also be affixed to the Educator License with 3 Stipulations of any holder who qualifies by having a 4 master's degree in business administration, finance, 5 accounting, or public administration and who completes 6 an additional 6 semester hours of internship in school 7 business management from a regionally accredited 8 institution of higher education and passes the 9 applicable State tests, including an applicable 10 content area test. This endorsement shall be required 11 for any individual employed as a chief school business 12 official. 13 The chief school business official endorsement on 14 an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until 15 June 30 immediately following 5 years of the 16 endorsement being issued and may be renewed if the 17 license holder completes renewal requirements as 18 required for individuals who hold a Professional 19 Educator License endorsed for chief school business 20 official under Section 21B-45 of this Code and such 21 rules as may be adopted by the State Board of 22 Education. 23 The State Board of Education shall adopt any rules 24 necessary to implement Public Act 100-288. 25 (L) Provisional in-state educator. A provisional 26 in-state educator endorsement on an Educator License HB3170 - 14 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 15 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 15 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 15 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 with Stipulations may be issued to a candidate who has 2 completed an Illinois-approved educator preparation 3 program at an Illinois institution of higher education 4 and who has not successfully completed an 5 evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness but 6 who meets all of the following requirements: 7 (i) Holds at least a bachelor's degree. 8 (ii) Has completed an approved educator 9 preparation program at an Illinois institution. 10 (iii) Has passed an applicable content area 11 test, as required by Section 21B-30 of this Code. 12 (iv) Has attempted an evidence-based 13 assessment of teacher effectiveness and received a 14 minimum score on that assessment, as established 15 by the State Board of Education in consultation 16 with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure 17 Board. 18 A provisional in-state educator endorsement on an 19 Educator License with Stipulations is valid for one 20 full fiscal year after the date of issuance and may not 21 be renewed. 22 (M) (Blank). 23 (N) Specialized services. A specialized services 24 endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations 25 may be issued as defined and specified by rule. 26 (O) Provisional career and technical educator. A HB3170 - 15 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 16 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 16 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 16 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 provisional career and technical educator endorsement 2 on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued 3 to an applicant who has a minimum of 8,000 hours of 4 work experience in the skill for which the applicant 5 is seeking the endorsement. Each employing school 6 board and regional office of education shall provide 7 verification, in writing, to the State Superintendent 8 of Education at the time the application is submitted 9 that no qualified teacher holding a Professional 10 Educator License or an Educator License with 11 Stipulations with a career and technical educator 12 endorsement is available to teach and that actual 13 circumstances require such issuance. 14 A provisional career and technical educator 15 endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations 16 is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years 17 of the endorsement being issued and may be renewed. 18 An individual who holds a provisional career and 19 technical educator endorsement on an Educator License 20 with Stipulations may teach as a substitute teacher in 21 career and technical education classrooms. 22 An individual who holds a provisional career and 23 technical educator endorsement on an Educator License 24 with Stipulations is entitled to all of the rights and 25 privileges granted to a holder of a Professional 26 Educator License. HB3170 - 16 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 17 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 17 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 17 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 (3) Substitute Teaching License. A Substitute Teaching 2 License may be issued to qualified applicants for 3 substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools, 4 prekindergarten through grade 12. Substitute Teaching 5 Licenses are not eligible for endorsements. Applicants for 6 a Substitute Teaching License must hold a bachelor's 7 degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution 8 of higher education or must be enrolled in an approved 9 educator preparation program in this State and have earned 10 at least 90 credit hours. 11 Substitute Teaching Licenses are valid for 5 years. 12 Substitute Teaching Licenses are valid for substitute 13 teaching in every county of this State. If an individual 14 has had his or her Professional Educator License or 15 Educator License with Stipulations suspended or revoked, 16 then that individual is not eligible to obtain a 17 Substitute Teaching License. 