SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today unveiled the second draft of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, which provides a roadmap designed to guide and unify literacy efforts across the state. ISBE is asking the public to submit feedback on the plan through the public comment form on the ISBE website or at one of six listening tour stops across the state.
The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan charts a course toward developmentally appropriate, evidence-based literacy instruction for all students. The updated draft plan incorporates feedback received on the first draft from more than 500 individuals through six listening tour sessions, 20 focus groups, and an online public comment form.
“Absolutely every student is capable of and has the fundamental right to literacy,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “High-level literacy skills are crucial for well-paying careers and essential for equitable participation in 21st century society. That is why elevating literacy instruction in Illinois is one of our highest priorities. The plan focuses on giving teachers the training they are asking for to be effective in literacy instruction. Our goal is to strengthen practice in classrooms by giving teachers the support, leadership, and resources to understand what their learners need and how to deliver evidence-based instruction that meets those needs. I extend my gratitude to all the individuals and organizations whose invaluable contributions have refined and clarified this plan.”
Registration for the listening tour is available online. Participation in the listening tour will require a careful reading of the revised Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and the completion of a feedback form prior to attending. The listening tour will be held at the following dates and locations:
- 4 p.m. Oct. 24 – Illinois State Board of Education, Conference Room 4A/B, 100 N. First Street, Springfield
- 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 – Northern Illinois University – Naperville Campus Dining Room, 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
- 4 p.m. Oct. 26 – Kewanee Public Library Meeting Room, 102 S. Tremont Street, Kewanee
- 4 p.m. Nov. 6 – Regional Office of Education #21 Training Center, 502 W. Jackson Street, Marion
- 5 p.m. Nov. 7 – Southern Illinois University, Morris University Center, Oak/RedBud Room, 6 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville
- 6 p.m. Nov. 8 – Champaign Public Library, Douglass Branch Meeting Room, 504 E. Grove Street, Champaign
ISBE partnered with content experts from the Region 9 Comprehensive Center and American Institutes for Research throughout the development of the literacy plan. A report, available on the ISBE website, summarizes the input that ISBE received on the first draft of the plan that informed the current draft of the plan.
ISBE aims to finalize the literacy plan in early 2024. More information is available on ISBE’s website.
