Regional Office of Education #17
An advocate for education by providing positive leadership, coordinating and delivering state and local services, and disseminating information for educators, school districts, and the community.
Regional Offices of Education are essential offices that partner with the Illinois State Board of Education to support local school districts. As an intermediate agency between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts, the office of the Regional Superintendent performs regulatory functions as directed by the Illinois School Code. The Illinois School code states that “the Regional Superintendent of Schools:”…shall exercise supervision over all school districts in the region. …shall act as the official advisor and assistant of the school officers and teachers in that region and… in the performance of this duty they shall carry out the advice of the State Superintendent of Education.” ROE # 17 serves four counties, 30 public districts, and 20 private schools. In 2021, Regional Office of Education #17 received accreditation from Cognia. Cognia nationally recognizes districts and educational service centers that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership. ROE # 17 was one of eleven agencies that participated in the first ROE-ISC Cognia Cohort in the State of Illinois. Learn more about Cognia here.
To build the capacity of our districts with knowledge and skills. We strive to create a community of learners engaged in Science. We have such diversity in our schools (4 counties) ranging from urban to very rural, that building a community to support them all to provide equitable and engaging Science learning.
We partner with all of our diverse 30 school districts and advocate for equitable access to science instruction. We partner with ISU and other partners to assist in filling difficult to fill positions and create networks.
Our coaching model is a sharing basis. Most of our districts lack the fiscal and human capacity to have coaches. So, we hire coaches and districts do a smaller scope of work with them that wouldn’t individually equal a full time position. We leverage our collective needs to avoid one and done PL. We offer ongoing, embedded professional learning and grow expertise.
Where We Work
OpenSciEd Professional Learning
- Curriculum Launch
- Facilitator Training
- Ongoing Support/Unit Launch
OpenSciEd Grade Level Focus
- High School
- Middle School
Other Professional Learning
- Strategic District Implementation
- Supporting Science Coaches