Board takes first reading of e-learning renewal; officials discuss attendance and access safeguards
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
District staff presented a first reading of an e-learning renewal that must meet Illinois State Board of Education requirements. The board heard that e-learning use is limited by state rules, attendance is counted via student work and districts must provide non-electronic materials or hotspots for families without internet access; a hearing and vote are scheduled for February.
District staff presented a first reading of the Elmwood Park CUSD 401 e-learning renewal, explaining the document outlines the district’s required indicators to use e-learning days in lieu of emergency days and must meet Illinois State Board of Education standards.
The district said the renewal will return for a public hearing and a formal board vote in February. Staff emphasized that the e-learning plan is not unlimited: state rules and district practice restrict allowable uses (for example, election days and a capped number of emergency e-learning days). The presenter noted, “Everything that's in our e learning plan, is required by the Illinois State Board of Education.”
Board members asked for evidence from past surveys that informed the plan; staff said building-level surveys have been used and that additional summary information will be provided to the board ahead of the February hearing. Members also pressed for clarity on circumstances that would trigger an e-learning day (weather, election day, emergencies) and for documentation of any thresholds used to decide between an in-person emergency day and e-learning.
The board discussed equity and access. Staff said the district works with families who lack home internet — providing hotspots and sending paper packets home when necessary — and that teachers often post work to platforms such as Google Classroom or SeeSaw so that staff can verify student work even if a family is not able to join a live online session. On attendance accounting, staff stated the district applies a 50% minimum threshold for e-learning-day attendance counts and that clerks and teachers reconcile participation through submitted work and direct outreach.
No action was taken on the e-learning plan at this meeting; the district will return with a hearing and recommended approval in February after sharing survey outcomes and any clarifying language about triggers and materials distribution.
What’s next: Board members will receive survey summaries and a formal draft for the February hearing; staff flagged that state rules limit the number and kinds of days that may be coded as e-learning.