Illinois Annual Plan of Work for 2006–2007
Illinois Technical Assistance
In collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Great Lakes West Comprehensive
Assistance Center has identified two priority areas to guide its work in 2006 and 2007. These priority areas,
which support No Child Left Behind (NCLB) efforts in Illinois, are high school renewal and safe schools.
Primary Focus: High School Renewal
In August 2005, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the Higher Standards, Better Schools plan into law.
This law increases the number of credits required for high school graduation; requires students to take more
mathematics, science, and writing-intensive courses; and requires school districts to offer a broader range of
electives and Advanced Placement courses. In addition, high school renewal is an "emerging issue" for ISBE
board members, who wish to examine various high school redesign frameworks and conceptual approaches
proposed by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
To support the work of state staff, Great Lakes West will do the following:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of current national conversations and debates relating to high school
reform in order to consider viable approaches for Illinois.
- Compile this information into a synthesis that includes specific demographic and achievement data for
Illinois high schools, a review of other state education agency (SEA) approaches to high school reform,
and best practice findings and information from the National High School Center.
Secondary Focus: Safe Schools
During the last 10 years, ISBE has focused attention on the need for safe schools and prevention of school
violence through program support, district guides, and program audits. ISBE's Regional Safe Schools Program
(RSSP) is one example of an alternative education program that serves expelled or expulsion-eligible students
in Illinois. Since its induction in 1997, RSSP has served more than 4,000 students in urban, rural, and suburban
districts throughout Illinois. ISBE also is interested in exploring ways in which it can further support districts
and schools with safe school initiatives.
To support the work of state staff, Great Lakes West will do the following:
- Conduct a review of best practice information relating to safe schools and the prevention of school
violence in order to consider viable approaches for Illinois.
- Generate a compilation of research-based findings and other SEA initiatives. This compilation then
can be disseminated to regional offices, districts, and schools.
Annual Plan of Work for Other Years
Illinois Annual Plan of Work (current)