18 A substitute teacher may only teach in the place of a 19 licensed teacher who is under contract with the employing 20 board. If, however, there is no licensed teacher under 21 contract because of an emergency situation, then a 22 district may employ a substitute teacher for no longer 23 than 30 calendar days per each vacant position in the 24 district if the district notifies the appropriate regional 25 office of education within 5 business days after the 26 employment of the substitute teacher in that vacant HB3170 - 17 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 18 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 18 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 18 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 position. A district may continue to employ that same 2 substitute teacher in that same vacant position for 90 3 calendar days or until the end of the semester, whichever 4 is greater, if, prior to the expiration of the 5 30-calendar-day period then current, the district files a 6 written request with the appropriate regional office of 7 education for a 30-calendar-day extension on the basis 8 that the position remains vacant and the district 9 continues to actively seek qualified candidates and 10 provides documentation that it has provided training 11 specific to the position, including training on meeting 12 the needs of students with disabilities and English 13 learners if applicable. Each extension request shall be 14 granted in writing by the regional office of education. An 15 emergency situation is one in which an unforeseen vacancy 16 has occurred and (i) a teacher is unexpectedly unable to 17 fulfill his or her contractual duties or (ii) teacher 18 capacity needs of the district exceed previous indications 19 or vacancies are unfilled due to a lack of qualified 20 candidates, and the district is actively engaged in 21 advertising to hire a fully licensed teacher for the 22 vacant position. 23 There is no limit on the number of days that a 24 substitute teacher may teach in a single school district, 25 provided that no substitute teacher may teach for longer 26 than 120 days beginning with the 2021-2022 school year HB3170 - 18 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 19 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 19 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 19 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 through the 2022-2023 school year, otherwise 90 school 2 days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the 3 same school year. A substitute teacher who holds a 4 Professional Educator License or Educator License with 5 Stipulations shall not teach for more than 120 school days 6 for any one licensed teacher under contract in the same 7 school year. The limitations in this paragraph (3) on the 8 number of days a substitute teacher may be employed do not 9 apply to any school district operating under Article 34 of 10 this Code. 11 A school district may not require an individual who 12 holds a valid Professional Educator License or Educator 13 License with Stipulations to seek or hold a Substitute 14 Teaching License to teach as a substitute teacher. 15 (4) Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. Beginning 16 on July 1, 2018 and until June 30, 2028, applicants may 17 apply to the State Board of Education for issuance of a 18 Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. A Short-Term 19 Substitute Teaching License may be issued to a qualified 20 applicant for substitute teaching in all grades of the 21 public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12. 22 Short-Term Substitute Teaching Licenses are not eligible 23 for endorsements. Applicants for a Short-Term Substitute 24 Teaching License must hold an associate's degree or have 25 completed at least 60 credit hours from a regionally 26 accredited institution of higher education. HB3170 - 19 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 20 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 20 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 20 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Short-Term Substitute Teaching Licenses are valid for 2 substitute teaching in every county of this State. If an 3 individual has had his or her Professional Educator 4 License or Educator License with Stipulations suspended or 5 revoked, then that individual is not eligible to obtain a 6 Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. 7 The provisions of Sections 10-21.9 and 34-18.5 of this 8 Code apply to short-term substitute teachers. 9 An individual holding a Short-Term Substitute Teaching 10 License may teach no more than 15 consecutive days per 11 licensed teacher who is under contract. For teacher 12 absences lasting 6 or more days per licensed teacher who 13 is under contract, a school district may not hire an 14 individual holding a Short-Term Substitute Teaching 15 License, unless the Governor has declared a disaster due 16 to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the 17 Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. An individual 18 holding a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License must 19 complete the training program under Section 10-20.67 or 20 34-18.60 of this Code to be eligible to teach at a public 21 school. Short-Term Substitute Teaching Licenses under this 22 Section are valid for 5 years. 23 (Source: P.A. 102-711, eff. 1-1-23; 102-712, eff. 4-27-22; 24 102-713, eff. 1-1-23; 102-717, eff. 4-29-22; 102-894, eff. 25 5-20-22; 103-111, eff. 6-29-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23; 26 103-193, eff. 1-1-24; 103-564, eff. 11-17-23; 103-617, eff. HB3170 - 20 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 21 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 21 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 21 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 7-1-24.) 2 (105 ILCS 5/21B-30) 3 Sec. 21B-30. Educator testing. 4 (a) (Blank). 