Public Act 0903 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB0226 Enrolled LRB096 08010 NHT 18114 b

Public Act 096-0903

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section 21-7.1 and by adding Section 21-7.6 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/21-7.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 21-7.1)

Sec. 21-7.1. Administrative certificate.

(a) After July 1, 1999, an administrative certificate valid for 5 years of supervising and administering in the public common schools (unless changed under subsection (a-5) of this Section) may be issued to persons who have graduated from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a master's degree and who have been recommended by a recognized institution of higher learning, a not-for-profit entity, or a combination thereof, as having completed a program of preparation for one or more of these endorsements. Such programs of academic and professional preparation required for endorsement shall be administered by an the institution or not-for-profit entity approved to offer such programs by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, and shall be operated in accordance with this Article and the standards set forth by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board. Any program offered in whole or in part by a not-for-profit entity must also be approved by the Board of Higher Education.

(a-5) Beginning July 1, 2003, if an administrative certificate holder holds a Standard Teaching Certificate, the validity period of the administrative certificate shall be changed, if necessary, so that the validity period of the administrative certificate coincides with the validity period of the Standard Teaching Certificate. Beginning July 1, 2003, if an administrative certificate holder holds a Master Teaching Certificate, the validity period of the administrative certificate shall be changed so that the validity period of the administrative certificate coincides with the validity period of the Master Teaching Certificate.

(b) No administrative certificate shall be issued for the first time after June 30, 1987 and no endorsement provided for by this Section shall be made or affixed to an administrative certificate for the first time after June 30, 1987 unless the person to whom such administrative certificate is to be issued or to whose administrative certificate such endorsement is to be affixed has been required to demonstrate as a part of a program of academic or professional preparation for such certification or endorsement: (i) an understanding of the knowledge called for in establishing productive parent-school relationships and of the procedures fostering the involvement which such relationships demand; and (ii) an understanding of the knowledge required for establishing a high quality school climate and promoting good classroom organization and management, including rules of conduct and instructional procedures appropriate to accomplishing the tasks of schooling; and (iii) a demonstration of the knowledge and skills called for in providing instructional leadership. The standards for demonstrating an understanding of such knowledge shall be set forth by the State Board of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, and shall be administered by the recognized institutions of higher learning as part of the programs of academic and professional preparation required for certification and endorsement under this Section. As used in this subsection: "establishing productive parent-school relationships" means the ability to maintain effective communication between parents and school personnel, to encourage parental involvement in schooling, and to motivate school personnel to engage parents in encouraging student achievement, including the development of programs and policies which serve to accomplish this purpose; and "establishing a high quality school climate" means the ability to promote academic achievement, to maintain discipline, to recognize substance abuse problems among students and utilize appropriate law enforcement and other community resources to address these problems, to support teachers and students in their education endeavors, to establish learning objectives and to provide instructional leadership, including the development of policies and programs which serve to accomplish this purpose; and "providing instructional leadership" means the ability to effectively evaluate school personnel, to possess general communication and interpersonal skills, and to establish and maintain appropriate classroom learning environments. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to or affect the initial issuance or making on or before June 30, 1987 of any administrative certificate or endorsement provided for under this Section, nor shall such provisions apply to or affect the renewal after June 30, 1987 of any such certificate or endorsement initially issued or made on or before June 30, 1987.

(c) Administrative certificates shall be renewed every 5 years with the first renewal being 5 years following the initial receipt of an administrative certificate, unless the validity period for the administrative certificate has been changed under subsection (a-5) of this Section, in which case the certificate shall be renewed at the same time that the Standard or Master Teaching Certificate is renewed.

(c-5) (Blank). Before July 1, 2003, renewal requirements for administrators whose positions require certification shall be based upon evidence of continuing professional education which promotes the following goals: (1) improving administrators' knowledge of instructional practices and administrative procedures; (2) maintaining the basic level of competence required for initial certification; and (3) improving the mastery of skills and knowledge regarding the improvement of teaching performance in clinical settings and assessment of the levels of student performance in their schools. Evidence of continuing professional education must include verification of biennial attendance in a program developed by the Illinois Administrators' Academy and verification of annual participation in a school district approved activity which contributes to continuing professional education.

