Descriptions of Pilot Programs

Ten pilots received first-year funding from the Illinois State Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year and ISBE awarded continuation funding for the 2007-2008 school year. In addition, ISBE funded thirty-one new pilot sites in February 2008. Receiving grants were large and small districts, Regional Offices of Education, colleges and universities, and other professional development agencies located throughout Illinois. These sites represent a broad spectrum of characteristics/demographics, i.e., size, income, grade levels, subject areas, partnerships, location, and delivery systems. The pilot programs use a variety of approaches incorporating mentoring, formative assessment with new teachers, and intensive professional development for the participants based on, at least in part, individual induction plans. Programs differ in their delivery of professional development and induction and mentoring models. All teachers served with grant funds are new to the profession and are in their first or second year of teaching.