ACADEMICS / PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM

Illinois Registration
Requirements for school registration in Illinois include an official birth certificate, proof of residency (mortgage papers, lease agreement, or current utility bill), legal proof of guardianship if applicable, and health and immunization records. New students will also need to provide transcripts from the previous school attended or contact information for requesting transcripts. Illinois requires immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella in specific doses and intervals.

In addition to a test for tuberculosis, all kindergarten and fifth-grade students and any first graders who have not attended kindergarten must have a physical exam. Only in extreme circumstances will a child be allowed to attend school if health and immunization requirements are incomplete. Even in those cases, the grace period is only 15 days. The cut-off date for kindergarten registration for five-year-olds or first-grade registration for six-year-olds is July 1st of the enrollment year. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact the local school office or the state education agency:

Illinois State Board of Education
312-814-2220
www.isbe.net

Indiana Registration Guidelines
Requirements for school registration in Indiana include an official birth certificate, proof of residency (mortgage papers, lease agreement, or current utility bill), legal proof of guardianship if applicable, and health and immunization records. New students will also need to provide transcripts from the previous school attended or contact information for requesting transcripts. Indiana requires immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, mumps, measles, rubella, and Hepatitis B. Documented evidence from a physician, including dates of immunization, must be presented by the first day of classes. All students entering sixth grade in Indiana schools are required to have a second dose of the measles vaccine.

You may contact a physician of your choice to update your child’s immunization status or call the local health department for information on free clinics. The cut-off date for kindergarten registration for five-year-olds or first-grade registration for six-year-olds is July 1st of the enrollment year. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact the local school office or the state education agency:

Indiana Department of Education
317-232-6610
www.doe.in.gov

Charter Schools
In many communities, charter schools present an alternative choice for public education. Operating under a “charter,” these schools are free from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. Charter schools are designed to create choice for parents and students within the public education system as well as encourage innovative teaching practices. For more information about schools that may be available in your area, contact:

Indiana Charter Schools
317-232-6610
www.doe.in.gov/idoe/indiana-charter-schools

Illinois Network of Charter Schools
312-629-2063
www.incschools.org

Assessment & Testing
Illinois requires public schools to administer a variety of tests that are designed to measure the performance of students and schools against the Illinois Learning Standards. Indiana requires all public schools to implement the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP+) on a prescribed schedule. For more information on statewide and national standards testing or to review school scores, contact:

Indiana Division of Assessment
317-232-9050
www.doe.in.gov/assessment

Illinois Student Assessment Division
866-317-6034
www.isbe.net/Pages/Assessment.aspx

Michigan Public Education
The State of Michigan has a three-echelon system of schools made up of the State Department of Education, Intermediate School Districts and local school districts. A state superintendent is appointed by the State Board of Education and writes and enforces the rules and regulations by which local school districts must operate. The Intermediate School Districts provide consultative and supportive services to all schools in their districts, playing an integral part of the state system by performing at a regional level on behalf of their constituency and the State Department of Education. Local school districts elect their Board of Education and are primarily funded by local property taxes. Each district determines its own methods of achieving the regulations set down by the state superintendent.

Registration
Students registering in Michigan schools for the first time must also bring proof of residency, an official birth certificate, social security number, and legal proof of custody for guardians who are not natural parents. Transcripts or report cards from the school previously attended will also be helpful.

Michigan requires children to be at least six years of age by December 1 of the enrollment year in order to enter the school system. State law also requires proof of immunizations signed by a licensed physician that includes the proper dosage and intervals for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and DTP (DT, TD). A signed exemption is the only recourse. All immunizations must be up to date within two days of entering school, according to the State Health Department. County-level health departments offer free clinics. All students entering kindergarten must have a vision screening or submit a waiver because of religious reasons.

For more information on public education in Michigan or answers to specific questions, contact:

Michigan State Department of Education
General Information
517-373-3324
www.michigan.gov/mde

Assessment & Testing
The State Department of Education developed a testing program known as the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to establish an effective curriculum and assess strength and weaknesses. Administered to elementary and secondary students, the tests cover the key areas of mathematics, reading, science, writing, and social studies. The tests for elementary and middle school students through the 8th grade are staggered so that all tests are not taken in one year. For complete information on MEAPS testing or evaluation and reports, contact the State Department of Education, your Intermediate School District or your local school district. The following website offers MEAPS results and other detailed information on school districts throughout the state:

Center for Educational Performance & Information
www.michigan.gov/cepi