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LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT As we reflect on the 2024–2025 school year, I want to express my gratitude for your continued partnership and commitment to DuPage County schools. This year’s theme—THRIVE—challenged us to foster student growth while supporting the well-being of the DuPage educators, leaders, and community members who serve them. Educator of the Year: A New Tradition On May 1, 2025, the ROE hosted its inaugural Educators of the Year Celebration, recognizing outstanding contributions in education. The evening’s highest honor was awarded to Dr. Adrian Talley, Superintendent of Indian Prairie District 204. Read more about this event and the achievements of the honorees in our Summer 2025 EducationMatters Newsletter (https://conta.cc/4myE1hX). Strengthening School Safety Student safety remained a top priority throughout the year. Our office worked closely with school districts to provide threat assessment training and guidance for refining safety protocols. By strengthening collaboration and focusing on proactive measures, we’ve helped create more secure schools. Read more about this on page 8. Expanding Career Education Pathways A major focus this year was the continued development of a comprehensive Career Education Ecosystem. In partner- ship with colleges, organizations, businesses, and school districts, we created new pathways for students to explore and engage with careers. From awareness activities to hands-on internships, more students than ever are gaining access to real-world experiences that prepare them for life. On page 5, we detail the developments of this program. Attendance Matters Improving student attendance was a critical goal for 2024–2025. Through targeted professional learning and on-site support, we helped schools enhance their Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). These efforts focused on creating inclusive, engaging environments and addressing the root causes of absenteeism so students feel supported and connected. Read more on page 4. Strategic Planning This year also marked the completion of a thoughtful stra- tegic planning process. We sought input from internal staff and external partners to shape clear goals and priorities for the years ahead. This collaboration helped align our work with the needs of students, educators, and communities and positioned us to move forward with purpose and clarity. Looking Ahead I appreciate your support and commitment to excellence in DuPage schools. Together, we’ve made our goal to THRIVE a reality, and I look forward to all we will accom- plish in the year ahead. Kindly, Amber Quirk Amber Quirk Regional Superintendent of Schools DuPage County D ear DuPage County Education Stakeholders, CONTENTS 2 Letter from the Superintendent..................................................2 In Brief.......................................................................................3 Attendance and Truancy............................................................4 Career Education Ecosystem....................................................5 High School Equivalency...........................................................5 Center for Student Success....................................................6-7 School Safety............................................................................8 Licensure, Re-Licensure, and Certification................................9 Health/Life, Safety, and Compliance.........................................9 Administrator Academies.........................................................10 Substitute Teacher Training.....................................................10 Instructional Technology Team................................................11 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.............12 Leadership...............................................................................12 Parents as Teachers................................................................13 Excellence and Equity.............................................................14 Social-Emotional Learning.......................................................15 Civics.......................................................................................16 Approved Provider PD.............................................................16 Gifted Program........................................................................16 Grants......................................................................................17 Teacher In-Service for DuPage Educators..............................17 McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Liaison...........................18 Bus Driver Training..................................................................18 Regional Board of School Trustees.........................................19 Fiscal Responsibility................................................................19 Directory..................................................................................20 (Click on any page number or topic to jump to that page.)2024-2025 required services •Oversight of Compliance to State & Federal Laws •Educator Licensing | 14,000+ educators aided in obtaining credentials •Professional Development | 460 research-based academies & workshops provided to 8,696 participants •Truancy Intervention | 864 students served •Operation of Regional Safe School & Alternative Learning Programs | 183 students served •Health, Life, Safety & Compliance| 293 buildings inspected & 172 building permits issued •Provision of a Homeless Student Advocate | 3,063 DuPage students identified as homeless •Bus Driver Instruction | 2,895 drivers participated WHAT IS THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION? The state of Illinois is divided into 102 counties, and there are 852 school districts within those counties. These counties are grouped together into 38 smaller regions to provide regional access to supports and services. DuPage County is served by the Regional Office of Education (ROE) #19 and is led by Ms. Amber Quirk, the Regional Superintendent of Education, who was elected for a four-year term in 2022. The DuPage ROE works with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to carry out the duties required by Illinois