Content
{{CurrentPage.Topics.DisplayName}} {{CurrentPage.Subtopic_x0020_Level_x0020_1}}

{{CurrentPage.Title}}

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has adopted the Illinois  Comprehensive Literacy Plan, a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide. The plan, required by Public Act 103-0402​​, is the result of extensive engagement with educators and stakeholders across the state and a wide range of community members interested in and affected by the final plan.

  • Illinois Comprehensive Literacy PlanPDF Document

  • ​​We encourage you to complete our new sign-up form​ so that you continue to receive vital updates regarding the implementation of the plan, including access to resources as they are finalized and opportunities for professional learning. This listserv will deliver updates about the latest developments and forthcoming initiatives designed to support the objectives that are specified in the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. 

  • Literacy Landscape Survey - Please complete the Literacy Landscape Survey, a joint effort between the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents and the Illinois State Board of Education. Whether you're an educator, student, parent, community member, or literacy advocate, we invite you to share your valuable insights and experiences regarding literacy education in Illinois.​​

 Getting Started Toolkit Information and Materials

In a major stride toward enhancing literacy across all age groups, the Illinois State Board of Education has released a Getting Started Toolkit to accompany the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. This toolkit serves as a launching pad for educators, policymakers, and community members, guiding them through the intricacies of the literacy plan with ease and clarity.

What's Inside the Toolkit?

The toolkit is structured to offer comprehensive support and insights for the successful adoption of the literacy plan. Here’s what it includes:

  • Executive Summary:PDF Document A concise overview of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, outlining its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
  • Legislation Fact Sheet:PDF Document Essential reading that demystifies the legal framework underpinning the literacy plan, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of the mandates and policies involved.
  • Implementation Process Overview:PDF Document A step-by-step guide detailing the processes and stages involved in implementing the literacy plan across different educational settings.
  • Asset Mapping Document:PDF Document This innovative document assists schools and districts in identifying existing resources and gaps in literacy education.
  • Data Literacy Information Sheet:PDF Document A vital resource that enhances understanding of data literacy, enabling educators to effectively use data in improving literacy outcomes.
  • Screening Information Sheet:PDF Document Guidelines and information on conducting literacy screenings, aimed at early identification of students who may need additional support.
  • Tools and Resources:PDF Document A compilation of practical tools, resources, and references to support the application of the literacy plan in classrooms and beyond.
  • FAQ:PDF Document Answers to frequently asked questions, offering clarity and additional insights on the literacy plan and its implementation.
  • Posters: Easy to print resources that support the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan:
  • Reader’s Guides: A personalized guide through the plan for each stakeholder group.

Reader’s Guides: Tailored Guidance for Every Stakeholder

Successful implementation will require the involvement of various stakeholders, so the toolkit includes a series of Reader’s Guides -- each tailored to meet the unique needs and roles of different participants:

These guides provide targeted information, strategies, and tips to engage every member of the community in fostering literacy development. Each guide is crafted to empower its intended readers, from students to state leaders, with the knowledge and tools necessary for contributing to the literacy initiative.

The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan's Getting Started Toolkit is more than just a collection of documents; it is a roadmap for transforming literacy education across the state. The toolkit offers detailed guidance tailored to each stakeholder, thus ensuring that policymakers, educators, and families are equipped to play an active role in achieving literacy for all. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to make a significant impact on literacy outcomes, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. ​​​​​​

Additional Resources​​

  • Local Literacy Plan Template:PDF Document This template serves as an extension of the workbook pages included in the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan to assist districts as they develop tailored literacy strategies. This tool is crafted to assist in the planning process, thus equipping stakeholders with the framework needed to address local needs and foster literacy excellence with a specific and thoughtful local plan.
  • Coaching Guidance PresentationPDF Document and Checklist:PDF Document Elevate coaching practices with the presentation materials and quick-view checklist. These resources are designed to support literacy coaches and districts looking to implement these supports, providing insights and practical tips to enhance the effectiveness of literacy coaches in driving literacy initiatives.
  • Literacy-Specific Addendum to the Curriculum Evaluation Tool:PDF Document: Enhance curriculum assessments with our latest addition — an addendum specifically tailored for literacy evaluation. This tool empowers educators to ensure curriculum alignment with best literacy practices, fostering optimal learning experiences for students.
  • Curriculum Evaluation Tool:PDF Document Editable document that districts may use as they review curriculum at the local level.
  • Considerations for Teaching Literacy Instruction of Illinois Multilingual and Bidialectal Learners PresentationPDF DocumentPDF Document and HandoutPDF Document: The provided resources help to enhance literacy instruction through presentations and coordinating handouts on considerations for teaching literacy to multilingual and bidialectal students. These materials offer valuable insights and practical strategies to empower educators and support diverse learning needs in their classrooms for multilingual, bidialectal, and newcomer students.
  • Considerations for Support of Newcomer Students HandoutPDF Document

Just as our Getting Started Toolkit helped to support educators in supporting literacy initiatives at varying levels, these new resources serve as indispensable guides for stakeholders diving into literacy initiatives at the local level. We hope these tools are helpful to districts as they continue making strides in literacy education, empowering individuals and communities for lifelong success.​​​​​

 Capacity Builders: Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan

In partnership with the Regional Offices of Education and representatives from higher education, ISBE is launching the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Capacity Builders Series. This virtual monthly series will guide participants through key topics designed to build the capacity of school leaders in leading literacy efforts.

