SJ0049 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0049 LRB103 37394 ECR 67516 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Professional Review Panel is responsible for evaluating and recommending modifications to the Evidence-Based Funding Formula to ensure all students have access to a quality education, including special education and related services; and

WHEREAS, High caseloads, meaning the number of students assigned to an individual clinician, are contributing to Illinois' clinician shortage and are adversely impacting the related services districts can provide; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of School Social Workers recommends that individual caseloads of school social workers should not exceed 250 students; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of School Psychologists recommends that individual caseloads of school psychologists should not exceed 500 students; and

WHEREAS, The American School Counselor Association recommends that individual caseloads of school counselors should not exceed 250 students; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of School Nurses recommends that individual caseloads of school nurses should not exceed 750 students; and

WHEREAS, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that individual caseloads of speech-language pathologists should not exceed 60 students; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we direct the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct the analysis and financial modeling required to evaluate the implications of implementing the recommended maximum caseloads for school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, school nurses, and speech-language pathologists working in schools; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education shall submit their findings in a written report to the General Assembly and Governor by December 31, 2025.