HB 3561

Abstract

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that the board shall create an educator pipeline development program. Provides that the program shall seek to develop a licensed practical nurse seeking to become a health service nurse, a paraprofessional and related service personnel seeking to become a licensed teacher, or a multilingual staff employee seeking to become a licensed bilingual teacher. Provides that the program shall support up to 120 people per school year. Provides that the program shall partner with Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University, and the City Colleges of Chicago. Provides that members of the pipeline program shall complete necessary collegiate course work to attain the members' additional licensure. Provides that program members shall continue to work normally until required student teaching or clinical experiences are required. Provides that members of the program will work with cooperating instructors from the member's affiliate institution toward the successful completion of the member's required work experience. Provides that members of the program will have 3 years to complete the member's coursework and required work experience. Provides that members of the program who successfully complete the member's training will be placed, to the extent practicable, in the school where they completed the member's required work experience. Provides that those members who were unable to be placed at the school where the member completed the work experience shall be placed elsewhere in the school district. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education and the board shall split the costs of the program equally.