Illinois School Climate Policy

 

Illinois has 852 school districts and 4,266 schools. During the 2019-2020 school year, there were 1,957,018 students enrolled in K-12 schools. About 54% of students in Illinois are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. There are two policies addressing school climate explicitly (5 essentials survey and survey of learning conditions). Other policies that address aspects of school climate include bullying prevention, school safety plans, social-emotional development programs, character education, suicide prevention and awareness, anti-bias, counseling services, parental involvement, and disability history and awareness. Illinois has a Black history study policy and an Asian American history study policy which mandate the incorporation of those subjects into the curriculum. Their social media policies include a curriculum for internet safety instruction and media literacy training. 

Safety

5 Essentials Survey.

This survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. The survey is taken by all prekindergarten through 12th-grade teachers and all fourth- through 12th-grade students. There is a separate parent for surveys, which was developed by the people who developed the 5Essentials survey.

https://www.isbe.net/Pages/5Essentials-Survey.aspx

Illinois. Administrative Code 23 § 1.97- Survey of Learning Conditions.

Each school district shall annually administer a climate survey on the instructional environment within a school.

https://casetext.com/regulation/illinois-administrative-code/title-23-education-and-cultural-resources/part-1-public-schools-evaluation-recognition-and-supervision/subpart-a-recognition-requirements/section-197-survey-of-learning-conditions


Who does this protect? Staff, Administrators, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

105 ILCS 5-27-23.7 – Bullying prevention.

Defines the terms bullying and cyberbullying as well as the behavior associated with these actions.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-237-text-of-section-from-pa-247-bullying-prevention

 Illinois asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it as well as how this policy will be communicated.

  • 105 ILCS 5-27-23.7 – Bullying prevention.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-237-text-of-section-from-pa-247-bullying-prevention

Illinois Compiled Statutes 105-5-10-20.14. Student discipline policies; parent-teacher advisory committee.

To establish and maintain a parent-teacher advisory committee to develop with the school board or governing body of a charter school policy guidelines on pupil discipline, including school searches and bullying prevention.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2014-student-discipline-policies-parent-teacher-advisory-committee

105 ILCS 5-27-23.7 – Bullying prevention.

Illinois anti-bullying policy covers conduct that occurs on and off- school property, school buses, school-sponsored events, and technology that the school is responsible for.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-237-text-of-section-from-pa-247-bullying-prevention 


Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

105 ILCS 128-10 – School Safety Drill Act.

The purpose of this Act is to establish minimum requirements and standards for schools to follow when conducting school safety drills and reviewing school emergency and crisis response plans and to encourage schools and first responders to work together for the safety of children.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS-128-25 – Annual review.

The purpose of this annual review shall be to review and update the emergency and crisis response plans, protocols, and procedures and the school safety drill programs of the district and each of its school buildings

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

 105 ILCS 128-40 – Common rules.

The State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall cooperate to develop clear and definitive guidelines for school districts, private schools, and first responders as to how to develop school emergency and crisis response plans, how to develop school emergency and crisis response plans, how to exercise and drill based on such plans, and how to incorporate lessons learned from these exercises and drills into school emergency and crisis response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

 105 ILCS 128-20 – Number of drills; incidents covered; local authority participation.

During each academic year, schools must conduct a minimum of one severe weather and shelter-in-place drill to address and prepare students and school personnel for possible tornado incidents and may conduct additional severe weather and shelter-in-place drills to account for other incidents, including without limitation earthquakes or hazardous materials. Schools must also conduct a law enforcement drill for school shooting incidents.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS 5-10-20.68 – School resource officer.

Any law enforcement agency that provides a school resource officer shall provide to the school district a certificate of completion, or approved waiver, issued by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board indicating that the subject officer has completed the required course of instruction in the applicable subject areas within one year of assignment, or has prior experience and training which satisfies this requirement.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2068-renumbered-from-105-ilcs-510-2067school-resource-officer

50 ILCS 705-10.22 School resource officers.

The course that school resource officers must complete addresses topics like youth and adolescent developmental issues, educational administrative issues, prevention of child abuse and exploitation, youth mental health treatment, and juvenile advocacy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2020/chapter-50/act-50-ilcs-705/

105 ILCS 5-10-27.1A. Firearms in schools.

All school officials, including teachers, school counselors, and support staff, shall immediately notify the office of the principal if they observe any person in possession of a firearm on school grounds.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-271a-multiple-versions-text-of-section-from-pa-102-197-firearms-in-schools


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

105 ILCS 5-10-22.24b-School counseling services.

The services provided to students include individual or group counseling, making referrals if necessary, addressing bullying and conflict resolution, educating students on mental health, etc.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2224b-school-counseling-services

405 ILCS 49-15-Mental health and schools.

Every Illinois school district shall develop a policy for incorporating social and emotional development into the district’s educational program. The policy should address topics such as teaching and assessing social and emotional skills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-405/act-405-ilcs-49/

405 ILCS 49-5 – Children’s Mental Health Plan.

This plan will contain short-term and long-term recommendations to provide comprehensive, coordinated mental health prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for children from birth through age 18.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-405/act-405-ilcs-49/

Illinois Compiled Statutes 5-2-3.164 – Attendance Commission.

