Archived Initiatives
Pilot for Early Learning Micro-Credentials for Administrators (Validation Grant)
Funders: CME Group Foundation and McCormick Foundation
Implementation: June 2021–May 2023
Funding: $500,000
Staffing: Lisa Hood; Pamela Hillyard; Erika Hunt; Mindy Bolin
CSEP piloted and validated a series of Leadership for Early Learning PreK micro-credentials for Illinois administrators. The series strengthened leaders’ knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in PreK and Kindergarten and supported implementation and use of data from the Illinois KIDS tool. The project was developed in partnership with a complementary McCormick Foundation grant; together, the two funders provided $500,000 to develop, pilot, and validate the micro-credentials.
LEAD Hubs
Funder: Stone Foundation
Implementation: November 2017–October 2021
Staffing: Erika Hunt
AMOUNT
CSEP supported six Regional Offices of Education serving as LEAD Hubs across Illinois. The Hubs brought districts, universities, and communities together to attract, place, support, and retain district and school leaders prepared to meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs within culturally responsive contexts. The Hubs also brokered evidence-based professional development and supports, particularly for hard-to-staff districts and communities located in higher education deserts. For more information, click here.
Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM) Lead Grant
Funder: U.S. Department of Education, Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED)
Implementation: October 2017–September 2022
Funding: $17 million ($12.5 million initial award; $4.5 million extension)
Staffing: Erika Hunt; Lisa Hood; Pam Hillyard; Mindy Bolin; Lisa Skelly; Linda Shay; Mildred Agallo
CSEP led Together Everyone Achieves More Through Integrated Leadership (TEAM Lead), a five-year Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The initiative received an initial award of approximately $12.5 million in 2017, followed by a $4.5 million renewal, bringing total federal funding to approximately $17 million. The project engaged 57 treatment schools, 24 demonstration schools, six Catholic schools, six Regional Offices of Education serving as LEAD Hubs, ROE #26 as coordinator of the Educator Pipeline Data Portal, university partners, an external evaluator, professional associations, state agencies, and other statewide organizations. TEAM Lead was designed to strengthen principal effectiveness and instructional leadership, particularly in high-need schools across rural, suburban, and urban communities in Illinois. The initiative provided professional development and coaching for principals, strengthened instructional leadership teams, supported distributed leadership, developed leadership frameworks and micro-credentials, addressed cultural competency, and strengthened succession planning and leadership pipelines.
TEAM Lead also established regional LEAD Hubs through Regional Offices of Education to build sustainable local capacity for leadership development and professional learning. The initiative brought together Regional Offices of Education, universities, school districts, professional associations, and other statewide and national partners to create a coordinated approach to supporting school leaders. The partnerships, regional infrastructure, coaching models, and leadership-development strategies established through TEAM Lead provided a foundation for subsequent CSEP initiatives focused on principal development, leadership pipelines, and district transformation.
Partners To Lead (PTL) Project
Funder: U.S. Department of Education, Education Innovation and Research
Implementation: October 2017-September 2022
Funding: $3,957,144
Staffing: Erika Hunt and Alicia Haller
Fiscal Agent: DuPage Regional Office of Education
The Partners To Lead (PTL) Project was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Early Phase program to increase principal effectiveness in practices that improve student achievement, particularly in rural and high-need schools. The project also received matching funds from the Steans Family Foundation and the Tracy Family Foundation. PTL supported school leaders in establishing ongoing organizational routines designed to institutionalize effective leadership practices and build strong professional communities with collective responsibility for student learning. The project provided ongoing professional development and coaching for principals, implemented a time-utilization process to help principals better manage their time and distribute leadership responsibilities, and supported Instructional Leadership Teams and teacher teams. Through these supports, principals increased the time devoted to instructional leadership and used the additional time to engage teachers in cycles of inquiry. The project strengthened integrated leadership practices, increased teacher involvement in school improvement, and improved instructional practices across classrooms, with the goal of increasing student achievement.
The PK3 Teach Lead Grow Project
Funder: McCormick Foundation
Implementation: June 2016–May 2019
Funding: $895,000
Staffing: Lisa Hood
CSEP developed a video-based professional learning library featuring more than 70 videos from PreK through third-grade classrooms, with an emphasis on diverse children, teachers, and learning contexts. The resources were organized around the 2013 Danielson Framework for Teaching and early learning best practices and included lesson planning, classroom observations, post-conference reflection, family engagement, classroom tours, and collaboration with support staff. Clickhttps://pk3teachleadgrow.org/ for the website.
Redefining High School to College Transition
Funder: The Joyce Foundation
Implementation: 2015
AMOUNT
CSEP participated in a McLean County community planning effort connected to a grant awarded to Advance Illinois and the Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University. The local team brought together Unit 5, Heartland Community College, and Illinois State University to strengthen alignment of STEM career pathways and accelerate students’ transition to college and careers.
