Background of E-Learning in Illinois
The Illinois State Board of Education established an eLearning pilot in 2015 for three schools with the purpose of recording the efficacy of E-Learning during emergency/non-attendance days pursuant to state statute (105 ILCS 5/10-20.56). eLearning was to be used on no more than five school days per year and would count as attendance days without the need to add emergency days to the end of the school year, according to statute. It was expected that there was five clock hours of instruction or schoolwork for each student, access to electronic communication, and appropriate learning opportunities for students with special needs. The requirement of the five clock hours of instruction was dropped before last year, which provided opportunities for school districts to pursue eLearning options for emergency day make-ups.
eLearning in Illinois and District 225 Planning
On June 1, 2019 new rules went into effect in Illinois for E-Learning Days. The five-hour minimum went into effect among other changes. eLearning opportunities in districts across the state can use E-Learning days with the following requirements:
A public hearing must be held with the public receiving at least a ten (10) days notice before the hearing (publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district, written or electronic notice designed to reach parents or guardians of students in the district, written or electronic notice designed to reach any exclusive collective bargaining representatives of school district employees and employees without a collective bargaining unit)
Ensures five clock hours of instruction
Ensures home or remote access for all students
Ensures non-electronic materials are made available to students without required technology
Ensures appropriate learning opportunities for students with special needs
Monitors and verifies each student’s electronic participation
Based on these requirements laid out in Public Act 101-0012, District 225 has developed the following proposal to have E-Learning as an option for our students.