(105 ILCS 225/0.01)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1950)

Sec. 0.01.

Short title.

This Act may be cited as the

Education Cost‑Effectiveness Agenda Act.

(Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)

(105 ILCS 225/2)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1952)

Sec. 2.

Findings and declaration of policy.

The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) A number of studies in recent years have emphasized the importance of experiences outside the classroom to the educational experience. A tremendous need exists for preschool training, both in a school setting and in the home; for programs that enhance the home as a learning environment, particularly in economically depressed areas in central cities and in rural counties; and for programs and activities that provide a direct supplement to classroom instruction, particularly in rural districts whose size and lack of a strong tax base often combine to restrict curricular diversity. Counties are losing population. In many instances, the local tax base is being eroded as well. Yet while local school districts may be experiencing financial problems that inhibit their ability to offer wider curricula, the State Board of Higher Education has acted to require that university applicants have completed more advanced high school course work.

(2) Such proposals as expanded kindergarten, contained in the 1985 education reform package, are often the first to be eliminated. Four years after it was passed into law, this and other similar initiatives remain woefully underfunded, if funded at all.

(3) At the same time, however, the State has resources on which it can draw to help meet these goals, without massive additional funding. Specifically, technological resources are now available, as well as honor students, retired teachers, parents and members of the private sector, that can be mobilized to help meet these needs with only a minimum commitment of funding from the State.

(4) The Agenda for Cost‑Effectiveness in Education is being created for the purpose of utilizing a great pool of untapped resources available in the State to improve educational achievement and to insure the success of the Education Reform Act of 1985 and other vital initiatives.

(Source: P.A. 86‑852.)

(105 ILCS 225/3)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1953)

Sec. 3.

The Illinois Agenda for Cost‑Effectiveness in Education is hereby created. The agenda shall be developed and coordinated by the Illinois State Board of Education. It shall be funded by the Illinois Cost‑Effectiveness in Education Fund, a special fund created in the State Treasury.

(Source: P.A. 86‑852.)

(105 ILCS 225/4)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1954)

Sec. 4.

The Illinois Cost‑Effectiveness in Education Fund shall consist of appropriations, grants from the federal government and donations from any public or private source.

(Source: P.A. 86‑852.)

(105 ILCS 225/5)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1955)

Sec. 5.

Monies in the Fund shall be appropriated to the Illinois State Board of Education for use in establishing and administering:

(1) A Retired Teacher Service Corps, which would

utilize the skills and knowledge of retired teachers to provide supplementary instruction of at‑risk children, as defined by the State Board of Education, and any other students in need of assistance.

(2) A Partnership in Training program designed to

bring private businesses and the State together in ensuring a trained and trainable workforce for employers of the State. The partnership shall cooperate in preparing educational programs in the schools designed to increase the vocational abilities of students as they leave high school and enter the private sector. The purpose shall be to tie the schools and the business community together.

(3) A Parents as Teachers program designed to

provide training, materials and other assistance necessary to enable parents to provide basic preschool education in the home.

(4) A Rural School Satellite Instruction program to

link rural schools, through video or audio communication systems, to otherwise unavailable educational services.

Monies of the Fund shall supplement, not supplant, any funding being used by the State Board of Education for these purposes on the effective date of this Act. The State Board of Education may enter into contractual or cooperative agreements with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois State Scholarship Commission and any other relevant State department or agency or public or private organization.

(Source: P.A. 90‑655, eff. 7‑30‑98.)

(105 ILCS 225/6)

(from Ch. 122, par. 1956)

Sec. 6.

The State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly the Board's proposals and timelines for implementation of this Act. The report shall be submitted no later than 6 months after the effective date of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 86‑852.)