(c-10) Except Beginning July 1, 2003, except as otherwise provided in subsection (c-15) of this Section, persons holding administrative certificates must follow the certificate renewal procedure set forth in this subsection (c-10), provided that those persons holding administrative certificates on June 30, 2003 who are renewing those certificates on or after July 1, 2003 shall be issued new administrative certificates valid for 5 years (unless changed under subsection (a-5) of this Section), which may be renewed thereafter as set forth in this subsection (c-10).

A person holding an administrative certificate and employed in a position requiring administrative certification, including a regional superintendent of schools, must satisfy the continuing professional development requirements of this Section to renew his or her administrative certificate. The continuing professional development must include without limitation the following continuing professional development purposes:

(1) To improve the administrator's knowledge of instructional practices and administrative procedures in accordance with the Illinois Professional School Leader Standards.

(2) To maintain the basic level of competence required for initial certification.

(3) To improve the administrator's mastery of skills and knowledge regarding the improvement of teaching performance in clinical settings and assessment of the levels of student performance in the schools.

The continuing professional development must include the following in order for the certificate to be renewed:

(A) Participation in continuing professional development activities, which must total a minimum of 100 hours of continuing professional development. The participation must consist of a minimum of 5 activities per validity period of the certificate, and the certificate holder must maintain documentation of completion of each activity.

(B) Participation every year in an Illinois Administrators' Academy course, which participation must total a minimum of 30 continuing professional development hours during the period of the certificate's validity and which must include completion of applicable required coursework, including completion of a communication, dissemination, or application component, as defined by the State Board of Education.

The certificate holder must complete a verification form developed by the State Board of Education and certify that 100 hours of continuing professional development activities and 5 Administrators' Academy courses have been completed. The regional superintendent of schools shall review and validate the verification form for a certificate holder. Based on compliance with all of the requirements for renewal, the regional superintendent of schools shall forward a recommendation for renewal or non-renewal to the State Superintendent of Education and shall notify the certificate holder of the recommendation. The State Superintendent of Education shall review the recommendation to renew or non-renew and shall notify, in writing, the certificate holder of a decision denying renewal of his or her certificate. Any decision regarding non-renewal of an administrative certificate may be appealed to the State Teacher Certification Board.

The State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, shall adopt rules to implement this subsection (c-10).

The regional superintendent of schools shall monitor the process for renewal of administrative certificates established in this subsection (c-10).

(c-15) This subsection (c-15) applies to the first period of an administrative certificate's validity during which the holder becomes subject to the requirements of subsection (c-10) of this Section if the certificate has less than 5 years' validity or has less than 5 years' validity remaining when the certificate holder becomes subject to the requirements of subsection (c-10) of this Section. With respect to this period, the 100 hours of continuing professional development and 5 activities per validity period specified in clause (A) of subsection (c-10) of this Section shall instead be deemed to mean 20 hours of continuing professional development and one activity per year of the certificate's validity or remaining validity and the 30 continuing professional development hours specified in clause (B) of subsection (c-10) of this Section shall instead be deemed to mean completion of at least one course per year of the certificate's validity or remaining validity. Certificate holders who evaluate certified staff must complete a 2-day teacher evaluation course, in addition to the 30 continuing professional development hours.

(c-20) The State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, shall develop procedures for implementing this Section and shall administer the renewal of administrative certificates. Failure to submit satisfactory evidence of continuing professional education which contributes to promoting the goals of this Section shall result in a loss of administrative certification.

(d) Any limited or life supervisory certificate issued prior to July 1, 1968 shall continue to be valid for all administrative and supervisory positions in the public schools for which it is valid as of that date as long as its holder meets the requirements for registration or renewal as set forth in the statutes or until revoked according to law.