Illinois School Leadership Advisory Council (ISLAC)
Funder: The Wallace Foundation and Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Implementation: 2014–2015
Funding: $75,000
Staffing: Lynne Haeffele; Erika Hunt; Lisa Hood; Alicia Haller; Kristine Servais; Joe Pacha
CSEP supported ISLAC as a statewide strategic planning group focused on strengthening school leadership development and support. The council developed a five-year action plan, examined the effects of principal preparation reforms, identified long-term state needs, developed strategies to elevate the impact of the P–12 Principal Endorsement, and strengthened state capacity to support district–university partnerships. Click here to see the final report.
Modeling Effective Collaboration on the Alignment of Standards and Assessment Based on the Common Core Standards Among High Schools, Community Colleges and Four-Year Institutions
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: March 2014–September 2015
CSEP supported collaboration between K–12 and higher education around implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The work focused on aligning school-to-college policies, assessments and placement practices, K–12 and higher education curricula, and preparation for new and existing teachers.
Illinois Partnerships Advance Rigorous Training (IL-PART)
Funder: U.S. Department of Education
Implementation: October 2013–September 2019
Funding: $4.6 million
Staffing: Erika Hunt; Alicia Haller
CSEP implemented the IL-PART project through a federal School Leadership Program grant to strengthen principal preparation and development through formal partnerships between high-need school districts and universities. Partnerships included Aurora East District 131 and North Central College, Bloomington District 87 and Illinois State University, and Quincy District 172 and Western Illinois University. The project also partnered with Loyola University’s Center for Catholic School Effectiveness and Catholic dioceses serving Aurora, Bloomington, and Quincy. PUT IN IL-PART TOOLKIT
Developing the Charlotte Danielson Early Learning Framework for Teaching: Growing Teachers’ Practice and Principals’ Knowledge of Effective Teaching at the Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 3 Levels
Funder: McCormick Foundation
Implementation: June 1, 2013–May 31, 2015
Funding: $485,000
Staffing: Lisa Hood; Debra Kasperski; Erika Hunt; Pam Rosa; Lizanne DeStefano; Gabriela Garcia; Sarai Coba
CSEP conducted a validation study of the Danielson Framework for Teaching in PreK–3 classrooms and examined implementation of Illinois’ teacher evaluation system in early learning settings. The project assessed the Framework’s validity and reliability, examined how evaluation data supported teacher growth, developed training and resources for teachers and supervisors, and produced recommendations for the Illinois State Board of Education and other policymakers. CSEP also created a website housing project resources, early learning examples, policy information, and project findings. PUT IN FINAL REPORT
Modeling Effective Collaboration on Common Core Standards Initiative
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: March 2013–September 2013
CSEP engaged partners in the Central Illinois Common Core Alignment Consortium to align K–12 and higher education curricula, standards, and pedagogy and to strengthen teacher preparation related to the Common Core State Standards. The work connected secondary mathematics educators with faculty from Illinois State University, Heartland Community College, and Lincoln College.
Growth Through Learning Initiative
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Implementation: February 2012–May 2013
CSEP partnered with the CEC Partnership Group to develop pre-qualification training for Illinois teacher and principal evaluators in response to state performance evaluation requirements. CSEP developed an online library, assisted with the development and validation of training modules, and coordinated the Growth Through Learning Advisory Committee.
Midwest Expansion of Child-Parent Center i3 Validation Study
Funder: University of Minnesota through U.S. Department of Education i3 grant
Implementation: January 2012–December 2016
Funding: $350,000
Staffing: Erika Hunt; Ashley Long; Laura Kalmes
CSEP contributed to the dissemination, implementation, and impact work of the Midwest Child-Parent Center Expansion Project, coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Human Capital Research Collaborative. A primary product of the project was the CPC P–3 Program Manual for the Child-Parent Center Preschool–3rd Grade model.
Illinois State University Statewide RtI Research and Evaluation Team
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Implementation: 2011–2017
Staffing: Gary Cates; April Mustian; Lisa Hood; Dianne Gardner Renn
CSEP participated in the external evaluation of Illinois’ Response to Intervention program, funded through the State Personnel Development Grant under IDEA. The team used mixed methods to examine implementation fidelity and student outcomes and assessed the effects of statewide professional development, coaching, and technical assistance on sustained RtI implementation.
Illinois Grow Your Own Teachers Evaluation
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2010–2013
CSEP served as the statewide evaluation arm of the Illinois Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative. The initiative brought together colleges of education, public schools, community colleges, and community-based organizations to recruit and prepare community-based teachers for high-need communities across Illinois.
