ISBE Update: February 2025
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Date PostedFebruary 27, 2025
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CategoryNews
Listening Tours
Assessment and Accountability Redesign
ISBE will continue its Assessment and Accountability Redesign listening tour at locations throughout the state with two dates in March, and additional meetings planned for April and May. The State Board of Education is seeking input and feedback on accountability models and assessment performance-level descriptors for new proficiency benchmarks. Registration information is available on the ISBE website, along with the “Systems of Support, Accountability & Assessment Redesign Presentation” presented at the first February tour stop.
Accountability and assessment reform is a pillar of Illinois Vision 2030, with school leaders encouraged “to think beyond annual standardized tests to more fairly and effectively measure student success by considering both growth and proficiency over time.” Additional information on Shared Accountability and other Illinois Vision 2030 priorities can be found on the Vision 2030 website.
IWAS Redesign
ISBE will be making changes to the Web Application Security (IWAS) system with the goal of improving navigation and creating a more user-friendly platform. With an expected launch of the new site in 2026, ISBE is seeking feedback on potential improvements and concerns with the current system. Five dates at locations throughout the state are scheduled in March, April, and May. Registration information and a full list of locations and dates is available online.
Children’s Mental Health Portal
Illinois recently launched the Behavior Health Care and Ongoing Navigation (BEACON) portal. BEACON serves as a centralized resource for Illinois families seeking youth mental health services and care. The portal provides which community-based resources are available nearby for families, and which state-funded programs youth are eligible for. Some of the services include outpatient counseling, school-based services, residential treatment services, and support for families caring for children with complex needs.
Assessment and Accountability Redesign
ISBE will continue its Assessment and Accountability Redesign listening tour at locations throughout the state with two dates in March, and additional meetings planned for April and May. The State Board of Education is seeking input and feedback on accountability models and assessment performance-level descriptors for new proficiency benchmarks. Registration information is available on the ISBE website, along with the “Systems of Support, Accountability & Assessment Redesign Presentation” presented at the first February tour stop.
Accountability and assessment reform is a pillar of Illinois Vision 2030, with school leaders encouraged “to think beyond annual standardized tests to more fairly and effectively measure student success by considering both growth and proficiency over time.” Additional information on Shared Accountability and other Illinois Vision 2030 priorities can be found on the Vision 2030 website.
IWAS Redesign
ISBE will be making changes to the Web Application Security (IWAS) system with the goal of improving navigation and creating a more user-friendly platform. With an expected launch of the new site in 2026, ISBE is seeking feedback on potential improvements and concerns with the current system. Five dates at locations throughout the state are scheduled in March, April, and May. Registration information and a full list of locations and dates is available online.
Children’s Mental Health Portal
Illinois recently launched the Behavior Health Care and Ongoing Navigation (BEACON) portal. BEACON serves as a centralized resource for Illinois families seeking youth mental health services and care. The portal provides which community-based resources are available nearby for families, and which state-funded programs youth are eligible for. Some of the services include outpatient counseling, school-based services, residential treatment services, and support for families caring for children with complex needs.