(e) The administrative or supervisory positions for which the certificate shall be valid shall be determined by one or more of the following 3 endorsements: general supervisory, general administrative, principal, chief school business official, and superintendent.

Subject to the provisions of Section 21-1a, endorsements shall be made under conditions set forth in this Section. The State Board of Education shall, in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, adopt rules pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, establishing requirements for obtaining administrative certificates where the minimum administrative or supervisory requirements surpass those set forth in this Section.

The State Teacher Certification Board shall file with the State Board of Education a written recommendation when considering additional administrative or supervisory requirements. All additional requirements shall be based upon the requisite knowledge necessary to perform those tasks required by the certificate. The State Board of Education shall in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, establish standards within its rules which shall include the academic and professional requirements necessary for certification. These standards shall at a minimum contain, but not be limited to, those used by the State Board of Education in determining whether additional knowledge will be required. Additionally, the State Board of Education shall in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, establish provisions within its rules whereby any member of the educational community or the public may file a formal written recommendation or inquiry regarding requirements.

(1) Until July 1, 2003, the general supervisory endorsement shall be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who has at least 16 semester hours of graduate credit in professional education including 8 semester hours of graduate credit in curriculum and research and who has at least 2 years of full-time teaching experience or school service personnel experience in public schools, schools under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, schools under the administration of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, or nonpublic schools meeting the standards established by the State Superintendent of Education or comparable out-of-state recognition standards approved by the State Superintendent of Education.

Such endorsement shall be required for supervisors, curriculum directors and for such similar and related positions as determined by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board.

(2) Until June 30, 2014, the The general administrative endorsement shall be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who has at least 20 semester hours of graduate credit in educational administration and supervision and who has at least 2 years of full-time teaching experience or school service personnel experience in public schools, schools under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, schools under the administration of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, or nonpublic schools meeting the standards established by the State Superintendent of Education or comparable out-of-state recognition standards approved by the State Superintendent of Education.

Such endorsement or a principal endorsement shall be required for principal, assistant principal, assistant or associate superintendent, and junior college dean and for related or similar positions as determined by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, after January 1, 1990 and until January 1, 1991, any teacher employed by a district subject to Article 34 shall be entitled to receive an administrative certificate with a general administrative endorsement affixed thereto if he or she: (i) had at least 3 years of experience as a certified teacher for such district prior to August 1, 1985; (ii) obtained a Master's degree prior to August 1, 1985; (iii) completed at least 20 hours of graduate credit in education courses (including at least 12 hours in educational administration and supervision) prior to September 1, 1987; and (iv) has received a rating of superior for at least each of the last 5 years. Any person who obtains an administrative certificate with a general administrative endorsement affixed thereto under this paragraph shall not be qualified to serve in any administrative position except assistant principal.

(2.5) The principal endorsement shall be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who qualifies by:

(A) successfully completing a principal preparation program approved in accordance with Section 21-7.6 of this Code and any applicable rules;

(B) having 4 years of teaching experience; however, the State Board of Education shall allow, by rules, for fewer than 4 years of experience based on meeting standards set forth in such rules, including without limitation a review of performance evaluations or other evidence of demonstrated qualifications; and

(C) having a master's degree.

(3) The chief school business official endorsement shall be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who qualifies by having a Master's degree, 2 years of administrative experience in school business management or 2 years of university-approved practical experience, and a minimum of 20 semester hours of graduate credit in a program established by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board for the preparation of school business administrators. Such endorsement shall also be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who qualifies by having a Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or Accounting from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

After June 30, 1977, such endorsement shall be required for any individual first employed as a chief school business official.

