Inside Illinois Education Policy: Budget, Accountability, and Numeracy – IPA Talk

January 29, 2026  29 min

Illinois education funding, accountability reform, and statewide priorities are front and center in this IPA Talk with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. Dr. Sanders joins Jason Leahy to discuss the FY budget outlook, the future of Illinois’ accountability system, and what school leaders should expect next.

In this IPA Talk episode, viewers will learn:
• How evidence-based funding and mandated categorical funding factor into the state budget
• Where Illinois’ new accountability model stands and what changes are coming
• How statewide literacy and numeracy plans aim to improve student outcomes

Accountability Redesign Phase III Virtual Listening Tour
The Illinois State Board of Education is moving forward with a comprehensive redesign of the state’s accountability system, and the first draft of the updated ESSA State Plan was released on Jan. 12. The public comment period is now open through Feb. 25, 2026, and we invite school leaders and educators to join us for a virtual listening session from 4–6 p.m. Feb. 11 to share their feedback. More information is available at https://www.isbe.net/feedback

Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan
The Illinois State Board of Education will host multiple listening tour sessions across the state to gather direct feedback on the second draft of the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. The first virtual listening session kicks off on Feb. 25. In person sessions will follow throughout March, offering additional opportunities for participants to share their insights and help shape the final plan. https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-Numeracy-Plan.aspx


Links
Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/@IllinoisPrincipalsAssociation?sub_confirmation=1

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCjd05N0Zv_LkA_TaQS5w0ekHV_fHq9vN

00:00 Welcome
05:16 State budget outlook
12:15 Accountability system update
25:14 Literacy and numeracy plans
27:34 Message to school leaders

#IPATalk #IllinoisEducation #SchoolLeadership #EducationPolicy