SB 2109

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Requires each member of a school board and the district superintendent to complete a course of instruction approved by the State Board of Education regarding the adoption and administration of a trauma-informed school standard on an annual basis. Provides that the required training shall focus on (i) the recognition of and care for trauma in students and educators, (ii) the relationship between educator wellness and student learning, (iii) the effect of trauma on student behavior and learning, (iv) the prevalence of trauma among students, including the prevalence of trauma among student populations at higher risk of experiencing trauma, and (v) the effects of implicit or explicit bias on recognizing trauma among various racial or ethnic groups of students. Sets forth other provisions concerning the course of instruction. By no later than December 1, 2021, requires the State Board of Education to approve one or more courses of instruction that satisfy the training requirements. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.73 new 105 ILCS 5/34-18.67 new Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-16a 105 ILCS 5/10-22.39 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning a school board member's leadership training, requires that professional development leadership training cover trauma-informed practices for students and staff beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Sets forth what the training must include and who may provide the training. Allows the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement and administer the provisions concerning a school board member's leadership training. In provisions relating to in-service training programs for licensed school personnel and administrators, requires training to identify the warning signs of trauma. Provides for training regarding the adoption and administration of a trauma-informed school standard. Sets forth the information that may be provided in a course of instruction. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Requires that the training in trauma-informed practices for students and staff begin with the 2023-2024 school year rather than the 2022-2023 school year. Makes changes concerning the information that must be included in the training both for school board members and for in-service training programs. Effective January 1, 2023 (rather than immediately).