Illinois State Board of Education

FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; it also welcomes students pursuing careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, and business owners. FFA Week includes a national day of service (Feb. 17), Ag Teacher Appreciation Day (Feb. 19), and Wear Blue Day (Feb. 21).

You never know how deeply the wisdom you share today may resonate. Alums of Angelou Elementary in HARVEY SD 152 returned to present a Black History Month gift for their school. How are you celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth? https://okt.to/U89tfG

Compliment a stranger. Let that shopper with the two little kids go ahead of you in the checkout line. Phone a student's mom just to say her child (you know the one) is really being good today. Did you have a favorite teacher? Reach out and tell them what they meant to you. And if you don't get to everything on the list this week, no worries. You can actually do Random Acts of Kindness any time.

Keep an eye on those deadlines 🧐 Stay proactive by checking out our Finance, Budgets & Funding page now! https://okt.to/SyDcON

Many districts across Illinois celebrated a milestone last week – the 100th day of school. 🥳 At some schools, like Wesmere Elementary in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District #202, students and staff celebrated by dressing like they were age 100. 😀🧓😀

As part of ISBE’s Strategic Plan Goal 2.1.2, we are excited to introduce the Resiliency Toolkit, a collection of resources designed to foster safe and healthy school climates. These resources are aligned with ISBE’s definition of resilience, aimed at supporting the well-being and growth of students, educators, and the broader school community. To ensure that the resources meet the needs of all stakeholders, we invite administrators, educators, and other relevant school staff to share your invaluable insights via this brief survey: https://okt.to/LH7vxQ

At Thomas Paine Elementary in URBANA SD 116, the celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth includes door decorations created by students. We love the focus on contemporary and connected heroes like Notable Black Educators in USD 116, local artist Langston Allston, and the Chicago Bears' beloved Walter Payton. How is your district honoring Black History Month? Tag us on social media or email us at press@isbe.net!

ISBE has been working for months to refine our proficiency metrics and update our accountability framework. Your insights are essential to this process! As educators know, successful group projects depend on everyone's input. Please join our listening tour to share your thoughts with State Superintendent Tony Sanders, ISBE Chief of Staff Kimako Patterson, and our Executive Director of Data, Accountability & Assessment Rae Clementz. Find out more on our website: https://okt.to/fngJmZ To secure your spot, please RSVP on our Eventbrite page: https://okt.to/9aFHEB Learn more on our website: https://okt.to/4WOlj0 RSVP to attend on our Eventbrite web page: https://okt.to/MZgOin

For teens and young adults who have food allergies, or their siblings and friends, the next monthly Teen Talk from FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH EDUCATION, INC. DBA FARE happens Feb. 15, from 4-5 p.m. These events are open to pre-teens, teens, and young adults (ages 11-22). Register for the FARE Virtual Teen Talk today. https://okt.to/iFzxYN

Out-of-country transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. Equivalency by an ISBE-approved foreign credential evaluation source. Find the list of approved companies at https://okt.to/FwQS0q