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March 10, 2020

WHAT'S INSIDE2020 Census: Everyone CountsCareer & Technical EducationCharter SchoolsCurriculum & InstructionData Reporting & CollectionsEarly Childhood EducationEducational Technology

Elevating EducatorsFunding & DisbursementsSafe & Healthy ClimateSchool SafetySpecial EducationIn Brief

Hello,

Thank you for your service to our students, families, and respective communities throughout the Stateof Illinois, especially as we work together to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and keep everyonein our schools and in our homes safe and healthy. Coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation and ISBEis working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois EmergencyManagement Agency, Governor’s Office, General Assembly, U.S. Department of Education, and otherstakeholders to address all education issues related to coronavirus/COVID-19.

In an effort to keep everyone updated, we are continually posting resources and guidance on our School Health Issues webpage(/Pages/School-Health-Issues.aspx) as it becomes available. Today, we posted an updated version of the ISBE Guidance to Schools onCoronavirus (/Documents/ISBE-Guidance-to-School-Coronavirus.pdf). We will continue to update this guidance as necessary and as newinformation becomes available. Any changes to the document will be noted by date in the document. We strongly encourage you revisit thedocument frequently and as conditions develop.

As I previously mentioned, districts should begin working on emergency plans immediately, including research-based e-learning plans. We areworking to obtain flexibility regarding the current requirements for e-learning plans and will keep you updated on the progress. A survey(https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hv5kA8ZJ9Eq1LDNameV30Sk3hDwPfQpPhL-ou1dY2QpUQVc4T1EwSTkzVVlOMVE2SDVKRUhGTlRYOS4u)was distributed earlier today to superintendents to help us determine theneeds of districts regarding e-learning capabilities. If you have not completed it, please do so as soon as possible.

As you work to develop your e-learning plans, the following districts have graciously agreed to share their e-learning plans and resources.Please note these were not developed with ISBE but are being offered as a resource.

Glen Ellyn Elementary School District 41 (https://www.d41.org/elearningplan)Reavis High School District 220 (https://sites.google.com/reavisd220.org/elearning/home)Ridgewood High School District 234 (https://www.d234.org/academics/elearning-day/)

ISBE is also hosting an e-learning webinar at 3 p.m. on March 17 for district superintendents and ROEs. Register(https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7795133226120905987) and view additional details under the Educational Technology sectionbelow.

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Certain schools, in consultation with their local health departments, have closed. Currently, ISBE is compiling information regarding schoolclosures. We strongly recommend that schools consult with their local health department/IDPH prior to closing any schools due to COVID-19. Ifany school closes due to COVID-19, including public and nonpublic schools, ISBE is requesting districts submit an email toCOVID19closure@isbe.net (mailto:COVID19closure@isbe.net). Details regarding the information the email should include can be found in theISBE Guidance document (/Documents/ISBE-Guidance-to-School-Coronavirus.pdf) under number three.

Additionally, we posted a letter (/Documents/Letter-to-School-Districts-Travel.pdf) on March 6 strongly urging all Illinois schools and districtsto postpone or cancel non-essential travel in order to minimize any undue risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Therefore, the agency is leadingby example. The March 17-18 Board Meeting scheduled to take place in Macomb will now be held as a videoconference on March 18 and willbegin at 9 a.m.

We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. Please check the School Health Issues webpage(/Pages/School-Health-Issues.aspx) frequently and please email COVID19@isbe.net (mailto:COVID19@isbe.net) with any questions. Thankyou again for your leadership and for working to keep our students, families, and communities healthy.

Sincerely,

Carmen

DATES AND DEADLINES

Please note this is not a complete list of events, meetings, and deadlines. For more events and details, visit the ISBE Calendar page(https://www.isbe.net/Pages/ISBE-Meetings.aspx).

