Innovation & Improvement

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN and RESOURCES
2009-2010



Submission of a School Improvement Plan (SIP) is required by federal and state regulations for schools that are in academic status. The plan must cover two fiscal years (e.g. FY09-FY10) and must be revised every two years while the school remains in status.

Illinois schools in status that did not submit a school improvement plan last year must submit an improvement plan as required by Public Law 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, section 1101 et seq., and Section 2-3.25d of the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25d. Revisions are then required at the expiration of the two-year plan while the school remains in academic status. Districts are required to submit restructuring plans on behalf of schools after the fifth calculation of not making Adequate Yearly Progress.

A School Improvement Plan is optional for schools that are not in academic status.

Resource Manual 2009-2010
pdf document (updated 6/09)
Compiled resources for developing and refining improvement plans and the Title I District plan.

Frequently Asked Questions: Improvement Planning 2009-2010pdf document

This document addresses questions that relate to the federal and state improvement plan requirements and provides web links to related resources and technical assistance.

School Improvement Plan Guide pdf document

The School Improvement Plan Guide includes instructions for completing the School Improvement Plan (SIP) template at the Illinois Interactive Report Card site (http://iirc.niu.edu), provides guidance for plan developers and peer reviewers, and includes monitoring prompts that ISBE will use in reviewing the plan. The template and this accompanying guide are to be used together to ensure that users include all requirements of federal and state law for revised school improvement plans. "Monitoring Prompts" appear in italics in this guide. Plan developers will find these questions and the School Improvement Plan Monitoring Prompt useful in plan development, revision, and peer review.

School Improvement Plan Monitoring Prompt pdf document

This checklist is used by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for SIP monitoring in compliance with NCLB, Section 1116, and state law. It addresses the requirements for SIPs in Illinois e-Plans as described in the School Improvement Plan Guide. ISBE staff comments are intended to provide feedback on the plan to ensure that all groups will make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

Single School District Improvement Plan Monitoring Prompt pdf document

Single school districts are to complete the single school district improvement plan (SSDIP) on the IIRC. The District Improvement Plan Guide and School Improvement Plan Guide are to be used to develop the plan. Sections III and IV of the single school district improvement plan (SSDIP) align with the School Improvement Plan requirements.

School Improvement Plan Word Template word document

This tool provides assistance to school representatives with the development and refinement of the plan. Once the local board approves the school plan, the contents can be "cut and pasted" into the school's IIRC e-Plan.

2009-2010: Federal and State Status for Schools

This Excel file lists those schools determined to be in “Academic Status” for 2009-2010.  The file only includes selected data to assist district and school personnel in determining whether a plan is needed based on the 2009 Report Card data.  (This will be posted as soon as the 2009 Report Card data are finalized and posted on ISBE’s website.

Illinois Interactive Report Card

ISBE requires that all plans be submitted via "e-Plans" on the Illinois Interactive Report Card site. This process streamlines and provides an interactive site where teams can work on plans at any time and store them on a secure server. The templates are loaded with the applicable school's Report Card data. 2009 data will be posted following release of the 2009 Report Card.

On the School Profile page, click on the link titled "Access the School Improvement e-Plan" located on the information banner across the top. The passwords are protected and are available to authorized personnel by contacting Gail Buoy, Grants and Programs, by email at gbuoy@isbe.net or send an email to eplans@niu.edu. Note: E-Plan passwords are not the same as the passwords for IIRC Student Data Services.

Resources

Regional System of Support Provider (RESPRO) pdf document (Updated 4/09)
In 2003, ISBE established a regional system of support to provide technical assistance to districts and schools in academic status. Ten RESPRO regional offices (see map and contact list) provide districts and schools in their regions with programs and processes representing best practices.

Federal Guidance
LEA and School Improvement Non-Regulatory Guidance (Revised July 21, 2006)
Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education.

Professional Development Activities – Statewide Listing
Links to professional development offered by the Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, ISBE, IASA, IPA, IASBO, and Illinois ASCD.

Tips for SIPs and DIPs powerpoint presentation (Updated 3/09)
This document provides suggestions on how to complete the Illinois e-Plans: School Improvement and District Improvement plans at IIRC: http://iirc.niu.edu/. (The PowerPoint presentation was prepared to assist school-level and RESPRO personnel with the development and refinement of the improvement plans.)

Standards-Aligned Curriculum Development: pdf document
Selected samples of resources are identified to assist districts and schools with the development and implementation of an Illinois state standards-aligned curriculum, in addressing instructional practices, and assessing student learning. These resources include suggestions for ensuring access to the general curriculum and equity for all students (e.g., at-risk students, students with disabilities, and English Language Learners.)