Continuous School Improvement - Statewide System of Success
Forecasted
The Illinois State Board of Education's Continuous School Improvement grant funds research-based strategies to help designated schools implement and monitor effective, equitable improvement plans.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Full application/Consolidated District Plan with Board-approved School Improvement Plan)
Funding Amounts: Formula-based; typical school-level allocations range from $36,000–$85,000 per year; large districts may receive significantly more.
Summary: Supports Illinois schools/districts in improvement status to build leadership capacity and implement research-based, equitable school improvement practices.
Key Information: Only schools/districts with Intensive, Comprehensive, or Targeted designations are eligible.
Description
This grant, managed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), provides targeted funding and support to schools and districts identified as needing improvement under Illinois accountability designations (Intensive, Comprehensive, or Targeted). The program's core purpose is to build the capacity of school leaders and teams to implement effective, research-based improvement strategies that address resource inequities and improve student outcomes. Funding is formula-based and intended to supplement, not supplant, state and local resources, and must be used in alignment with a locally Board-approved School Improvement Plan (SIP) that includes specific, measurable goals.
The program emphasizes:
- Collaborative planning and engagement with community stakeholders
- Data-driven needs assessment, root cause analysis, and development/implementation of SMART goals
- Use of evidence-based interventions, professional development, and learning partners (required for Intensive and Comprehensive schools in Implementation Years 1–2)
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting of progress
Funds may be used for professional development, curriculum and instructional materials, technology, staffing, and other activities that directly support the SIP's goals.