Leadership to Integrate the Learning Continuum (LINC)
Funder: McCormick Foundation
Implementation: 2008–2012
Staffing: Lisa Hood
CSEP supported early childhood and K–12 leaders in developing a seamless learning continuum centered on children’s learning and development. The initiative included training on LINC curriculum modules, a study of best practices in P–12 alignment, support for universities redesigning principal preparation programs to meet P–12 endorsement requirements, staffing for state advisory groups, and work to strengthen program evaluation capacity and early learning supports for the Danielson Framework for Teaching. PUT IN FINAL REPORT
Student Transfer Study
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2007–2008
CSEP conducted focus groups and interviews with transfer students at public and private Illinois institutions to characterize student experiences moving between two- and four-year colleges and universities. LINK TO ARTICLE
College Student Migration
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2007–2008
CSEP analyzed national data on student migration and found that Illinois exported more college students than it imported. The study examined the roles of total cost, quality, and prestige in students’ decisions to attend large public universities in neighboring states and developed recommendations on funding, financial aid, and information resources. LINK TO FINAL REPORT
Making College Readiness a Reality
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2007–2009
CSEP expanded a successful college readiness program to additional schools and districts and analyzed student progress to inform district- and state-level policy related to college preparation.
Correlates to Rural School Closure
Funder: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Implementation: 2006–2009
CSEP identified demographic, economic, and educational predictors of rural school closures and examined the positive and negative effects of closure on districts and communities. The project developed research tools to help policymakers and school leaders assess local conditions and the potential consequences of closure or consolidation.
Recession, Retrenchment, and Recovery
Funder: Lumina Foundation for Education
Implementation: 2004–2006
CSEP examined 25-year trends in state support for higher education and assessed how national recessions affected college affordability and access. The study included a national survey and policymaker interviews and produced recommendations for balancing tuition, student aid, and public investment during economic cycles.
Improving Teacher Quality of Illinois’ Neediest Students and Schools
Funder: Education Trust; Joyce Foundation
Implementation: 2004–2006
CSEP examined the scope and nature of teacher distribution challenges in Chicago, Cleveland, and Milwaukee public schools. The study developed policy recommendations for improving the quality of teachers serving low-income, minority, and low-performing students.
School-Home Communication Project
Funder: Office of the Governor; Illinois Century Network
Implementation: 2004
CSEP examined how technology could expand and improve parent involvement in children’s learning. The project identified cost, time, privacy, and access to technology as critical implementation issues.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Improving Teacher Quality Grant Evaluation
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2004–2016
Staffing: Dianne Gardner Renn; Paul Baker
CSEP supported NCLB grantees in strengthening teacher professional development projects through measurable outcomes and embedded evaluation methods. CSEP also assisted the Illinois Board of Higher Education with reports, policy documents, and annual grantee symposia. The evaluation process received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the State Higher Education Executive Officers organization.
Training All Teachers to Help English Language Learners Succeed in Schools
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2003–2005
CSEP provided training and support to K–12 teachers and teacher preparation faculty to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to support English Language Learners in mainstream classrooms.
ESEA Improving Teacher Quality Grant Evaluation
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2003–current (as listed in the original document)
CSEP evaluated the statewide ESEA Improving Teacher Quality grant program by synthesizing evidence across individual funded projects. The evaluation identified broader lessons for policy and practice and helped the Illinois Board of Higher Education assess the statewide impact of investments in teacher quality.
Access to College
Funder: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Implementation: 2003–2005
CSEP analyzed Illinois PSAE scores, student course-taking patterns, and school characteristics to identify predictors of college readiness. The study informed policy recommendations intended to strengthen college preparation for low-income African American and Hispanic students.
Illinois Technology and Leadership for Change (ILTC)
Funder: Gates Foundation
Implementation: 2002–2006
CSEP addressed effective leadership practices through a series of workshops focused on data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.
Illinois State Action for Education Leadership (IL-SAELP)
Funder: The Wallace Foundation
Implementation: 2001–2010
CSEP supported Illinois’ statewide effort to strengthen education leadership. The initiative established outcomes-based leadership standards, strengthened accountability for principal preparation, and contributed to legislation supporting aspiring, new, and experienced principals. The work culminated in Public Act 096-0903, which created the new P–12 Principal Endorsement in 2010. CSEP also supported the Illinois Administrators’ Academy Review Task Force, which examined administrator professional development and developed recommendations for the Illinois State Board of Education.
Past Surveys
Superintendents’ Survey
FROM XXXX TO XXXX, CSEP surveyed superintendents throughout Illinois each year to identify current issues and concerns facing school leaders. Educators and governmental leaders used the findings to inform policy development.
State Funding for Community Colleges
FROM XXXX TO XXXX, CSEP surveyed members of the National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges to assess the budget outlook for community colleges. The report summarized leaders’ perceptions of public funding, tuition pressures, and future funding prospects and referenced conditions in FY2004.