ESSA Notifications

Updated: July 1, 2026

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Cook County School District 130 is committed to keeping parents and guardians informed of their rights under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This policy is adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 1116, and is implemented in conjunction with Cook County School District 130 Board Policy 6:170, Title I Programs.

The following notifications are provided annually in accordance with federal law.

Parent's Right to Know Teacher Qualifications (ESSA §1112(e)(1)(A))
Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals.
Upon request, the District will provide information regarding:

• Whether the teacher has met Illinois licensing and qualification requirements.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional license.
• The teacher’s major and graduate certifications or degrees.
• Whether the child receives services from a paraprofessional and, if so, the paraprofessional's qualifications.

 

Four-Week Teacher Notice
Parents must receive timely notification if their child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements.

Student Achievement
Parents may request information regarding their child's academic achievement and assessment results, including participation in state assessments.

State Assessment Information
Illinois students participate in state assessments as required by law.
Parents may request information regarding state and District assessment policies, including any applicable policies concerning participation in required assessments.
Information regarding assessment schedules and parent resources is available through the District and the Illinois State Board of Education.

English Learner (EL) Parent Notification
Parents of students identified for English Learner services receive annual notification regarding:

• Placement in an English Learner Program.
• Program goals.
• Expected rate of English language acquisition.
• Parent rights, including the right to decline services.

These notifications are provided within the timelines required by federal and state law.

Parent and Family Engagement
Cook County School District 130 values meaningful parent involvement.

Parents are encouraged to participate in:

• Title I planning
• School improvement planning
• Annual Title I meetings
• Parent advisory activities

 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison works with students, families, schools, and community agencies to:

• Identify children and youth experiencing homelessness.
• Assist with immediate school enrollment, even when required documentation is unavailable.
• Promote school stability by helping students remain in their school of origin when it is in the student's best interest.
• Coordinate transportation services, when eligible.
• Facilitate the timely transfer of student records.
• Inform parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth of their educational rights.
• Connect students and families with appropriate District support personnel, including school administrators, school social workers, school counselors, psychologists, nurses, and other student support staff, to help address academic, social-emotional, health, attendance, and basic needs.
• Coordinate with community agencies and service providers to help families access available resources.
• Assist in resolving school enrollment and attendance disputes in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Families needing assistance should contact the District's McKinney-Vento Liaison.

 

Foster Care
The Assistant Superintendent for Student Services & Accountability serves as the District's Foster Care Liaison.
The Foster Care Liaison works with students, families, schools, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to:

• Promote school stability and educational continuity.
• Assist with immediate enrollment and school transitions.
• Coordinate the timely transfer of student records.
• Collaborate on transportation arrangements, when applicable.
• Support communication among the District, DCFS, foster parents, caseworkers, and other appropriate parties.
• Ensure that students in foster care receive equitable access to educational programs and services.

Families, foster parents, caseworkers, or other individuals seeking information or assistance regarding the educational rights of a student in foster care should contact:

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services & Accountability
Cook County School District 130
5318 W. 135th Street
Crestwood, Illinois 60418
Phone: (708) 385-6800
Constance Grimm-Grason, Ed.D.
Email: cgrimm-grason@district130.org

Additional information regarding the educational rights of students in foster care is available through the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Migratory Children
Eligible migratory students are entitled to educational services and supports under federal law.

Student Privacy
Parents are annually notified of their rights regarding student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and applicable District policies.

Complaint Procedures
Parents who believe the District has violated federal education requirements may file a complaint in accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education's complaint procedures.

 

Questions
Questions regarding ESSA notifications may be directed to the Administrative Services Center.
Cook County School District 130
5318 W. 135th Street
Crestwood, Illinois 60418
(708) 385-6800