The Illinois State Board of Education unanimously approved two online learning waivers requested by School District 308. This will allow high school students in the district to take up to 40% of their coursework online. The State Superintendent praised the district's plan as "very creative" and a potential model for addressing increased enrollment. Board members supported the plan as an innovative approach that could change how classes are taught across the state, if implemented successfully. The waivers will be granted if not rejected by the state legislature in the next 60 days, allowing the district to develop a virtual education program.

1. Media Alert
For immediate release
Contact: Brian Graves
Phone: (630) 636-3660
E-mail: Bgraves@SD308.org
State Board of Education Supports District 308
“Ingenuity” With Online Learning Initiative
Oswego, Ill. (Sept. 22, 2014) — The Illinois State Board of Education
(ISBE) overwhelmingly supported School District 308’s efforts to
broaden its online learning offerings, calling the district’s plan “a
model for many other districts,” and then unanimously approved two
online learning waivers on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Utica, Ill.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt spoke to the ISBE
regarding the two waivers that would allow high school students the
opportunity to take up to 40 percent of their coursework online. The
waivers would also allow the students taking the online coursework to
be counted in the average daily attendance, so that the district would
not be penalized in General State Aid.
4175 Route 71 | Oswego, IL 60543 | p 630.636.3080 | f 630.636.3688
www.SD308.org

2. “It is very creative,” said State Superintendent Dr. Christopher Koch
after hearing about District 308’s plan. “I want to note this is a school
district I visited in the spring for an event. They are bursting at the
seams. They have a lot of increased enrollment, and this could be a
way to address that in a meaningful way. I want to thank you for your
creativity and endorse this going on to the assembly.”
Under the current school code, the district can only offer students one
online course a semester without losing crucial General State Aid
funding. It is also governed by the Remote Education Act, which limits
the scope of how online learning can be provided.
The perspective increased offerings would come in a variety of
subjects, and offer students greater scheduling flexibility, while
technologically preparing them for the future. ISBE offered full
support and approval for School District 308’s efforts to create a
virtual education program, which is a departure from its typical
process of submitting waiver applications to the state legislature
without comment.
ISBE Chair Jerry Chico noted the importance of the proposal and
stressed the weight that accompanies the district in being a pioneer
and potentially changing the way classes are taught in high schools
across Illinois.
“I personally am in support of what you are asking,” Chico said. “I
just ask that you do it well. Going on to the legislature and asking for
this change, if you do it well, I think it will be the harbinger of things
to come.”
ISBE member Curt Bradshaw of Naperville thanked the district for its
presentation.
“This is the type of ingenuity and experimentation that we should be
encouraging and supporting,” Bradshaw said. “As we have this
conversation, the common definition of insanity comes to my mind.
Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different
results. This is a case where you are doing something different, and
you have a reasonable expectation of a different result. We are
counting on you to get this right, because this could be a good model
for others. You are proving that there is a different way to do things,
and I just want to say thanks.”
4175 Route 71 | Oswego, IL 60543 | p 630.636.3080 | f 630.636.3688
www.SD308.org

3. Increased online courses would allow School District 308 to better
prepare students for the future, Wendt said.
“Our robust virtual education program would be integrated with the
district’s traditional classroom courses, as a cohesive program for our
high school students,” Wendt said. “This is not just a supplemental
response to credit recovery. This is a fundamental educational
restructuring that allows high school students increased choice and
flexibility.”
Associate Superintendent Dr. Paul O’Malley, Assistant Superintendent
for Teaching and Learning Dr. Judith Minor, and Director of
Communications and Public Relations Brian Graves attended the
meeting as well to help answer ISBE questions. Over 80 School
District 308 teachers have volunteered to provide the online
curriculum.
If neither the Illinois House nor Senate act to disapprove the requests
during the 60-day period after they reconvene in November, the
waivers are deemed granted. If the waivers are granted, School
District 308 would begin the process of developing a comprehensive
policy to implement its virtual education program.
—end—
The mission of Community Unit School District 308 Schools—a unique partnership of
students, staff, families, and community—is to ensure each student develops the capacity to
thrive as a successful contributing citizen by providing exemplary educational experiences in
a safe, caring, and responsive learning environment.
4175 Route 71 | Oswego, IL 60543 | p 630.636.3080 | f 630.636.3688
www.SD308.org