(105 ILCS 5/Art. 1G heading)

(105 ILCS 5/1G-1) Sec. 1G-1. Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to permit greater flexibility and efficiency in the distribution and use of certain State funds available to local education agencies in order to ensure that students meet or exceed the Illinois Learning Standards in mathematics and science. The State Board of Education shall administer a Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program and award Program funds to eligible recipients upon application. As used in this Section, "school district" shall include those schools designated as "laboratory schools". (Source: P.A. 93-50, eff. 7-1-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/1G-5) Sec. 1G-5. Authorized Uses. Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program funds shall be used in the following manner consistent with application requirements established by the State Board of Education as provided in Section 1G-15 of this Article: (1) To expand learning opportunities in grades

kindergarten through 8, to ensure that every student meets the Illinois Learning Standards for mathematics, as defined by the learning benchmarks and relevant performance standards for middle and junior high schools, by the end of eighth grade, including standards related to number sense, estimation and measurement, algebra and analytical methods, geometry, data analysis, and probability;

(2) To expand learning opportunities in grades

kindergarten through 8, to ensure that every student meets the Illinois Learning Standards for science, as defined by the learning benchmarks and relevant performance standards for middle and junior high schools, by the end of eighth grade, including standards related to inquiry and design; concepts and principles of science; and science, technology, and society;

(3) To train and retrain teachers of grades

kindergarten through 12 to be more proficient in the teaching of mathematics and science by providing professional development opportunities;

(4) To improve curriculum, instruction, and

assessment relevant to the Illinois Learning Standards for grades kindergarten through 12; and

(5) To supply classrooms with materials and equipment

related to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

(Source: P.A. 93-50, eff. 7-1-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/1G-10) Sec. 1G-10. Allocation. Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program funds shall be distributed to school districts, subject to appropriation and based upon rules established by the State Board of Education. Distribution of moneys to school districts shall be made in semi-annual installment payments, one payment to be made on or before October 30, and one payment to be made prior to April 30 of each year. (Source: P.A. 93-50, eff. 7-1-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/1G-15) Sec. 1G-15. Application. Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program funds shall be made available to each eligible school district upon completion of an application process that is consistent with rules established by the State Board of Education. The application shall include the planned use of the funds. (Source: P.A. 93-50, eff. 7-1-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/1G-20) Sec. 1G-20. Rules. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Article. (Source: P.A. 93-50, eff. 7-1-03.)