5 (b) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the 6 State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall design 7 and implement a system of examinations, which shall be 8 required prior to the issuance of educator licenses. These 9 examinations and indicators must be based on national and 10 State professional teaching standards, as determined by the 11 State Board of Education, in consultation with the State 12 Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. By July 1, 2027, the 13 State Superintendent of Education shall begin incorporating 14 the following topics into revised examinations for individuals 15 seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching 16 or administration, excluding a chief school business official 17 endorsement: (i) methods of instruction of the exceptional 18 child; (ii) methods of reading and reading in the content 19 area; and (iii) instructional strategies for English learners. 20 The State Board of Education may adopt such rules as may be 21 necessary to implement and administer this Section. 22 (c) (Blank). 23 (c-5) The State Board must adopt rules to implement a 24 paraprofessional competency test. This test would allow an 25 applicant seeking an Educator License with Stipulations with a HB3170 - 21 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 22 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 22 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 22 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 paraprofessional educator endorsement to obtain the 2 endorsement if he or she passes the test and meets the other 3 requirements of subparagraph (J) of paragraph (2) of Section 4 21B-20 other than the higher education requirements. 5 (d) All applicants seeking a State license shall be 6 required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area 7 of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. There 8 shall be no exception to this requirement except for an 9 applicant seeking a school support personnel endorsement who 10 holds an active and valid professional license issued by the 11 Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in the 12 same subject matter as the endorsement sought, as specified by 13 rule by the State Board, or as provided under subparagraph (P) 14 of paragraph (1) of Section 21B-20. No candidate may be 15 allowed to student teach or serve as the teacher of record 16 until he or she has passed the applicable content area test. 17 (d-5) The State Board shall consult with any applicable 18 vendors within 90 days after July 28, 2023 (the effective date 19 of Public Act 103-402) to develop a plan to transition the test 20 of content area knowledge in the endorsement area of 21 elementary education, grades one through 6, by July 1, 2026 to 22 a content area test that contains testing elements that cover 23 bilingualism, biliteracy, oral language development, 24 foundational literacy skills, and developmentally appropriate 25 higher-order comprehension and on which a valid and reliable 26 language and literacy subscore can be determined. The State HB3170 - 22 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 23 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 23 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 23 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Board shall base its rules concerning the passing subscore on 2 the language and literacy portion of the test on the 3 recommended cut-score determined in the formal 4 standard-setting process. Candidates need not achieve a 5 particular subscore in the area of language and literacy. The 6 State Board shall aggregate and publish the number of 7 candidates in each preparation program who take the test and 8 the number who pass the language and literacy portion. 9 (e) (Blank). 10 (f) Beginning on August 4, 2023 (the effective date of 11 Public Act 103-488) through August 31, 2025, no candidate 12 completing a teacher preparation program in this State or 13 candidate subject to Section 21B-35 of this Code is required 14 to pass a teacher performance assessment. Except as otherwise 15 provided in this Article, beginning on September 1, 2015 until 16 August 4, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 103-488) and 17 beginning again on July 1, 2028 September 1, 2025, all 18 candidates completing teacher preparation programs in this 19 State and all candidates subject to Section 21B-35 of this 20 Code are required to pass a teacher performance assessment 21 approved by the State Board of Education, in consultation with 22 the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. A 23 candidate may not be required to submit test materials by 24 video submission. Subject to appropriation, an individual who 25 holds a Professional Educator License and is employed for a 26 minimum of one school year by a school district designated as HB3170 - 23 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 24 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 24 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 24 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Tier 1 under Section 18-8.15 may, after application to the 2 State Board, receive from the State Board a refund for any 3 costs associated with completing the teacher performance 4 assessment under this subsection. 5 (f-5) The Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force is 6 created to evaluate potential performance-based and objective 7 teacher performance assessment systems for implementation 8 across all educator preparation programs in this State, with 9 the intention of ensuring consistency across programs and 10 supporting a thoughtful and well-rounded licensure system. 11 Members appointed to the Task Force must reflect the racial, 12 ethnic, and geographic diversity of this State. The Task Force 13 shall consist of all of the following members: 14 (1) One member of the Senate, appointed by the 15 President of the Senate. 16 (2) One member of the Senate, appointed by the 17 Minority Leader of the Senate. 18 (3) One member of the House of Representatives, 19 appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 20 (4) One member of the House of Representatives, 21 appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of 22 Representatives. 