SPRINGFIELD, Ill. � Top educators hope to enhance student opportunities by addressing a lack of teacher diversity in Illinois public schools. The Illinois State Board of Education filed last month. But, Republicans are already speaking out against the changes.
Members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) will review the proposed language before they meet on February 16. House Republicans feel it is a “political litmus test� for teachers, while ISBE wants to address inequity.
“These new standards would require teachers to incorporate highly sensitive and politically-charged topics into the classroom curriculum elevating social activism over the mastery of basic skills,� said Rep. Steven Reick (R-Woodstock).
The new standards would address a teacher’s self-awareness, knowledge of systems of oppression, and engagement with students, parents, and the community. However, Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) says this language moves beyond simple acknowledgment of longstanding inequities.
“A teacher has to develop counternarratives and engage in student advocacy and recognize systems of oppression and things that go well beyond what a normal and responsible teacher would bring to the classroom already,� Demmer said.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala released a statement to support the new standards Monday. Ayala said cultural responsiveness is inclusive of all experiences that educators, students, and families bring to the classroom.
“Our state produces a 30-point achievement gap between Black and white students and a 22-point achievement gap between Hispanic and white students,� Ayala said. “As we help students recover from learning loss due to the pandemic, giving our teachers opportunities to learn about effective, equitable, and research-based strategies like cultural responsiveness could not be more important.�
Can’t take another hit
Demmer, a JCAR member, agrees 2020 was one of the most challenging years for educators, students, and families. He explained the pandemic led to limited student focus during remote learning and logistical issues when returning to in-person learning. As a result, Demmer feels the state’s struggling education system can’t take another hit.
“In Illinois today, just 37% of third-grade students perform at grade level for English language arts,� Demmer said. “And just 41% of third-grade students perform at grade level for mathematics.�
Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) worries this move could also make Illinois� teacher shortage worse. In fact, he feels the new standards would push progressive politics into the classroom.
“Illinois teachers don’t have time to teach our students the tools they need to meet basic requirements in English and math,� Niemerg said. “Now, we’re going to make teachers prove that they are ‘woke� or progressive and take their licenses away if they don’t prescribe to a particular political philosophy.�
The board explained these standards would only apply to teacher preparation programs, not K-12 curricula. If approved, State officials noted the standards wouldn’t take effect until October of 2025. They feel that would allow ample time to incorporate the changes. Ayala emphasized every student deserves to feel welcomed, included, and accepted at school.
“Students are more engaged when they see their cultures represented in what they learn at school,� Ayala stated. “As a veteran educator, I know teachers know this, and the proposed Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards will enhance the strategies and best practices our teachers can use.�
Republicans hope to prohibit the rule from moving forward. Still, they would need two Democrats to join them on the vote against the language.