Mar.11

Community Eligibility Provision and Alternative Breakfast Service Models workshop (Bloomington)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.11

Deadline to challenge 2018 poverty and population data

Mar.13

Deadline to submit session proposals for the 2020 College Changes Everything Conference(https://www.collegechangeseverything.org/events/2020-cce-conference-information.html)

Mar.16

ISBE Strategic Plan Engagement Session (Macomb) (https://www.isbe.net/strategicplansurvey)

Mar.17

Webinar: Evidence-Based Funding Data(https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1271104016503520001)

Mar.17

Webinar: E-Learning (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7795133226120905987)

Mar.18

Illinois State Board of Education meeting (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-State-Board-of-Education-Calendar.aspx)

Mar.18

New Summer Food Service Program sponsor training (Fairview Heights)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.19

Summer Food Service Program current sponsor training (Fairview Heights)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.23

Deadline to submit Early Childhood Block Grant proposals (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/RFPs.aspx)

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Mar.24

Community Eligibility Provision and Alternative Breakfast Service Models workshop (Chicago)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.25

New Summer Food Service Program sponsor training (Alsip)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.26

Summer Food Service Program current sponsor training (Alsip)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Mar.27

Deadline to submit feedback on CTE Matrices (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hv5kA8ZJ9Eq1LDNameV30eqY-A6NxhZJuSRgEQHP0eZUOFVCSVBNUTk4OFM4VzlJS0FYNFhBNEdVTC4u)

Mar.31

Deadline to nominate School Nutrition & Wellness Champion (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/School-Nutrition-and-Wellness-Champions.aspx)

Apr.8

New Summer Food Service Program sponsor training (Peoria)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Apr.15

Illinois State Board of Education meeting in Springfield (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-State-Board-of-Education-Calendar.aspx)

Apr.15

New Summer Food Service Program sponsor training (Schaumburg)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

Apr.18

Illinois Network of Charter Schools 2020 Educator Job Fair (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-incs-educator-job-fair-tickets-92369227847)

Apr.21

Illinois MTSS Network: MTSS for Equity and Excellence Conference(https://ilmtss.net/conference/profile/2020-mtss-for-equity-and-excellence)

Apr.22

Webinar: Summer Food Service Program current sponsor training(https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7011768573844247298)

May4

CRSA Symposium ‘No More Closed Doors’ (https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/crsa/Pages/default.aspx)

May6

New Summer Food Service Program sponsor training (Springfield)(http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp)

May10

Deadline to submit National Board Candidate Fee Subsidy application(https://nbrc.illinoisstate.edu/firsttime/index.php)

2020 CENSUS: EVERYONE COUNTS

STATISTICS IN SCHOOLS K-12 TAKE-HOME FLYER

The Statistics in Schools program has created flyers in English and 12 additional languages explaining the importance of the 2020 Census andhow to ensure everyone is counted. We encourage educators to send every student home with the flyer. Download and share the flyers(https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/2020census/get-involved/take-home-flyer.html)!

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

SEEKING FEEDBACK ON UPDATED CTE PROGRAM MATRICES

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ISBE conducted a review of all approved career and technical education (CTE) programs of study during school year 2019-20 to ensure theircontinued relevance and alignment with state and local workforce needs and to approve additional programs to address any gaps in careerpathways. Additionally, ISBE reviewed course options and descriptions to align with postsecondary and industry expectations. The followingchanges will be implemented in SY 2020-21:

There will be five levels of CTE courses (previously, there were only three):Group 1 Orientation Courses: Exploratory coursework, could be offered at the secondary level or prior-to-secondary in seventh oreighth grade.Group 2 Introductory Courses: Introductory coursework for the program of study.Group 3 Skills Courses: More in-depth courses for program concentrators.Group 4 Advanced Courses: More advanced courses for learners completing a program of study to allow for specialization.Group 5 Workplace Experience: Similar model to the existing Cooperative Education coursework that is designed to give studentsrelevant work experience within their program of study.

To be considered a CTE Program Concentrator, a student MUSTdo the following:Complete at least two courses from Levels 2-5.The Level 5 Workplace/Experience/Capstone is recommended but not required by ISBE.