law. The ROE also partners closely with DuPage school district superintendents and is often the first point of contact for districts needing assistance or information. Below are some of the duties of the ROE as required by Illinois Code, as well as some of the DuPage ROE’s “Value-Added” services that were provided to school districts, their staff, the community, and the children of DuPage County during the 2024-2025 school year. WHAT DOES THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION DO? Excellence in education is our guiding principle. Our commitment to excellence shapes every initiative, partnership, and service the DuPage Regional Office of Education provides. It compels us to support school districts with high-quality professional development, ensure equitable access to resources, and foster safe, innovative learning environments. By upholding these standards, we empower educators and give every student the opportunity to thrive in an ever-changing world. We proudly serve: 140k+ students 42 districts 256 schools value-added services + School Safety Training | Annual Safety Summit +Networking | 75 networks offered; 1,406 attendees + Collaborative Learning | 5 collaboratives offered; 96 school administrators participated +Fingerprint & Background Check Services | 1,695 current & potential employees served + Short-term Substitute Teaching Training | 125 trainees +Parents as Teachers Program | 218 children served & 3,025 home visits + Area 1 Lead Hub +Area 1 Social-Emotional Learning Hub + Career Education | 160 students have completed internships + Work Permits for Minors | Responded to 278 work permit inquiries 3The DuPage County Truancy Department is committed to supporting students and families facing challenges related to school attendance. Our mission is to remove attendance barriers and re-engage students through direct services, district initiatives, and partnerships with schools and community agencies. Operating within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), we offer early and targeted interventions to address issues before they escalate into chronic truancy. We focus on proactive engagement that provides individualized, cul- turally responsive, and trauma-informed support tailored to each student and family. Department Growth and Impact The 2024–2025 school year was historic, with a record 482 active truancy cases and 382 new referrals—highlighting growing countywide demand. In response, we expanded capacity by adding one full-time behavior interventionist, growing the team to seven, including three bilingual staff. Each team member is assigned regionally, allowing consis- tent, localized support across diverse school communities. Despite the rising caseload, our team delivered high- quality, trauma-informed interventions, emphasizing school collaboration, MTSS implementation, and family outreach. These interventions were via meetings, home visits, administrative hearings, and community referrals. County-Wide Services and Supports Beyond individualized support, we also offer services to DuPage school districts: •Attendance Improvement Mentoring (AIM) Train- ings: Seven sessions delivered to build school team capacity •SEAT (Scan of Environment and Attendance Tool) Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of atten- dance practices •Monthly Q&A Sessions: Forums for guidance and collaboration •Quarterly Truancy Network Meetings: Shared updates, resources, and best practices •Data Utilization Support: Helping schools interpret and act on attendance data •Court Support and Legal Collaboration: Partnered with the State’s Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court Judges, resulting in three truancy court cases after all other options were exhausted •International Collaboration: Truancy team Lead attended INSA Conference in New Orleans and will present at the 2025 European Conference on School Attendance in The Netherlands—highlighting our global impact. Our Approach Our work is grounded in trauma-informed practices, ensuring empathetic, respectful interactions with students and families. Staff receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care, student engagement, and culturally responsive interventions. We also prioritize staff wellness, recognizing it as vital to our mission’s success. Looking Ahead The initiatives of the 2024-2025 school year demonstrated the dedication, adaptability, and expertise of the DuPage County Truancy Department. Moving forward, we remain committed to: •Building strong relationships with students, families, and schools •Removing barriers to attendance •Using data and evidence-based practices •Supporting the whole child through care and collab- oration Together, we’ll continue building a culture of attendance that empowers every student to thrive. Learn more at dupageroe.org/services/truancy. ATTENDANCE & TRUANCY DEPARTMENT 4The Career Education Ecosystem (CEE), formerly known as Work-Based Learning, was launched in January 2021 to provide DuPage County high school students with access to career exploration, industry training, certifications, and college credit opportunities. The initiative prepares students for high-demand, high-wage, and high-growth careers in the local economy. Initially led by the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE), the CEE brings together school districts, DuPage Area Occu- pational Education System (DAOES,) the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD), College of DuPage’s Project Hire-Ed, WorkNet DuPage, Choose DuPage, GPS Education Partners, and area businesses. These partnerships have created employment pipelines that benefit both students and regional employers. Impact and Growth To date, 160+ students have completed internships or apprenticeships. Of those: •More than 40 percent remained in their chosen field •34 were hired by their host business •78 pursued technical college, university, or registered apprenticeships Career pathways have expanded in advanced manufacturing, IT, early childhood education, automotive technology, and healthcare, with additional pathways in development. More than 400 students have also taken part in employer tours, and 60 local employers have hosted students in internships or apprenticeships, especially in manufacturing and IT sectors. Leadership and Vision In November 