IL SB2244

Removes authority for State Board of Education to allocate up to 2% of Reading Improvement Block Grant Program funds for teacher training and re-training in reading instruction.

When annual appropriation is less than $15,000,000, limits program eligibility to school districts in Tier 1 or Tier 2 status and restricts approved applicants to a cohort that can receive adequate training and coaching support for K-2 and special education teachers.

Expands eligible uses of grant funds in grades K-6 to include evidence-based, high-quality core literacy curriculum materials considering English learners' needs and high-quality screening assessments for literacy instruction, with districts able to allocate up to 25% of funds for this purpose.

When appropriation is less than $15,000,000, grant recipients must prioritize evidence-based curricula, materials, training, and coaching support for K-3 teachers and special education teachers.

When appropriation is at least $15,000,000, makes funds available to all eligible school districts with approved applications and removes reference to the 1998-99 school year as the program start date.