23 (5) One member who represents a statewide professional 24 teachers' organization, appointed by the State 25 Superintendent of Education. 26 (6) One member who represents a different statewide HB3170 - 24 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 25 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 25 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 25 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 professional teachers' organization, appointed by the 2 State Superintendent of Education. 3 (7) One member from a statewide organization 4 representing school principals, appointed by the State 5 Superintendent of Education. 6 (8) One member from a statewide organization 7 representing regional superintendents of schools, 8 appointed by the State Superintendent of Education. 9 (9) One member from a statewide organization 10 representing school administrators, appointed by the State 11 Superintendent of Education. 12 (10) One member representing a school district 13 organized under Article 34 of this Code, appointed by the 14 State Superintendent of Education. 15 (11) One member of an association representing rural 16 and small schools, appointed by the State Superintendent 17 of Education. 18 (12) One member representing a suburban school 19 district, appointed by the State Superintendent of 20 Education. 21 (13) One member from a statewide organization 22 representing school districts in the southern suburbs of 23 the City of Chicago, appointed by the State Superintendent 24 of Education. 25 (14) One member from a statewide organization 26 representing large unit school districts, appointed by the HB3170 - 25 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 26 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 26 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 26 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 State Superintendent of Education. 2 (15) One member from a statewide organization 3 representing school districts in the collar counties of 4 the City of Chicago, appointed by the State Superintendent 5 of Education. 6 (16) Three members, each representing a different 7 public university in this State and each a current member 8 of the faculty of an approved educator preparation 9 program, appointed by the State Superintendent of 10 Education. 11 (17) Three members, each representing a different 12 4-year nonpublic university or college in this State and 13 each a current member of the faculty of an approved 14 educator preparation program, appointed by the State 15 Superintendent of Education. 16 (18) One member of the Board of Higher Education, 17 appointed by the State Superintendent of Education. 18 (19) One member representing a statewide policy 19 organization advocating on behalf of multilingual students 20 and families, appointed by the State Superintendent of 21 Education. 22 (20) One member representing a statewide organization 23 focused on research-based education policy to support a 24 school system that prepares all students for college, a 25 career, and democratic citizenship, appointed by the State 26 Superintendent of Education. HB3170 - 26 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 27 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 27 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 27 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 (21) Two members representing an early childhood 2 advocacy organization, appointed by the State 3 Superintendent of Education. 4 (22) One member representing a statewide organization 5 that partners with educator preparation programs and 6 school districts to support the growth and development of 7 preservice teachers, appointed by the State Superintendent 8 of Education. 9 (23) One member representing a statewide organization 10 that advocates for educational equity and racial justice 11 in schools, appointed by the State Superintendent of 12 Education. 13 (24) One member representing a statewide organization 14 that represents school boards, appointed by the State 15 Superintendent of Education. 16 (25) One member who has, within the last 5 years, 17 served as a cooperating teacher, appointed by the State 18 Superintendent of Education. 19 Members of the Task Force shall serve without 20 compensation. The Task Force shall first meet at the call of 21 the State Superintendent of Education, and each subsequent 22 meeting shall be called by the chairperson of the Task Force, 23 who shall be designated by the State Superintendent of 24 Education. The State Board of Education shall provide 25 administrative and other support to the Task Force. 26 On or before October 31, 2024, the Task Force shall report HB3170 - 27 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 28 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 28 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 28 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 on its work, including recommendations on a teacher 2 performance assessment system in this State, to the State 3 Board of Education and the General Assembly. The Task Force is 4 dissolved upon submission of this report. 