(4) The superintendent endorsement shall be affixed to the administrative certificate of any holder who has completed 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master's degree in a program for the preparation of superintendents of schools including 16 semester hours of graduate credit in professional education and who has at least 2 years experience as an administrator or supervisor in the public schools or the State Board of Education or education service regions or in nonpublic schools meeting the standards established by the State Superintendent of Education or comparable out-of-state recognition standards approved by the State Superintendent of Education and holds general supervisory or general administrative endorsement, or who has had 2 years of experience as a supervisor or administrator while holding an all-grade supervisory certificate or a certificate comparable in validity and educational and experience requirements.

After June 30, 1968, such endorsement shall be required for a superintendent of schools, except as provided in the second paragraph of this Section and in Section 34-6.

Any person appointed to the position of superintendent between the effective date of this Act and June 30, 1993 in a school district organized pursuant to Article 32 with an enrollment of at least 20,000 pupils shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph (4) until June 30, 1996.

(f) All official interpretations or acts of issuing or denying administrative certificates or endorsements by the State Teacher's Certification Board, State Board of Education or the State Superintendent of Education, from the passage of P.A. 81-1208 on November 8, 1979 through September 24, 1981 are hereby declared valid and legal acts in all respects and further that the purported repeal of the provisions of this Section by P.A. 81-1208 and P.A. 81-1509 is declared null and void.

(Source: P.A. 96-56, eff. 1-1-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/21-7.6 new)

Sec. 21-7.6. Principal preparation programs.

(a) It is the policy of this State that an essential element of improving student learning is supporting and employing highly effective school principals in leadership roles who improve teaching and learning and increase academic achievement and the development of all students.

(b) No later than July 1, 2014, all institutions of higher education and not-for-profit entities approved by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, to offer principal preparation programs must do all of the following:

(1) Meet the standards and requirements for such programs in accordance with this Section and any rules adopted by the State Board of Education.

(2) Prepare candidates to meet approved standards for principal skills, knowledge, and responsibilities, which shall include a focus on instruction and student learning and which must be used for principal professional development, mentoring, and evaluation.

(3) Include specific requirements for (i) the selection and assessment of candidates, (ii) training in the evaluation of staff, (iii) an internship, and (iv) a partnership with one or more school districts or State-recognized, non-public schools where the chief administrator is required to have the certification necessary to be a principal in an Illinois public school and where a majority of the instructors are required to have the certification necessary to be instructors in an Illinois public school.

In accordance with subsection (a) of Section 21-7.1 of this Code, any principal preparation program offered in whole or in part by a not-for-profit entity must also be approved by the Board of Higher Education.

(c) No candidates may be admitted to an approved general administrative preparation program after September 1, 2012. Institutions of higher education currently offering general administrative preparation programs may no longer entitle principals with a general administrative endorsement after June 30, 2014.

(d) Candidates successfully completing a principal preparation program established pursuant to this Section shall obtain a principal endorsement on an administrative certificate and are eligible to work in, at a minimum, those capacities set forth in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Section 21-7.1 of this Code. Beginning on July 1, 2014, the general administrative endorsement shall no longer be issued. Individuals who hold a valid and registered administrative certificate with a general administrative endorsement prior to July 1, 2014 and who have served for at least one full year during the 5 years prior in a position requiring a general administrative endorsement shall, upon request to the State Board of Education and through July 1, 2015, have their respective general administrative endorsement converted to a principal endorsement. All other individuals holding a valid and registered administrative certificate with a general administrative endorsement prior to July 1, 2014 shall have such general administrative endorsement converted to a principal endorsement upon request to the State Board of Education and by completing one of the following pathways:

(1) Take and pass a State principal assessment developed by the State Board of Education.

(2) Through July 1, 2019, complete an Illinois Administrators' Academy course designated by the State Superintendent of Education.

(3) Complete a principal preparation program established and approved pursuant to this Section and applicable rules.

Nothing in this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly shall prevent an individual having a general administrative endorsement from serving at any time in any position identified in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Section 21-7.1 of this Code.

(e) The State Board of Education may adopt rules necessary to implement and administer principal preparation programs under this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2010.