2024, Dr. Ken Wallace was appointed District Support Specialist for Career Education. As the former Superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207, Wallace built a nationally recognized model for career planning supported by 1,200 business partners. At the Spring 2025 DuPage County School Board Association meeting, Wallace was the keynote speaker and called for schools to rethink how they prepare students for the evolving workforce. The Road Ahead New stakeholder groups launching in FY 2025–2026 will help shape the next phase, strengthening DuPage County’s world-class career education ecosystem. HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CAREER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM 5 The DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) assists individuals who have not graduated from high school and are interested in obtaining the High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. Testing options include GED and HiSET. Individuals who have completed at least 75 percent of the high school graduation requirements may be eligible to apply for transcript evaluation, which may reduce the number of tests/requirements to be met before High School Equivalency can be completed. The DuPage ROE is the custodian of records for DuPage County residents completing the HSE process. Our office can verify completion of HSE to candidates and their designated recipients at no cost and can generate official transcripts and diplomas upon written request with payment. During the period of July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025: •1,425 individuals participated in GED/HiSET testing •11 individuals took advantage of the Transcript- based Alternative Method of Credentialing to earn their high school equivalency diploma. •780 High School Equivalency documents were issued •495 High School Equivalency verifications were processed Visit dupageroe.org/services/GED-HSE for more information. To learn more, visit wbl.dupageroe.org.CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS During the 2024–2025 school year, the Center for Student Success proudly served 183 students across four key programs: Partners for Success, ALOP, Rebound, and RWECEP. (You’ll find more details about each program below and on the next page.) Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, planning took place for a relocation of our physical building—but our mission remained the same. We are deeply committed to continuous improvement and to upholding the core pillars that define our work: Academic Engagement: We deliver rigorous, stan- dards-aligned coursework that supports middle school completion and prepares high school students for success in college, careers, or both. Social-Emotional Learning: We prioritize the social-emotional growth and well-being of our students, helping them build the skills they need to thrive. Restorative Practices: We continue to expand staff training to strengthen the use of Restorative Practices throughout classrooms and the broader school environment. Trauma-Informed Practices:We are dedicated to creating trauma-informed learning spaces that support the diverse needs of every student we serve. These focus areas reflect our mission to create a safe, supportive, and empowering educational experience for all students. Read more at css.dupageroe.org. Staff prepare for the first annual student Thanksgiving luncheon at the Center for Student Success 6 PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS (PfS) Partners for Success (PfS) serves as the Regional Safe School Program for 42 member districts across DuPage County, supporting middle and high school students who face behavioral challenges in tra- ditional school settings. The pro- gram provides a comprehensive system of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports designed to help students succeed and transition back to their home schools. In close collaboration with student services teams from referring districts, PfS develops individualized Alternative Education Plans (AEPs) for each student. These plans establish clear goals related to academic performance, attendance, behavior, and social-emotional growth. Students typically attend PfS for one to four semesters, during which their progress is regularly evaluated. Based on their growth, transition meetings are held to determine their readiness to return to their respective schools. PfS is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and trauma- informed environment. Our team integrates restorative practices to help repair harm and rebuild relationships within the school community. In addition, we partner with local mental health providers to ensure students have access to essential resources and supports tailored to their individual needs and experiences. During the 2024–2025 school year, PfS served 67 students—55 at the high school level and 12 at the middle school level—and proudly celebrated five seniors who graduated from their home high schools. Looking ahead, PfS remains dedicated to strengthening relationships with member districts and continuing to support the success and well-being of students across DuPage County.ALTERNATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES (ALOP) The DuPage ALOP program serves students at risk of with- drawing from high school due to severe credit deficiencies or social-emotional concerns. Each student who enters the program creates a personalized student success plan focused on their individual academic and social-emotional needs, including post-secondary planning. DuPage ALOP served a total of 29 students throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. With the unwavering support of program instruc- tors, 13 students obtained a State of Illinois High School Equivalency diploma, and ten students will be returning to complete their remaining courses in the fall. REBOUND Developed to address the needs of DuPage school districts in response to Illinois Senate Bill 100, the Rebound program is an alternative to out-of-school suspensions that provides academic and restorative support for students suspended from their home schools for four to ten days. The program offers students the opportunity for academic consistency with the support of a certified teacher, as well as daily restorative conversations aimed at developing a