On April 16, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the Second District Appellate Court’s holding that section 24-6 of the Illinois School Code does not allow a teacher who gives birth at the end of the school year to use her accumulated paid sick leave at the start of the next school year.

The State Board of Education adopted amendments to the Part titled Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision, replacing the emergency rules previously in effect.

On Dec. 23, 2019, the First District Appellate Court reversed the Chicago Board of Education’s decision to impose a 90-day-time-served suspension on a tenured elementary school teacher who was reinstated after disciplinary hearings.

The School Code now requires each school district to create, maintain, and implement an age-appropriate policy on sexual harassment.

Textbooks authorized to be purchased under 105 ILCS 5/2-3.155 must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code to require school districts to allow students to self-administer medications if they have specialized health action plans including...

On May 10, 2019, the First District Appellate Court affirmed the Chicago Board of Education’s decision to dismiss a teacher based on irremediable conduct. Under 105 ILCS 5/34-85(a),

The School Code has been amended to create an Emotional Intelligence and Social and Emotional Learning Task Force. The task force is created to develop curriculum, create assessment guidelines, and establish best practices on emotional intelligence and social and emotional learning.

The School Code is amended by changing section 14-6.01 regarding the powers and duties of school boards. These new amendments establish how school boards must notify students with disabilities that they may qualify for federal services.

The School Code was amended to provide that a parent or guardian is now able to administer a medical cannabis-infused product to a student on school property as long as it is not disruptive to the school environment.

An extensive provision has been added to the School Code, providing an alternate route to a high school diploma for adult learners.

This rulemaking implements Public Act 99-842, which expands institutional eligibility for the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program by removing certain criteria previously required by the State.

The Fire Protection Code underwent significant changes in regards to how the Office of the State Fire Marshal ("OSFM") qualifies and provides oversight for public school fire inspectors. 41 Ill. Adm. Code 111 (eff. May 20, 2016).

On December 3, 2015, the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a public school teacher should be reinstated after the Board of Education of Murphysboro Community Unit School District No. 186 (the "Board") dismissed her.

The Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act has been amended to require students to provide their passwords to social media sites when certain violations are suspected.

The School Code has been amended to provide for mandatory background checks at state-recognized non-public schools employing student teachers.

For schools receiving payments from the General State Aid Fund, the State Board of Education is to calculate each district's pro-rata share of the minimum $13,600,000 available.

The School Code has been amended to add a section laying out criteria for low-performing school districts to be considered "priority districts" that qualify for further assistance and resources.

A new rulemaking by the State Board of Education allows school support personnel to enter principal preparation programs, so long as they enroll by June 30, 2019.

On August 27, 2013, the General Assembly passed Pub. Act 98-0560, which allows school districts to voluntarily participate in the State Seal of Biliteracy Program.

Effective January 22, 2015, the Illinois State Board of Education ("ISBE") made three changes that relate to nonpublic schools (including private and charter schools).

Beginning on July 1, 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture now requires that food products sold on school property during the school day meet federal nutrition guidelines.

The Department of Human Services has adopted amendments to the Part concerning the conduct and disciplinary policies at its residential school facilities.

The State Board of Education ("SBE") has adopted amendments to the regulations governing Transitional Bilingual Education in order to implement English language development standards in elementary education. 23 Ill. Adm. Code 228 (eff. Sept. 29, 2014).

Section 5 of the School Code, regarding state approval of payment of tuition and related services for disabled children attending special education programs, has been revised to include approval instructions for certain special needs programs serving autistic children.

The State Board of Education has amended Article 21 of the School Code to comply with new state law regarding educator certification. 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25 (eff. May 6, 2014).

School superintendents, assistant superintendents, and directors of special education with at least two years of experience relevant to the role of a principal are now permitted to mentor principal candidates. 23 Ill. Adm. Code 30 (eff. May 6, 2014).

The School Code has been amended to add and change requirements for renewal and reinstatement of professional educator licenses.