To be considered for state and federal CTE funding, a program must at minimum provide the following:Include one course from Group 1 or 2.Include at least one course from Group 3.Meet all other requirements of program size, scope, and quality.

Updated CTE program matrices can be found on ISBE’s CTE webpage (/CTE) under News and Updates. ISBE welcomes your feedback onthe CTE program matrices by filling out the School Year 2021 Proposed CTE Program Matrices Survey(https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hv5kA8ZJ9Eq1LDNameV30eqY-A6NxhZJuSRgEQHP0eZUOFVCSVBNUTk4OFM4VzlJS0FYNFhBNEdVTC4u) no later than March 27.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE GUIDEBOOK FEEDBACK REQUEST EXTENDED

The CTE Advisory Committee Guidebook (https://icsps.illinoisstate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Advisory-Committee-Guidebook-Updated.pdf), originally developed by the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support in coordination with the Illinois CommunityCollege Board, is being updated to reflect the partnerships between secondary and postsecondary schools and the workforce. ISBE is seekingfeedback on how to update the guidebook to include applicable language and resources for the secondary level. Please provide input on howwe can improve this great resource as we embrace Perkins V by completing the CTE Advisory Committee Guidebook Survey(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LBD8FBJ) by March 17.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS 2020 EDUCATOR JOB FAIR – APRIL 18

Individuals seeking to learn more about working in different public schools in Chicago and Illinois or interested in exploring a new position areinvited to join the 2020 INCS Educator Job Fair (https://teacherjobfair.org/) on April 18 at Erie Elementary, located at 1405 N. Washtenaw inChicago. The Illinois Network of Charter Schools hosts an annual job fair where representatives of more than 40 schools and networks are inattendance looking for teachers, administrators, operations directors, and other positions in the state’s 140 public charter schools.

Registration for the event is now available (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-incs-educator-job-fair-tickets-92369227847). Additionalinformation is also available (https://teacherjobfair.org/). If you are unable to attend, you can upload your contact and licensure information intothe INCS Online Resume Bank (https://teacherjobfair.org/users/new_teacher?) so that hiring managers will be able to contact you directly.

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CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST FEE REDUCTION

The Illinois State Board of Education will provide funding for low-income public school students’ Advanced Placement test fees. College Boardwill deduct the amount per qualifying exam the state is covering from your school’s invoice and bill ISBE directly.

For public school students who qualify for the College Board fee reduction of $32 per exam, ISBE will pay College Board:

$38 per AP Exam (except AP Seminar and AP Research Exams)$86 per AP Seminar Exam and AP Research Exam

The final fee invoiced to a public school for a fee-reduced student for any AP Exam (including AP Seminar and AP Research Exams) is $15 perexam.

AP coordinators in public schools must submit a PDF copy of their school’s invoice by June 15 to apinvoices@isbe.net(mailto:apinvoices@isbe.net).

Contact Elizabeth Hiler at (217) 524-4832 or ehiler@isbe.net (mailto:ehiler@isbe.net) with any questions or for more information.

2020 COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING CONFERENCE – SEEKING SESSION PROPOSALS

Help Be the Change! by submitting an interest session proposal for the 2020 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference, sponsored bythe Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The interest sessions that are developed and led by dedicated educators and professionals are anaspect of this conference that makes it so valuable to attendees. Please consider sharing your insights, experiences, and creative solutions bysubmitting a proposal showcasing programs, services, resources, and partnerships impacting student success.

A broad group of stakeholders attends the conference, so we are encouraging proposals that cover a wide range of themes related to collegeaccess and completion, such as, but not limited to, college and career readiness; student retention, persistence, and completion; education,business, and the economy; and college costs and affordability. Sessions should provide in-depth information, practical ideas, and specificstrategies for the audience, and demonstrate and promote positive steps taken to address college access, completion issues, and careerreadiness and sharing of specific lessons learned. Please complete the online session proposal form(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCEProposals2020). (More information about session submission is available on the conference web page(https://www.collegechangeseverything.org/events/2020-cce-conference-information.html).)

