Student teachers are now required to go through the same background checks as regular, staff teachers and other school employees.

A new legislation, signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner on July 10, will improve the process of conducting criminal background checks for student teacher, according to its supporters.

Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood), who co-sponsored the measure in the Illinois Senate, said, “This new law makes conducting background checks for student teachers more efficient and ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect our students. It addresses concerns from colleges, schools and parents.”

Under the new law, student teachers are required to go through the same background checks as regular, staff teachers and other school employees.

Student teachers will have to submit to a fingerprint-based criminal history check and go through a Statewide Sex Offender Database check. In addition, they will be  checked through the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Databases.

The Illinois State Police and FBI also will now be required to furnish any conviction records of prospective student teachers.

The changes implemented in Senate Bill 706 will become effective for the 2015-16 school year.