105 ILCS 5/2-3.51a
2021 Illinois Compiled Statutes|Chapter 105 - SCHOOLS|105 ILCS 5/ - School Code.|Article 2 - State Board of Education - Powers and Duties

Sec. 2-3.51a.         Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant  Program.  To improve the reading and study skills of children from seventh  through twelfth grade in school districts.  The State Board of Education  is authorized to administer a Continued Reading Improvement Block  Grant Program.  As used in this Section, "school district" includes  those schools designated as laboratory schools.(a) Funds for the Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant  Program shall be distributed to school districts on the following basis:  70% of moneys shall be awarded on the prior year's best 3 months  average daily attendance and 30% shall be distributed on the number of  economically disadvantaged (E.C.I.A. Chapter I) pupils in the district,  provided that the State Board may distribute an amount not to exceed  2% of the moneys appropriated for the Continued Reading Improvement  Block Grant Program for the purpose of providing teacher training and  re-training in the teaching of reading.  Program funds shall be  distributed to school districts in 2 semi-annual installments, one  payment on or before October 30 and one payment prior to April 30 of  each year.  The State Board shall adopt any rules necessary for the  implementation of this program.(b) Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant Program funds  shall be used by school districts in the following manner to support students  in grades 7 through 12  who are reading significantly below grade level:(1) to continue direct reading instruction for grades     7 through 12, focusing on the application of reading skills for understanding informational text;(2) to focus on and to commit time and resources to     the reading of rich literature;(3) to conduct intense vocabulary, spelling, and     related writing programs that promote better understanding of language and words;(4) to provide professional development based on     scientifically based research and best practices and delivered by providers approved by the State Board of Education; and(5) to increase the availability of reading     specialists and teacher aides trained in research-based reading intervention or improvement practices or both.(c) Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant Program funds  shall be made available to each eligible school district submitting an  approved application developed by the State Board, beginning with the  2003-2004 school year.  Applications shall include a proposed  assessment method or methods for measuring student reading skills.  Such methods may include the reading portion of State tests.  At the end  of each school year the district shall report assessment results to the  State Board.  Districts not demonstrating performance progress using an  approved assessment method shall not be eligible for funding in the third  or subsequent years until such progress is established.(d) The State Superintendent of Education, in cooperation with the  school districts participating in the program, shall annually report to the  leadership of the General Assembly on the results of the Continued  Reading Improvement Block Grant Program and the progress being made  on improving the reading skills of students in grades 7 through 12.(e) Grants under the Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant  Program shall be awarded provided there is an appropriation for the  program, and funding levels for each district shall be prorated according  to the amount of the appropriation.  Funding for the program established  under Section 2-3.51 of this Code shall not be reduced in order to fund  the Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant Program.    (Source: P.A. 93-53, eff. 7-1-03.)