They will identify strategies, mechanisms, and approaches to help parents, educators, principals, superintendents, and the State Board of Education address and prevent chronic absenteeism.

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/010500050K2-3.164.htm

105 ILCS 5-27-12-Character education.

Every public school teacher shall teach character education, which includes teaching respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-12-character-education

105 ILCS 5-2-3.166 – Youth suicide awareness and prevention.

The State Board of Education will work with a youth suicide prevention organization operating in Illinois and organizations representing school boards and school personnel, to develop a model youth suicide awareness and prevention policy, and post resources and information about this on publicly accessible websites.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-2-state-board-of-education-powers-and-duties/section-105-ilcs-52-3166-effective-712022-youth-suicide-awareness-and-prevention


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Illinois provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

  • 105 ILCS 5-2-3.79 – Pilot programs and special education services for preschool children with disabilities from birth to age 3

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-2-state-board-of-education-powers-and-duties/section-105-ilcs-52-379-pilot-programs-and-special-education-services-for-preschool-children-with-disabilities-from-birth-to-age-3

  • 105 ILCS 5-10-22.31 – Special education. 

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2231-special-education

  • 23 Illinois Administrative Code 226.110- Evaluation procedures. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/illinois/title-23/part-226/subpart-b/section-226-110/

105 ILCS 5-34-18.2 – Bilingual programs.

The Board of Education may provide programs in a language other than English for those children whose first language is other than English.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-34-cities-of-over-500000-inhabitants/board-of-education/section-105-ilcs-534-182-bilingual-programs


Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Illinois Compiled Statutes 105-5-27-22.3. Volunteer service credit program.

A school district may establish a volunteer service credit program that enables secondary school students to earn credit towards graduation through a performance of community service.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-223-volunteer-service-credit-program

Students, citizens, civic groups, businesses, and community organizations benefit from community service education programs by developing strong partnerships that enhance the value of schools and the quality of life in communities. The Community Service Education program is administered by the State Board of Education and participation in this program is voluntary.

  • 105 ILCS 60-5 – Policy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-60/

  • 105 ILCS 60-10 – Community Service Education Program. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-60/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Interpersonal Relationships

105 ILCS 5-27-23.7 – Bullying prevention.

Bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from military service, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in all school districts.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-237-text-of-section-from-pa-247-bullying-prevention

 105 ILCS 5-27-20.4 – Black History study.

Every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Black History, including the history of the pre-enslavement of Black people from 3,000 BCE to AD 1619, the African slave trade, slavery in America, the study of the reasons why Black people came to be enslaved, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the study of the American civil rights renaissance.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-204-black-history-study

105 ILCS 5-27-20.8 – Asian American history study.

Every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Asian Americans toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward. These events shall include the contributions made by individual Asian Americans in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of Asian American communities to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-208-effective-112022-asian-american-history-study

 105 ILCS 5-27-23.6 – Anti-bias education.

Public elementary and secondary schools may incorporate activities to address intergroup conflict, with the objectives of improving intergroup relations on and beyond the school campus, defusing intergroup tensions, and promoting peaceful resolution of conflict. Examples of such activities are teacher training programs.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-236-anti-bias-education


Who does this protect? Students, Staff, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

105 ILCS 5-10-22.39 – In-service training programs.

At least once every 2 years, licensed school personnel and administrators who work with pupils in kindergarten through grade 12 shall be trained to identify the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth and shall be taught appropriate intervention and referral techniques.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2239-multiple-versions-effective-112023-text-of-section-from-pa-102-638-in-service-training-programs

105 ILCS 5-3-14.8- Teachers’ institute and other meetings.

To conduct a teachers’ institute, to insure that instruction in the warning signs of suicidal behavior in adolescents and teens and intervention techniques are offered at such an institute.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-3-regional-superintendent-of-schools/section-105-ilcs-53-148-teachers-institute-and-other-meetings

105 ILCS 5-10-20.61-Implicit bias training.

Each school board shall require in-service training for school personnel to include training to develop cultural competency, including understanding and reducing implicit racial bias.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2061-implicit-bias-training

 


Who does this protect? Staff and Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

105 ILCS 5-10-22.24b-School counseling services.

The services provided to students include individual or group counseling, making referrals if necessary, addressing bullying and conflict resolution, educating students on mental health, etc.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2224b-school-counseling-services

 405 ILCS 49-15-Mental health and schools.

Every Illinois school district shall develop a policy for incorporating social and emotional development into the district’s educational program. The policy should address topics such as teaching and assessing social and emotional skills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-405/act-405-ilcs-49/

 405 ILCS 49-5 – Children’s Mental Health Plan.

This plan will contain short-term and long-term recommendations to provide comprehensive, coordinated mental health prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for children from birth through age 18.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-405/act-405-ilcs-49/

Illinois Compiled Statutes 5-2-3.164 – Attendance Commission.