plan for the successful return to their home school. (cont. in next column) Thirty-eight students participated in the program during the 2024-2025 school year. These students were supported for a total of 228 school days, which otherwise would have been out-of-school suspension days. REGIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE AND CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM (RWECEP) Designed to offer Career Technical Education to students enrolled in Regional Safe Schools, the RWECEP program connects students with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to successfully transition to post-secondary education and careers. Field trips, career exploration, guest speakers, job search support, and specific job training are offered along with individualized career planning and support. A total of 48 students participated in the RWECEP offerings during the 2024-2025 school year. CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, cont. DuPage ALOP’s 2025 high school graduate Samia Hernandez and her mother 7SCHOOL SAFETY 8 School safety remains a top priority for the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE). Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, our Safety Specialists coordinated events, trainings, and partnerships to help ensure the physical and emotional safety of students, staff, and school visitors at DuPage County public and private schools. School Safety Network Led by ROE Safety Specialists, the DuPage County School Safety Net- work includes representatives from all 42 public school districts, private schools, the DuPage State’s Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, Health Department, local law enforcement, and local fire/EMS. Meeting four times a year, the network shares best practices and collaborates on system-wide approaches to improving school safety. DuSMART – Mutual Aid Plan Now in its second year, DuSMART (DuPage School Mutual Aid Response Team) continued to develop and refine coordinated crisis response procedures for schools experiencing incidents beyond their individual capacity to handle. The focus in 2024–2025 remained on reunification, with support from the DuPage Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Regional Reunification Training In collaboration with neighboring ROEs (Will, Kane, West 40, Lake, and McHenry), DuPage helped develop region- ally consistent reunification training resources based on the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. These tools support district-led training efforts and promote uniform practices across Northern Illinois. School Safety Summit 2025 The ROE hosted 200+ participants at the annual School Safety Summit at the College of DuPage. The 2025 Summit focused on school violence prevention through education and preparedness. Keynote speakers included: •Chin Rodger, mother of a school shooter, sharing insights on identifying early warning signs •Mark Dallas, a retired School Resource Officer (SRO), who intervened in the Dixon school shooting •Mike Buenrostro, presenting on National Incident Management System (NIMS) standards •Tom Mefferd, offering self-assessment tools aligned with the Illinois School Safety Drill Act Secure Firearms Storage Campaign Working with County Board member Yeena Yoo, the DuPage Sheriff, State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, local law enforcement, and BeSMART, the ROE launched an initiative for the secure storage of firearms. The goal: reduce youth suicides, prevent access to guns during crises, and mitigate risks of school shootings and accidental injuries. Why it matters: •More than 80 percent of youth firearm suicides involve a relative’s gun •Upward of 80 percent of PreK–12 school shooters used a family member’s firearm •Proper storage of firearms significantly reduces accidental and self-inflicted injuries Expanded Training Opportunities In partnership with the College of DuPage and law enforcement agencies, the ROE offered certified School Resource Officer (SRO) training courses, including: •Basic SRO Certification •Advanced SRO Development •SRO Supervision •Each course supported 20+ participants and met Illinois Law Enforcement Training standards. The ROE also developed a School Safety for Support Staff course, reaching 65 front office and support personnel from public and private schools. Topics included de-escalation, emergency response, visitor protocols, and communication strategies. Looking ahead, the DuPage ROE remains committed to research-based practices, proactive training, and cross-agency collaboration to create safer school communities for all. To learn more about prevention efforts, including the School Violence Tip Line, visit dupageroe.org/services/ school-safety.LICENSURE AND RENEWAL HEALTH/LIFE, SAFETY & COMPLIANCE The Regional Office of Education (ROE) Licensure Team fields inquiries and researches licensure issues for edu- cators, school districts, and other stakeholders. We assist educators with initial license and credential applications, obtaining and maintaining subsequent endorsements/ credentials, submission of official documents, and renewal/ registration of licenses. Our Licensure Specialists have direct access to an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) liaison in Springfield, which helps facilitate resolution of licensure issues and limits bureaucratic delays. Our staff stays apprised of all ISBE updates and legislative changes and can provide the most up-to-date information available. The DuPage ROE is the contracted provider of finger- print-based employee background checks for many DuPage school districts—and also provides this service for educators wishing to serve as substitute teachers in DuPage County school districts. As the DuPage point of contact for school work permits, our licensure staff can direct parents of minors to local work permit officers and issue work permits in-office. To learn more, visit dupageroe.org/services/licensure. The ROE issues building permits for all school building projects, subject to the requirements of 23 IL Administrative Code Part 180 and the International Building Code. ROE staff reviews the documentation submitted to verify proper procedure is followed by the architect and the school district. Learn more about compliance at dupageroe.org/services/ compliance. 9Next >