Request to Amend Accountability Plans – Illinois – NCLB Policy Letters to States

March 5, 2004

The Honorable Robert Schiller
Superintendent of Education
Illinois Board of Education
100 North First Street
Springfield, Illinois 62777

Dear Superintendent Schiller:

I am writing in response to Illinois’ proposed amendment to its State accountability plan under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). In response to concerns raised by Illinois students, parents, and school personnel, Illinois has proposed adding a multi-racial/ethnic group to the State’s major racial/ethnic groups for both accountability and reporting purposes. I am pleased to approve the amendment that Illinois submitted to the Department on January 21, 2004.

Please be aware that this letter does not address whether Illinois’ accountability system for Title I, including the amendment approved above, complies with Federal civil rights requirements, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

I am confident that Illinois will continue to advance its efforts to hold schools and school districts accountable for the achievement of all students. I wish you well in your school improvement efforts. If I can be of any assistance to Illinois in its efforts to implement other aspects of NCLB, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Raymond Simon
Assistant Secretary
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Table of Contents Decision Letters on State Accountability Plans

Request to Amend Accountability Plans - Illinois - NCLB Policy Letters to States