Priority consideration will be given to completed session proposal forms submitted by March 13. The 2020 CCE conference takes place onJuly 9 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, Illinois.

DATA REPORTING & COLLECTIONS

REGISTER FOR EVIDENCE-BASED FUNDING DATA WEBINAR – MARCH 17

Join the Data Strategies and Analytics team from 10-11:30 a.m. on March 17 for a webinar reviewing all aspects of Evidence-Based Funding(EBF) data. The webinar will cover EBF data, how to find issues with your EBF data, and how to correct the issues when found. An open Q&Asession will be provided at the end of the webinar to allow district representatives to ask any question they have about EBF data. The webinarwill be recorded and posted on the Data Reporting webpage (/Pages/Data-Analysis.aspx) for those unable to attend. Registration is nowavailable (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1271104016503520001).

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN CTE PROGRAMS OF STUDY WEBINAR

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ISBE, in cooperation with the Illinois Community College Board and workforce partners, has developed model programs of study to assist LocalEducation Agencies (LEAs) in the development of their own program of study documents and processes. These models will provide guidanceon sequencing and articulation of coursework to include credit transfer opportunities and work-based learning, Career and Technical StudentOrganization engagement, industry-recognized credentials, and sample career opportunities by education level. Additionally, ISBE developed aProgram Quality Rubric that serves as a self-reflection tool for LEAs as they measure progress on the continuum of high-quality CTEprogramming.

Registration (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9047385710600592642) is now available for the webinar, which will be from 10 a.m.-noon on March 18. The webinar will cover initial steps to continuous improvement for CTE programs.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL TRAININGS

Feedback received from the Part 235 Suspension and Expulsion rules that were approved by ISBE in September 2019 has led to adetermination that there is a need for additional social-emotional trainings.

Each STAR NET region throughout the state has added trainings in the following categories: trauma-informed care and trauma competence,family engagement with diverse population, and reflective practices in social-emotional instruction. The Social Emotional Trainings Offerings(/Documents/S-E-Trainings.pdf) document provides a list of all trainings along with links to registration. Please note priority is given toattendees who work within the region offering the training, but those outside of the region may attend if space permits.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

UPCOMING E-LEARNING PLAN WEBINAR – MARCH 17

ISBE is hosting a webinar at 3 p.m. on March 17 to assist districts in completing and submitting e-learning plans. The webinar will provideinformation on the pending flexibility surrounding e-learning, available resources, and allow the audience to hear from districts that have e-learning plans in place. A question and answer session will take place at the end to ensure all questions are addressed. If you are unable toattend, the webinar will be recorded and posted on the Electronic Learning webpage (/Pages/Electronic-Learning.aspx). Registration is nowavailable (https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7795133226120905987).

ELEVATING EDUCATORS

ANNOUNCING ILLINOIS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND THOSE WHO EXCEL NOMINATION PERIOD BEGINS

ISBE is happy to announce the nomination period for both Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel has officially opened. Nominations can besubmitted through the new online portal found in both the Teacher of the Year (/Pages/teacher-of-the-year.aspx) and Those Who Excel(/Pages/Those-who-excel.aspx) webpages. Aside from a completely online portal to submit nominations, below are some of other highlightedchanges have been made to the Teacher of the Year program:

Three new awards to honor outstanding teachers in specific areas:Bilingual Teacher of the Year awardEarly Childhood Teacher of the Year awardSpecial Education Teacher of the Year award.

Regional Teachers of the Year from eight regions (/Documents/TOY-area-map.pdf) honored. From this cohort will be selected the 2021Illinois Teacher of the Year

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We are also seeking nominations for ISBE's Those Who Excel awards. Those Who Excel is a way for us to celebrate the invaluablecontributions of every individual who makes our schools environments where all students can thrive. Nomination categories are open toadministrators, teams, community volunteers, and support personnel who have made significant contributions to Illinois students. This includesstudent support personnel such as school nurses, psychologists, social workers, school counselors, or speech/language therapist andeducational support personnel such as aides/paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, custodians, administrative assistants, bus drivers, andresource officers.