5 (g) The content area knowledge test and the teacher 6 performance assessment shall be the tests that from time to 7 time are designated by the State Board of Education, in 8 consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure 9 Board, and may be tests prepared by an educational testing 10 organization or tests designed by the State Board of 11 Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation 12 and Licensure Board. The test of content area knowledge shall 13 assess content knowledge in a specific subject field. The 14 tests must be designed to be racially neutral to ensure that no 15 person taking the tests is discriminated against on the basis 16 of race, color, national origin, or other factors unrelated to 17 the person's ability to perform as a licensed employee. The 18 score required to pass the tests shall be fixed by the State 19 Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator 20 Preparation and Licensure Board. The State Board of 21 Education's rules for scoring the content area knowledge test 22 may include scoring and retaking of each test section 23 separately and independently. The tests shall be administered 24 not fewer than 3 times a year at such time and place as may be 25 designated by the State Board of Education, in consultation 26 with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. HB3170 - 28 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 29 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 29 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 29 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 The State Board shall implement a test or tests to assess 2 the speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills of 3 applicants for an endorsement or a license issued under 4 subdivision (G) of paragraph (2) of Section 21B-20 of this 5 Code in the English language and in the language of the 6 transitional bilingual education program requested by the 7 applicant. 8 (h) Except as provided in Section 34-6 of this Code, the 9 provisions of this Section shall apply equally in any school 10 district subject to Article 34 of this Code. 11 (i) The rules developed to implement and enforce the 12 testing requirements under this Section shall include, without 13 limitation, provisions governing test selection, test 14 validation, and determination of a passing score, 15 administration of the tests, frequency of administration, 16 applicant fees, frequency of applicants taking the tests, the 17 years for which a score is valid, and appropriate special 18 accommodations. The State Board of Education shall develop 19 such rules as may be needed to ensure uniformity from year to 20 year in the level of difficulty for each form of an assessment. 21 (Source: P.A. 102-301, eff. 8-26-21; 103-402, eff. 7-28-23; 22 103-488, eff. 8-4-23; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24; 103-780, eff. 23 8-2-24; 103-811, eff. 8-9-24; 103-846, eff. 8-9-24.) 24 (105 ILCS 5/21B-32 new) 25 Sec. 21B-32. Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory HB3170 - 29 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 30 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 30 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 30 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Committee. 2 (a) The State Superintendent of Education shall establish 3 a Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee of no more 4 than 15 members to aid in operationalizing and creating a 5 pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment (TPA). 6 The Committee shall, at a minimum, do all of the following: 7 (1) Create materials and resources that are necessary 8 for the implementation of a TPA. 9 (2) Identify sources of evidence required for the 10 evaluation of a TPA. 11 (3) Monitor a multiyear pilot program to create a 12 State-developed TPA and make recommendations informed by 13 collected data of modifications to the TPA. 14 (4) Support the State Board of Education in developing 15 rubrics and the resources necessary for the completion and 16 evaluation of the valid and reliable assessment, creating 17 the required training for evaluators of the assessment, 18 implementing the multiyear pilot program, including, but 19 not limited to, establishing criteria and sufficient 20 evidence for successful completion of the TPA, and 21 recommending refinements to the assessment as needed. 22 (b) The membership of the Committee shall include 23 individuals with expertise in assessment development, 24 including statisticians and psychometricians, and individuals 25 with expertise in the elements of effective teaching, 26 including current Illinois educators. The membership of the HB3170 - 30 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 31 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 31 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 31 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Committee shall represent the ethnic, racial, and geographic 2 diversity of this State and include expertise across early 3 childhood, elementary, middle, and high school settings, as 4 well as expertise in the instruction of English learners and 5 students with disabilities. 6 (c) The State Board of Education shall provide 7 administrative support to the Committee. 8 (d) Members of the Committee shall serve without 9 compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable and 10 necessary expenses, including travel, from funds appropriated 11 to the State Board of Education for that purpose, subject to 12 the rules of the appropriate travel control board. 13 (e) The first meeting of the Committee shall be at the call 14 of the State Superintendent, and each subsequent meeting shall 15 be at the call of the chairperson, who shall be designated by 16 the State Superintendent. The Committee shall hold regular 17 meetings at least quarterly and such other meetings as 18 determined by its chairperson. 19 (f) Data from completed pilot TPAs from institutions of 20 higher education with approved educator preparation programs 21 shall be shared with the Committee, which shall, as 22 applicable, provide an annual recommendation on the use of the 23 TPA to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and 24 the State Board of Education. 25 (g) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the 26 Committee, may adopt such rules as may be necessary for the HB3170 - 31 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 32 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 32 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 32 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 administration of this Section. 