Illinois State Board of Education
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In accordance with Public Act 104-0115, the Illinois State Board of Education encourages all schools to be mindful of cultural, religious, and other observances that may affect student participation and attendance when planning major school events. This non-exhaustive calendar is a resource to assist school districts and school leaders in making proactive, equitable scheduling decisions that respect and accommodate the diverse traditions of our students, families, and communities.​

Policy & Scope

The Illinois State Board of Education provides this non-exhaustive calendar to assist school districts in making proactive, equitable scheduling decisions that respect diverse traditions.​

Attendance Rights (Sec. 26-2b)​

Students maintain the right to excused absences for religious holidays,​ whether the date appears on the official calendar or not.

Curriculum Mandate (ILCS Sec 24-2.c)

School boards must include instruction relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events on the holiday or at any point in the curriculum.​

Scheduling Impact Flags

Use these visual indicators to gauge how an observance affects student participation.​

Instructional Mandate
Illinois school boards shall include instruction relative to these commemorated persons, activities, or events on the commemorative holiday or at any other time during the school year and at any point in the curriculum when such instruction may be deemed appropriate.
Evening Observance
Holiday begins at sundown the evening prior. Evening events should be scheduled with caution.
Dietary / Fasting
Involves partial or full-day fasting. Exertion in PE or food-centric events may need accommodations.
Activity Restriction
Traditionally includes restrictions on work, school attendance, or secular activities. ​​​​

Accommodation Best Practices​

Actionable strategies for school leaders to support students equitably.

  1. Avoid High-Stakes Testing
    Check the calendar before scheduling standardized tests, final exams, or auditions.
  2. Plan Around Evening Observances
    Avoid scheduling proms, graduations, or major athletic events on evenings when holidays begin.
  3. Accommodate Fasting Students
    Allow alternative lunch spaces and provide flexibility for strenuous physical education activities.
  1. Excused Absences & Makeup Work
    Ensure attendance policies seamlessly accommodate religious absences without penalizing grades.
  2. Foster Inclusive Environments
    Ensure support staff and resources are visible. Consult the ISBE Spiritual Affiliation Resource Guide​PDF Document for deeper guidance.​​​​​​

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