Public Act No. 23-159 Summary

• EdTPA preservice performance assessment for teachers will be used only as an accountability tool for teacher preparation programs, effective July 1, 2022, and cannot be used to deny initial educator certification.

• Play-based learning is required for kindergarten and preschool students and permitted for grades 1-5, incorporating free play, guided play, and games while limiting mobile electronic device use.

• Professional development requirements increased to at least 18 hours annually for both teachers and paraeducators, including training on play-based learning, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices.

• Teacher evaluation and support programs updated with new guidelines by July 1, 2024, emphasizing multiple indicators of student learning rather than performance rating designations, and phased implementation requirements modified.

• School entry age changed from January 1 to September 1; substitute teacher provisions expanded to allow 60 school days of service without Department of Education authorization; new task force established to analyze teacher retirement system funding equity.