2 (h) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2028. 3 (105 ILCS 5/21B-35) 4 Sec. 21B-35. Minimum requirements for educators trained in 5 other states or countries. 6 (a) Any applicant who has not been entitled by an 7 Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois 8 institution of higher education applying for a Professional 9 Educator License endorsed in a teaching field or school 10 support personnel area must meet the following requirements: 11 (1) the applicant must: 12 (A) hold a comparable and valid educator license 13 or certificate, as defined by rule, with similar grade 14 level and content area credentials from another state, 15 with the State Board of Education having the authority 16 to determine what constitutes similar grade level and 17 content area credentials from another state; 18 (B) have a bachelor's degree from a regionally 19 accredited institution of higher education; and 20 (C) (blank); and or 21 (D) have successfully passed all State 22 examinations required by Section 21B-30; or 23 (2) the applicant must: 24 (A) have completed a state-approved program for 25 the licensure area sought. Until July 1, 2027 or the HB3170 - 32 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 33 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 33 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 33 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 date that the revised test for a particular content 2 area is implemented, whichever is later, the program 3 must include , including coursework concerning (i) 4 methods of instruction of the exceptional child, (ii) 5 methods of reading that align with all applicable 6 standards set forth in Part 23 of Title 23 of the 7 Illinois Administrative Code and reading in the 8 content area, and (iii) instructional strategies for 9 English learners; 10 (B) have a bachelor's degree from a regionally 11 accredited institution of higher education; 12 (C) have successfully met all Illinois examination 13 requirements, except that: 14 (i) (blank); 15 (ii) an applicant who has successfully 16 completed a test of content, as defined by rules, 17 at the time of initial licensure in another state 18 is not required to complete a test of content; and 19 (iii) an applicant for a teaching endorsement 20 who has successfully completed an evidence-based 21 assessment of teacher effectiveness, as defined by 22 rules, at the time of initial licensure in another 23 state is not required to complete an 24 evidence-based assessment of teacher 25 effectiveness; and 26 (D) for an applicant for a teaching endorsement, HB3170 - 33 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 34 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 34 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 34 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 have completed student teaching or an equivalent 2 experience or, for an applicant for a school service 3 personnel endorsement, have completed an internship or 4 an equivalent experience. 5 (b) In order to receive a Professional Educator License 6 endorsed in a teaching field or school support personnel area, 7 applicants trained in another country must meet all of the 8 following requirements: 9 (1) Have completed a comparable education program in 10 another country. 11 (2) Have had transcripts evaluated by an evaluation 12 service approved by the State Superintendent of Education. 13 (3) Have a degree comparable to a degree from a 14 regionally accredited institution of higher education. 15 (4) Until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised 16 test for a particular content area is implemented, 17 whichever is later, have Have completed coursework aligned 18 to standards concerning (i) methods of instruction of the 19 exceptional child, (ii) methods of reading that align with 20 all applicable standards set forth in Part 26 of Title 23 21 of the Illinois Administrative Code and reading in the 22 content area, and (iii) instructional strategies for 23 English learners. Applicants seeking a school support 24 personnel endorsement are exempt from this paragraph (4). 25 (5) (Blank). 26 (6) (Blank). HB3170 - 34 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 35 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 35 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 35 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 (7) Have successfully met all State licensure 2 examination requirements. Applicants who have successfully 3 completed a test of content, as defined by rules, at the 4 time of initial licensure in another country shall not be 5 required to complete a test of content. Applicants for a 6 teaching endorsement who have successfully completed an 7 evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness, as 8 defined by rules, at the time of initial licensure in 9 another country shall not be required to complete an 10 evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness. 11 (8) Have completed student teaching or an equivalent 12 experience. 13 (9) (Blank). 14 (b-5) All applicants who have not been entitled by an 15 Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois 16 institution of higher education and applicants trained in 17 another country applying for a Professional Educator License 18 endorsed for principal or superintendent must hold a master's 19 degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher 20 education and hold a comparable and valid educator license or 21 certificate with similar grade level and subject matter 22 credentials, with the State Board of Education having the 23 authority to determine what constitutes similar grade level 24 and subject matter credentials from another state, or must 25 meet all of the following requirements: 26 (1) Have completed an educator preparation program HB3170 - 35 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 36 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 36 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 36 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 approved by another state or comparable educator program 2 in another country leading to the receipt of a license or 3 certificate for the Illinois endorsement sought. 