Our Stories
The fight for educational equity doesn’t start or stop at the schoolhouse. The shackles of inequity extend far beyond, including to our “justice” system and the way in which courts incarcerate individuals before they go to trial — simply because they cannot afford to post bond. That’s why we are standing with Illinois Senator Robert […]
The Illinois Constitution makes clear a “fundamental goal” of the State is the “educational development of all persons to the limits of their capacities.” It continues that the State “shall provide for an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services.” Those are high-minded ideas, but the truth is that an effective, equity-driven […]
Three years ago, education advocates flooded the state capitol with petitions, calls, and in-person visits fighting for evidence-based school funding. Thanks to your efforts, we won! Evidence-based funding has transformed classrooms across Illinois in districts that had long been deeply underfunded. What have your efforts gained? Updated curriculum. More social workers, school counselors, and classroom teachers. Modernized […]
As I read last night’s election results, the term “public servant” started taking on a deeper meaning. A public servant is typically defined as a government official, particularly someone elected to office, whose job is to serve the greater good. I suggest, in this time of a global health crisis, that each of us strives […]
Libraries, arts, safe and proper learning facilities, and engaging extracurricular activities. These are a few things that most parents and teachers would say all schools should have. I agree. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts – including the need for strong extracurricular activities – at a recent budget workshop at Corliss High School […]
Last week in Springfield, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) hosted its third meeting for the statewide Support and Accountability Listening Tour. This series of meetings is intended to collect feedback on Illinois’ Every Student Succeeds (ESSA) Action Plan which uses key learning metrics to assess school quality. You may remember Stand’s video, A Better […]
