Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• Although there is no statewide virtual school, students in Illinois may attend supplemental courses or a full-time school at Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy through their school district. Individual districts and schools like Napier Community Unit School District 203, Chicago Public Schools, and Cambridge Lakes Charter School provide online learning options.

• Illinois is home to five Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools members, including Gurnee School District 56, Huntley Community School District 158, Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204, Maine Township High School District 207, and Ridgewood High School District 234. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Learning Technology Center is a Illinois State Board of Education program that supports technology integration and digital learning in all public K-12 schools.The Center’s focus areas are: network and technology infrastructure,  student data security and safety, and equity and access. 

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• The Illinois legislature enacted the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act​ in 2016, which helps students prepare for their future by offering a Postsecondary and Career Expectations framework. In 2022, legislation advanced to establish a default requirement for all high school districts to either start or opt out of offering at least one Career and College Pathway Endorsement to students.

• Illinois offers College and Career Pathway Endorsements to high school graduates, which is earned by completing an individualized learning plan, a career-focused instructional sequence, and professional learning opportunities.​​

• According to CTE K-12 Funding, Illinois allocates categorical funding for CTE through both competitive and formula grants.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• The Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act​ was amended in 2018 to create the Competency-Based High School Graduation Requirements Pilot Program, which allows high school students to earn credit in non-traditional ways and learn through real-world learning experiences. The pilot is currently in 25 school sites, representing 47 districts in the state. 

• Chicago Public Schools has a Personalized Learning team dedicated to driving personalized learning. As of 2023, over 120 Chicago Public Schools have piloted personalized learning practices. University of Chicago’s Education Lab spearheaded a personalized learning initiative in 2021 and plans to provide innovative forms of tutoring to improve student academic performance.