Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan - FAQ - Guidance on district literacy planning and resources

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford

Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan FAQ answers key implementation questions for school districts in Illinois. It clarifies that the plan is mandated by Public Act 103-0402 for ISBE to publish, but districts face no legislative mandate to use it. The FAQ explains timelines for curriculum evaluation resources and a literacy-specific rubric available by July 1, 2024, guidance on curriculum toolkit development, high school literacy supports, professional learning, and first steps to assemble a literacy team, collect data, and access ISBE office hours.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Is this plan a mandate?

When do districts need to submit local literacy plans?

What guidance is available for curriculum evaluation?

What resources exist or are upcoming?

What should we do first to get started?

Why doesn’t the plan use the term “science of reading”?

What timeline is there for districts to implement and be in alignment with the plan?

Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan FAQ Is this plan a mandate? The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan is mandated by Public Act 103-0402, which required ISBE to produce such a plan and make it available to districts as a resource by January 31, 2024. The plan was drafted and revised through an extensive stakeholder engagement process, which resulted in multiple drafts and revisions to respond to feedback that was received. The final plan was adopted on January 24, 2024, and is provided as a guidance document to districts. There is no mandate in legislation for districts to utilize the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. When do districts need to submit local literacy plans? There is no requirement for districts to submit local literacy plans to ISBE. Myschool isabout to purchase new curriculum. What guidance is available? The ISBE Standards and Instruction Department developed the Curriculum Evaluation Tool for statewide implementation in school year 2021-22. The legislation requires ISBE to provide a literacy-specific rubric, which will be available by July 1, 2024. Will there be a specific list of curriculum or curriculum resources that are aligned to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan that districts must use? The Illinois State Board of Education does not endorse specific curriculum or paid resources. Districts are encouraged to utilize the forthcoming literacy rubric to evaluate local curriculum decisions. The rubric will be available by July 1, 2024. What resources exist or are upcoming? ISBE is in the process of building an Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan ToolKit. Resources will be added to the ISBE Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan webpage as they become available. What resources exist for high school literacy? Information regarding content and disciplinary literacy is included in Section 1. Additionally, information is included for each literacy component for varied learners, including high school students. What professional learning opportunities currently exist? ISBE is in the process of preparing future professional learning opportunities. Resources will be added to the ISBE Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan webpage as they become available. What should we do first to get started? We are excited for stakeholders to begin this important work within their local context. We recommend the following steps. ACCESS THE PLAN ■ Visit the ISBE Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan webpage to download the plan and view existing resources. ■ Sign up for updates to stay informed on the latest guidance and resources. ■ Attend Office Hours to ask questions. [isbe](isbe.net)[.net](isbe.net) ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ASSEMBLE A LITERACY TEAM ■ Form a dedicated team comprising key stakeholders who are focused on literacy and represent a diverse range of expertise, including instruction, curriculum development, assessment, and intervention strategies. COLLECT AND ANALYZE DATA ■ Start by gathering existing data. Consider state and local assessments, classroom grades, and other relevant data sources. ■ Identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement to tailor the literacy plan to your local context. ■ Conduct an audit of existing resources. Will the Curriculum Evaluation Tool change in response to the literacy plan? Legislation requires a literacy-specific rubric to be available by July 1, 2024. We are currently working to include a literacy component in the Curriculum Evaluation Tool. Will we have an evaluation rubric for supplemental material? The primary focus of the rubric will be for the review of core instructional materials. What resources exist to get started? Current resources include the previously mentioned webpage, Office Hours, recorded webinar, and this FAQ document. Resources that are being developed include: ■ Professional Learning and Resources Landscape Survey (early March) ■ Getting Started Too

FAQs

Is the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan required for districts to follow?

The plan is mandated for ISBE to produce and publish as a resource, but legislation does not include a mandate for districts to utilize the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan.

When will the literacy-specific rubric be available?

A literacy-specific rubric will be available by July 1, 2024, and ISBE is working to include a literacy component in the Curriculum Evaluation Tool.

What are suggested first steps for starting a local literacy plan?

Assemble a literacy team with key stakeholders, collect and analyze existing data, and audit current resources to identify strengths and areas needing improvement tailored to the local context.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford