Public Act 100-0465, also known as the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act, made sweeping changes to education funding in Illinois when it became law on August 31, 2017. The law changed the basis of state funding to student enrollment, rather than attendance. The act removed Section 18-8.05 of the School Code, which had defined a day of attendance as a minimum of five instructional hours. Funding schools on enrollment provides school districts the resources and flexibility to support all students, especially the students most in need of support to access educational opportunities.
Students learn in a variety of ways and settings. ISBE encourages districts, school boards, and collective bargaining units to work together to innovate new ways of teaching and learning that center on competencies and mastery of subject matter – anywhere and anytime.
ISBE released guidance, available in the Definition of an Instructional Day memo, on November 9 to assist school districts in using this flexibility.
Join ISBE at one of the following Q&A events to learn more and share your successes and challenges (all events are 4-6 p.m.):
- Dec. 3 at Rooney Elementary School, 4900 Columbus Road, Quincy
- Dec. 4 at Carbondale High School, 1301 E. Walnut Street, Carbondale
- Dec. 5 at Silas Willard Elementary School, 460 Fifer Street, Galesburg
- Dec. 6 at DuPage County Regional Office of Education, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
- Dec. 10 at Williams Elementary, 1901 S. Ninth Street, Mattoon