We also plan to honor the winners with a red-carpet banquet this fall. These awards recognize the incredible work happening in and aroundIllinois schools, as the result of exemplary educators who far too often go unrecognized outside of their own schools or districts. We encourageeveryone to think about someone at their school who is making a positive impact on students and honor them by nominating them for anaward. You can also spread the word about the awards by sharing our Teacher of the Year video (https://vimeo.com/375524493)on socialmedia with the hashtag #ElevatingEducators. The nomination window is now open and will close June 5.

FUNDING & DISBURSEMENTS

UPDATED STATE AND FEDERAL GRANT ADMINISTRATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The State and Federal Grant Administration Policy and Procedures (/Documents/fiscal_procedure_handbk.pdf) document has beenupdated.

Important changes include:

Pages 2-8 - New definitions added for Corrective Action Plan, De Minimis Rate, Fiscal Agent, and Modified Total Direct CostPages 36-39 - New ISBE Grant Termination and Renewal PolicyPages 46-49 - Updated Indirect Cost narrativePage 59 - Update to Federal and State Compliance Monitoring for LEAsPage 62 - New Audit Report Submission-Overview

Questions regarding the Grant Administration Policy and Procedures can be directed to Funding and Disbursements at (217) 782-5256.

SAFE & HEALTHY CLIMATE

SUPPORTING TRANSGENDER, NONBINARY, AND GENDER NONCONFORMING STUDENTS – RESOURCES NOWAVAILABLE

ISBE recently created a webpage containing a variety guidance documents and resources to ensure all students are supported. Education is afundamental right of each and every student in Illinois. However, structural, social, or implicit barriers may exist for students who aretransgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. The webpage is designed to provide support to school districts as they, in turn, seek tosupport ALL students in Illinois schools. Further, this webpage also serves to apprise LGBTQ students of their rights under relevant law . Visitthe webpage to view all the supports offered (/supportallstudents).

Additionally, ISBE recently released Non-Regulatory Guidance (/Documents/ISBE-Guidance-Supporting-Transgender-Nonbinary-Gender-Nonconforming-Students.pdf) designed to provide a description of the legal rights of transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming studentsand offer best practices, technical assistance, and support to districts and schools.

For further assistance, we encourage educators and students to email supportallstudents@isbe.net (mailto:supportallstudents@isbe.net).

SCHOOL SAFETY

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UPCOMING ACTIVE SHOOTER SAFETY TRAINING

ISBE is partnering with the DeWitt-Livingston-Logan and McLean County Regional Office of Education #17 to offer free statewide trainings forschool bus drivers to learn how they can protect students if an active shooter or armed intruder threatens a bus. Eleven free trainingopportunities are scheduled throughout Illinois during the month of April. The target audience for the training includes bus drivers and monitors,transportation directors, law enforcement, teachers, coaches, sponsors or the general public. Attendees will be able to bring back strategiesand training opportunities that can be shared and implemented in their home districts. Lessons learned from an actual hostage/active schoolbus shooting in Alabama will serve as the backdrop for this presentation.

Trainings will be conducted by Captain Gary Moore, a retired Missouri State Highway Patrol captain with 34 years of law enforcementexperience. Captain Moore has provided more than 200 presentations on active shooter school bus safety. Dates, locations, and registrationinformation can be found on the training flyer (/Documents/Active-Shooter-Flyer.pdf).

SPECIAL EDUCATION

ILLINOIS INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT PART B APPLICATION POSTED

ISBE’s Special Education Department recently posted the FFY 2020 IDEA Part B annual state application (/Pages/IDEA-Part-B-Annual-State-Application.aspx).

All states applying for funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are required to make available for publicreview and comment the application packet for those federal funds. These are the funds that support provision of special education services tochildren ages 3 to 21 in Illinois. ISBE has developed the draft application packet for IDEA Part B funds and by this notice is making theapplication available for review and comment.