4 (2) Have successfully met all State licensure 5 examination requirements, as required by Section 21B-30 of 6 this Code. Applicants who have successfully completed a 7 test of content, as defined by rules, at the time of 8 initial licensure in another state or country shall not be 9 required to complete a test of content. 10 (2.5) Have completed an internship, as defined by 11 rule. 12 (3) (Blank). 13 (4) Until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised 14 test for a particular content area is implemented, 15 whichever is later, have Have completed coursework aligned 16 to standards concerning (i) methods of instruction of the 17 exceptional child, (ii) methods of reading that align with 18 all applicable standards set forth in Part 26 of Title 23 19 of the Illinois Administrative Code and reading in the 20 content area, and (iii) instructional strategies for 21 English learners. 22 (4.5) (Blank). 23 (5) Have completed a master's degree. 24 (6) Have successfully completed teaching, school 25 support, or administrative experience as defined by rule. 26 (b-7) All applicants who have not been entitled by an HB3170 - 36 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 37 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 37 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 37 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois 2 institution of higher education applying for a Professional 3 Educator License endorsed for Director of Special Education 4 must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited 5 institution of higher education and must hold a comparable and 6 valid educator license or certificate with similar grade level 7 and subject matter credentials, with the State Board of 8 Education having the authority to determine what constitutes 9 similar grade level and subject matter credentials from 10 another state, or must meet all of the following requirements: 11 (1) Have completed a master's degree. 12 (2) Have 2 years of full-time experience providing 13 special education services. 14 (3) Have successfully completed all examination 15 requirements, as required by Section 21B-30 of this Code. 16 Applicants who have successfully completed a test of 17 content, as identified by rules, at the time of initial 18 licensure in another state or country shall not be 19 required to complete a test of content. 20 (4) Until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised 21 test for a particular content area is implemented, 22 whichever is later, have Have completed coursework aligned 23 to standards concerning (i) methods of instruction of the 24 exceptional child, (ii) methods of reading that align with 25 all applicable standards set forth in Part 26 of Title 23 26 of the Illinois Administrative Code and reading in the HB3170 - 37 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 38 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 38 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 38 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 content area, and (iii) instructional strategies for 2 English learners. 3 (b-10) All applicants who have not been entitled by an 4 Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois 5 institution of higher education applying for a Professional 6 Educator License endorsed for chief school business official 7 must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited 8 institution of higher education and must hold a comparable and 9 valid educator license or certificate with similar grade level 10 and subject matter credentials, with the State Board of 11 Education having the authority to determine what constitutes 12 similar grade level and subject matter credentials from 13 another state, or must meet all of the following requirements: 14 (1) Have completed a master's degree in school 15 business management, finance, or accounting. 16 (2) Have successfully completed an internship in 17 school business management or have 2 years of experience 18 as a school business administrator. 19 (3) Have successfully met all State examination 20 requirements, as required by Section 21B-30 of this Code. 21 Applicants who have successfully completed a test of 22 content, as identified by rules, at the time of initial 23 licensure in another state or country shall not be 24 required to complete a test of content. 25 (4) (Blank). Have completed modules aligned to 26 standards concerning methods of instruction of the HB3170 - 38 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 39 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 39 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 39 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 exceptional child, methods of reading and reading in the 2 content area, and instructional strategies for English 3 learners. 4 (c) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the 5 State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may adopt such 6 rules as may be necessary to implement this Section. 7 (Source: P.A. 102-539, eff. 8-20-21; 103-402, eff. 7-28-23.) 8 (105 ILCS 5/21B-47 new) 9 Sec. 21B-47. Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program. 10 (a) There is established the Paraprofessional Teacher 11 Pathway Program. The Paraprofessional Teacher Pathway Program 12 may be offered by a recognized institution approved to offer 13 educator preparation programs by the State Board of Education, 14 in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and 15 Licensure Board. The Program shall provide an expedited 16 pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator 17 License in a specific content area, including, but not limited 18 to, elementary education or special education. The Program 19 shall create a partnership with the institution and other 20 entities, as defined by rule by the State Board of Education. 