Audience: This series is designed for regional and local education leaders committed to enhancing literacy outcomes. The following roles will benefit most from the series:

  • District superintendents
  • Building principals
  • Curriculum directors
  • Instructional coaches
  • ROE/ISC staff
  • University and college faculty/staff in literacy instruction or educator preparation

​Session Schedule:

Resources & Recordings: Recorded presentations and additional resources will be available after each session. For any questions, please contact us at standards@isbe.net​.​​​​​​

 Additional Legislative Impacts

​​Public Act 103-0735 amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code and provides the following:

"The support provided by a vendor or learning partner approved to support a school’s continuous improvement plan related to English language arts must be based on the comprehensive literacy plan for the State developed by the State Board of Education under Section 2-3.196, as added by Public Act 03-0402." ​​

 Office Hours

We are excited to announce Office Hours for the 2024-2025 school year, providing you with the opportunity to connect directly with our team for any inquiries or further discussion about the literacy plan.

Literacy Plan Office Hours

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 248 203 279 202
Passcode: 6YAv26

  • Thu 9/12/24 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Mon 10/7/24 11:30 am -12:30 pm
  • Thu 11/14/24 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Tue 12/10/24 11:30 am -12:30 pm
  • Thu 1/16/25 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Thu 2/13/25 11:30 am -12:30 pm
  • Mon 3/10/25 3:30- 4:30 pm
  • Tue 4/8/25 11:30 am -12:30 pm
  • Mon 5/12/25 3:30-4:30 pm​

 Final Approval

 First Draft (Archived)

  • Draft Literacy PlanPDF Document
  • Listed below are the first draft writing team members and their associated organizational affiliation(s).
    • Lulia Sarmiento - Belvidere School District #100 
    • Rochelle Luttrell - Arthur CUSD305  
    • Kimetrice Tate - Teach Plus Illinois 
    • Joanna Marek - Spring Avenue Elementary School, LaGrange School District 105 and Association of IL School Library Educators (AISLE) 
    • Kellyn Sirach - Teach Plus Policy Fellow, Champaign Unit 4 Jefferson Middle School  
    • Dr. Chris Becker - Highland High School 
    • Anne Peiffer  - Rockford Public Schools #205 
    • Molly Allen - ROE 17 - DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, McLean 
    • Dr. Sarah Epplin - Tri-County Special Education Association 
    • Shannon Hammond - National Louis University 
    • Dr. David Paige - Northern Illinois University 
    • Dr. Lindsay Meeker - Western Illinois University/Bilingual Advisory Council/Latino Policy Forum 
    • Verity Sandell - Parent of children in Illinois schools and Hartlieb Horste & Sandell 
    • Diane Wendt Uher - IL Early Literacy Coalition, Parent Volunteer Structured Literacy Advocate
    • Tinaya York,PhD - Literacy for Life, LLC 
    • Jessica Handy - Stand for Children IL, IL Early Literacy Coalition 
    • Laura Beltchenko - IL Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children 
    • Cristina Sanchez-Lopez - Illinois Resource Center; National Committee for Effective Literacy; Paridad Education Consulting; Illinois Committee for Effective Literacy 
    • Robin Thoma - Specific Learning Disability Project - EIU 
    • Shira Raviv Schwartz - Everyone Reading Illinois​

 Timeline (Archived)

  • April, May, June, 2023
    • Draft Plan
    • Presentation to ISBE Boar​d
  • June, July, 2023
    • Listening Tour & Focus Groups
    • Public Comment
  • Fall of 2023
    • Revised Plan to ISBE Board
    • 2nd Listening Tour & Public Comment
  • January 2024​
    • Begin the year with a finalized literacy plan for Illinois​

 2022 Literacy Summit

​​For more information regarding the Literacy Summit from October 2022, please see the Literacy Stakeholder Engagement Meeting, October 25, 2022: Summary of ThemesPDF Document.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to advancing literacy in our state.

The Illinois Literacy Plan team at ISBE can be reached by email at standards@isbe.net​.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

* * * This page has been archived. The content on this page may no longer be in effect. * * *

Contact Information