SCH CD-EDUCATOR PREP PROG INST

104th Regular Session Introduced by Terri Bryant

Allows CAEP-accredited educator preparation programs to bypass the state reauthorization process, with the SBE to adopt rules governing reauthorization for CAEP-accredited institut

Overview

SB 3331, introduced in the Illinois 104th General Assembly, would update the Educator Licensure provisions in the School Code to permit and regulate accreditation-based recognition for educator preparation programs. The bill focuses on allowing higher education institutions to pursue and maintain accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and outlines related changes to the State Board of Education’s (SBE) reauthorization processes.

Main purpose and intent

To authorize an institution of higher education (IHE) approved to offer educator preparation programs to seek accreditation from CAEP.

If an IHE receives and retains CAEP accreditation, the institution may forgo the State reauthorization process.

To require the SBE to adopt rules governing the reauthorization process for CAEP-accredited institutions.

Key provisions and changes

Amends 105 ILCS 5/21B-105 (Granting of recognition; regional accreditation; definitions).

Clarifies recognition criteria for educator preparation institutions, including the role of the SBE and the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB) in defining standards and evaluating compliance.

Establishes that standards may include criteria related to preparing teachers to work with culturally distinctive students, with the SBE rules detailing evaluation criteria for this requirement.

Prohibits student teaching placements that promote segregation by race, creed, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Requires for-profit or not-for-profit educator preparation entities to be approved by the Board of Higher Education.

States that licensure recommendations come from recognized institutions operating programs approved by the SBE (in consultation with SEPLB).

Allows an IHE to partner with public community colleges to offer approved educator preparation programs leading to licensure for individuals with a bachelor’s degree; such partnerships require SBE (and SEPLB) approval and rulemaking for partnership requirements.

Enables CAEP accreditation as a pathway to licensure process for IHEs, with forgoing of the state reauthorization process upon CAEP accreditation retention; the SBE must adopt rules governing reauthorization for CAEP-accredited IHEs.

Who is affected

Institutions of higher education in Illinois that offer or seek to offer educator preparation programs.

Public community colleges partnering with IHEs to offer programs leading to licensure.

The State Board of Education and the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (in rulemaking and oversight roles).

Prospective and current teacher candidates enrolled in CAEP-accredited programs (as related to recognition and licensure pathways).

Procedural and timeline aspects

If CAEP accreditation is obtained and maintained, the affected IHE may bypass the State’s reauthorization process.

The SBE is required to adopt rules establishing the reauthorization framework for CAEP-accredited institutions.

The bill references ongoing rulemaking and timelines through the normal legislative rulemaking process, with deadlines noted in committee and floor actions (e.g., third reading deadlines in May 2026).

Bill