21 (b) The Program shall meet all of the following criteria: 22 (1) The Program shall include a program of study with 23 coursework in instructional planning, instructional 24 strategies, including special education, reading, and 25 English language learning, classroom management, and the HB3170 - 39 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 40 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 40 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 40 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 assessment of students and use of data to drive 2 instruction. 3 (2) The Program shall meet the criteria of 23 Ill. 4 Adm. Code 25.25(a)(2)(A) relative to required coursework. 5 (3) The Program shall include student teaching or an 6 equivalent experience. 7 (c) An individual shall meet all of the following 8 requirements for entry into the Program: 9 (1) The individual holds a valid Educator License with 10 Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement 11 or a valid paraprofessional approval. 12 (2) The individual is employed as a paraprofessional 13 providing service to one or more students within the 14 licensure content area sought, such as elementary 15 education or special education. 16 (3) The individual has worked at least 2 years as a 17 paraprofessional. 18 (4) The individual has completed at least 60 semester 19 hours of coursework from a regionally accredited 20 institution of higher education. 21 (d) The State Board of Education shall adopt any rules 22 necessary to implement this Section, including, but not 23 limited to, program proposal requirements. 24 (105 ILCS 5/21B-105) 25 Sec. 21B-105. Granting of recognition; regional HB3170 - 40 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 41 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 41 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 41 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 accreditation; definitions. 2 (a) "Recognized", as used in this Article in connection 3 with the word "school" or "institution", means such college, 4 university, or for-profit or not-for-profit entity that meets 5 requirements set by the State Board of Education, in 6 consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure 7 Board. Application for recognition of the school or 8 institution as an educator preparation institution must be 9 made to the State Board of Education. The State Board of 10 Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation 11 and Licensure Board, shall set the criteria by which the 12 school or institution is to be judged and, through the 13 secretary of the State Board, arrange for an official 14 inspection and shall grant recognition of such school or 15 institution as may meet the required standards. If the 16 standards include requirements with regard to education in 17 acquiring skills in working with culturally distinctive 18 students, as defined by the State Board of Education, then the 19 rules of the State Board of Education shall include the 20 criteria used to evaluate compliance with this requirement. No 21 school or institution may make assignments of student teachers 22 or teachers for practice teaching so as to promote segregation 23 on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, or national 24 origin. 25 Any for-profit or not-for-profit entity must also be 26 approved by the Board of Higher Education. HB3170 - 41 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 42 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 42 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 42 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 All recommendations or entitlements for educator licensure 2 shall be made by a recognized institution operating a program 3 of preparation for the license that is approved by the State 4 Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator 5 Preparation and Licensure Board. The State Board of Education, 6 in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and 7 Licensure Board, shall have the power to define a major or 8 minor when used as a basis for recognition and licensure 9 purposes. 10 (b) "Regionally accredited", or "accredited", as used in 11 this Article in connection with a university or institution, 12 means an institution of higher education accredited by the 13 North Central Association or other comparable regional 14 accrediting association. 15 (c) An institution of higher education approved to offer 16 educator preparation programs in this State may, upon the 17 request of a public community college in this State, enter 18 into a partnership agreement with the community college to 19 offer an approved educator preparation program leading to 20 educator licensure for individuals who already hold a 21 bachelor's degree. The partnership must be approved by the 22 State Board of Education, in consultation with the State 23 Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. 24 The State Board of Education shall adopt rules for the 25 requirements of a partnership agreement under this subsection. 26 (Source: P.A. 100-596, eff. 7-1-18.) HB3170- 43 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 INDEX 2 Statutes amended in order of appearance HB3170- 43 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 INDEX 2 Statutes amended in order of appearance HB3170- 43 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 INDEX 2 Statutes amended in order of appearance HB3170 - 42 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170- 43 -LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b 1 INDEX 2 Statutes amended in order of appearance HB3170 - 43 - LRB104 10292 LNS 20366 b