If this sounds like you…
- Interested in school discipline and restorative justice practices
- Wish your school would implement and provide a clear outline of restorative practices that support the whole child
- Want to connect with other people with a range of perspectives and experiences…all with a shared goal that promote safe school communities
…then the 2024-2025 Stand for Children Policy Fellowship is for you!
Stand for Children is a unique catalyst for educational equity and racial justice, to create a brighter future for us all. Our mission is to expand equitable access to public education opportunities for all children – especially those who are furthest from privilege and justice.
We believe the most effective solutions in education policy are achieved through the power of everyday people. When people who are personally impacted by the issues show up, speak up, reach out, and vote, they can have a profound and positive impact on policy decisions.
This year’s Policy Fellowship will explore school discipline practices including municipal ticketing with an eye towards improving equity and education outcomes throughout the state. Fellows will collaborate with subject-matter experts and practitioners, study data, share stories of impact, and make policy recommendations.
Past Fellows have:
- Presented recommendations to the Secretary of Education on the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA).
- Joined legislators, advocates, and practitioners from across the state at a legislative dinner with insightful guest speakers.
- Attended regional townhall meetings to weigh in on the “End Student Based Ticketing” Coalition recommendations.
- Contributed research, writing, and local interviews to our Brain Drain report detailing four critical policies that would help students graduate high school prepared for college and a career.
- Heard presentations from and talked to experts like leaders from the State Board of Education, school principals, Professional Review Panel members, lobbyists, and policy analysts for education organizations.
- Written blog posts and letters summarizing issues or advocating for change and spoken with reporters.
- Toured the state Capitol and met legislators.
Read more about the contributions they have made towards improving the odds for Illinois students at https://stand.org/illinois/policy-fellowship-alumni/.
