Springfield -- The Illinois State Board of Education has extended the time to gather public comment on the final drafts of the content-area standards for future middle grade teachers, school service personnel, and special education directors to Friday, April 13, 2001.

The proposed standards detail the subject matter and professional knowledge and skills that future middle grade teachers, school service personnel, and special education directors must have to effectively work with students.

In their final version, the standards will become the cornerstone of programs in Illinois colleges and universities that prepare future school service personnel, special education directors, and middle grade teachers. The standards will also guide the State Board's certification assessment and ongoing professional development for future educators in these fields.

The standards can also be viewed at, and comment accepted through, the State Board's Division of Professional Preparation website at www.isbe.net/profprep/Default.htm.

Written comments on the proposed standards can also be emailed to emailed to profprep@isbe.net or mailed to

Michael Long, Administrator

Division of Professional Preparation

Illinois State Board of Education

100 North First Street (S-305)

Springfield, Illinois 62777-0001