The application packet, developed by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), includes a summary ofthe assurances, certifications, and IDEA use of fund descriptions that the state will use to implement Part B of IDEA. Upon OSEP's approval ofIllinois' Part B application, the state will receive a federal grant award under Part B of the IDEA for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30,2021.

Please note the following as you review the application:

The application is in a format required by OSEP.Illinois is providing general assurances to OSEP that the state will be implementing the provisions of state and federal regulations for PartB of IDEA 2004.The dollar amounts listed in Section III, Use of Funds, are for State-level Administration and Targeted Initiatives, not the cost of servingstudents with disabilities or the total cost of special education services in Illinois.The amounts for State-level Administration and Targeted Initiatives are based upon the current year (FFY 2020) allocation.

The application is available for review on our website from March 2- May 2, 2020, to meet the required 60- day timeline. Written publiccomments on the draft Part B application packet may be submitted from April 1 until the close of business on May 1, 2020, to meet therequired 30-day timeline. Please send comments to the attention of Barbara Moore, director of Special Education, atPartBapplication@isbe.net (mailto:PartBapplication@isbe.net) or via standard mail.

IN BRIEF

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

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The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Childrenare seeking feedback on the health of Illinois women, children, adolescents, and families. Please share the confidential and anonymousIllinois Maternal and Child Health Public Input survey (https://bit.ly/2R1Lqd2) with your networks and communities to help collect feedbackto help IDPH better understand and meet the need of these groups. The survey is also available in Spanish(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ILTitleVSpanish). The due date is March 27.

EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES

Become a Teach Plus Kindergarten Readiness Innovator. Do you have an innovative solution to an issue that impacts kindergartenreadiness? Would you like to help spread this solution to other educators, positively impacting student learning while receiving animplementation grant, professional development, and leadership coaching? The Kindergarten Readiness Innovation Initiative(https://teachplus.org/kindergarten-readiness-innovator) helps Teach Plus recruit, select, train, and support outstanding educationalleaders to lead an effort to innovate a solution to an issue relating to kindergarten readiness. The application is due by March 8.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ed Leaders Network is offering an on-demand, online course on Conflict Resolution at Work that will be led by Karen Wagnon.Additionally, they are offering two Cybersecurity courses, one for educators and one for administrators. Log in to your ELN account toenroll (https://ilprincipals.org/).

Ed Leaders Network is hosting a free, live webinar on E-Learning Days in Place of School Cancelations from 1-2 p.m. on March 17.Registration is now available (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2633568246318269196).

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The 46th annual Illinois Young Authors’ Conference (/Pages/Young-Authors.aspx) is a celebration of the written work of children in gradesK-8. This year's conference will be held May 16 at Normal West High School, Normal. The conference is designed as a celebration tohonor exceptional writing by students and provide an opportunity for these young writers to meet published authors and to hear how theauthors themselves create the characters and stories that have become their books. The deadline to register for this year's conference isApril 11.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

We are pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of the 2020 Illinois Arts Education Week contest.

High School Division and Overall Contest Winner: Matthew Abe-Bell, Springfield High School, Springfield School District 186Middle School Division: Alexandra Bravo, Westchester Middle School, Westchester PublicElementary Division: Michael J. Golminas, St. Joseph School, Downers Grove

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Illinois Reading Council is hosting the 2020 Illinois Reads Book Selection Festival on March 14 at Illinois Valley CommunityCollege in Oglesby. ILLINOIS READS, which is a statewide project promoting reading for Illinois citizens, annually recommends six booksin each of six different age categories ranging from read-to books for infants to books for adult readers. Visit the Illinois Reads webpage(http://www.illinoisreads.org/) for additional information on the upcoming event.

FEATURED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Learn more and apply for the below career opportunities at ISBE!Program Compliance Monitor - State Seal of Biliteracy (/Lists/ISBECareers/CareerDisplayForm.aspx?ID=405)

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Multilingual Department Program Compliance Monitor (/Lists/ISBECareers/CareerDisplayForm.aspx?ID=406)View all open positions at ISBE (/Pages/Careers-at-ISBE.aspx).