They will identify strategies, mechanisms, and approaches to help parents, educators, principals, superintendents, and the State Board of Education address and prevent chronic absenteeism.

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/010500050K2-3.164.htm

105 ILCS 5-27-12-Character education.

Every public school teacher shall teach character education, which includes teaching respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-12-character-education

105 ILCS 5-2-3.166 – Youth suicide awareness and prevention.

The State Board of Education will work with a youth suicide prevention organization operating in Illinois and organizations representing school boards and school personnel, to develop a model youth suicide awareness and prevention policy, and post resources and information about this on a publicly accessible website. 

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-2-state-board-of-education-powers-and-duties/section-105-ilcs-52-3166-effective-712022-youth-suicide-awareness-and-prevention


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environments

105 ILCS 5-10-20.55 – Bring Your Parents to School Day.

A school board may designate the first Monday in October of each year “Bring Your Parents to School Day” where parents attend class with their children and get to meet their teachers.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2055-bring-your-parents-to-school-day

105 ILCS 5-10-22.18d – Parental institutes.

A school district may utilize up to two days allowed by law for teachers’ institutes to conduct parental institutes for the parents and guardians of children attending the district.  Parental institutes shall provide information on topics that will help achieve improved parental skill development, enhance parental knowledge of child development and increase parental involvement in the student’s education.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2218d-parental-institutes

 105 ILCS 5-2-3.133 – Homework assistance information for parents.

The State Board of Education shall provide information on its Internet website regarding strategies that parents can use to assist their children in completing homework assignments.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-2-state-board-of-education-powers-and-duties/section-105-ilcs-52-3133-renumbered-from-105-ilcs-52-3131homework-assistance-information-for-parents


Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

105 ILCS 128-10 – School Safety Drill Act.

The purpose of this Act is to establish minimum requirements and standards for schools to follow when conducting school safety drills and reviewing school emergency and crisis response plans and to encourage schools and first responders to work together for the safety of children.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS-128-25 – Annual review.

The purpose of this annual review shall be to review and update the emergency and crisis response plans, protocols, and procedures and the school safety drill programs of the district and each of its school buildings.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS 128-40 – Common rules.

The State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall cooperate to develop clear and definitive guidelines for school districts, private schools, and first responders as to how to develop school emergency and crisis response plans, how to develop school emergency and crisis response plans, how to exercise and drill based on such plans, and how to incorporate lessons learned from these exercises and drills into school emergency and crisis response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS 128-20 – Number of drills; incidents covered; local authority participation.

During each academic year, schools must conduct a minimum of one severe weather and shelter-in-place drill to address and prepare students and school personnel for possible tornado incidents and may conduct additional severe weather and shelter-in-place drills to account for other incidents, including without limitation earthquakes or hazardous materials. Schools must also conduct a law enforcement drill for school shooting incidents.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-105/act-105-ilcs-128/

105 ILCS 5-10-20.68 – School resource officer.

Any law enforcement agency that provides a school resource officer shall provide to the school district a certificate of completion, or approved waiver, issued by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board indicating that the subject officer has completed the required course of instruction in the applicable subject areas within one year of assignment, or has prior experience and training which satisfies this requirement.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-2068-renumbered-from-105-ilcs-510-2067school-resource-officer

50 ILCS 705-10.22 School resource officers.

The course that school resource officers must complete addresses topics like youth and adolescent developmental issues, educational administrative issues, prevention of child abuse and exploitation, youth mental health treatment, and juvenile advocacy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2021/chapter-50/act-50-ilcs-705/

105 ILCS 5-10-27.1A. Firearms in schools.

All school officials, including teachers, school counselors, and support staff, shall immediately notify the office of the principal if they observe any person in possession of a firearm on school grounds.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-10-school-boards/section-105-ilcs-510-271a-multiple-versions-text-of-section-from-pa-102-197-firearms-in-schools 


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

105 ILCS 5-27-23.8 – Disability History and Awareness.

A school district shall provide instruction on disability history, people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement. This instruction must be founded on the principle that all students, including students with disabilities, have the right to exercise self-determination.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-238-disability-history-and-awareness


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Social Media

105 ILCS 5-27-13.3-Internet safety education curriculum.

Each school may adopt an age-appropriate curriculum for Internet safety instruction for students in grades kindergarten through twelve.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/010500050K27-13.3.htm

105 ILCS 5-27-20.08 – Media literacy.

Every public high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy covering the topics of accessing information, analyzing and evaluating media messages, creating media, reflecting on media consumption, and social responsibility and civics.

https://casetext.com/statute/illinois-compiled-statutes/education/chapter-105-schools/subchapter-common-schools/act-5-school-code/article-27-courses-of-study-special-instruction/section-105-ilcs-527-2008-media-literacy


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Illinois. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Illinois. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org