

{"id":1416,"date":"2022-12-01T18:12:02","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T18:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/?page_id=1416"},"modified":"2023-02-22T20:36:03","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T20:36:03","slug":"our-stories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Stories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"alignwide wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-our-stories\">Our Stories<\/h2>\n\n\n<div  class=\"ultp-post-grid-block wp-block-ultimate-post-post-list-1 ultp-block-5ff325\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-loading\"><div class=\"ultp-loading-blocks\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;\"><div style=\"left: 0;top: 0;animation-delay:0s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 21px;top: 0;animation-delay:0.125s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 42px;top: 0;animation-delay:0.25s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 0;top: 21px;animation-delay:0.875s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 42px;top: 21px;animation-delay:0.375s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 0;top: 42px;animation-delay:0.75s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 42px;top: 42px;animation-delay:0.625s;\"><\/div><div style=\"left: 21px;top: 42px;animation-delay:0.5s;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-heading-filter\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-filter-in\"><div class=\"ultp-filter-navigation\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-items-wrap ultp-block-row ultp-block-column-3 ultp-pl1a-style1 ultp-post-list1-layout1\"><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3903\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program-should-illinois-opt-in-or-opt-out-here-is-what-the-critics-say\/\" >Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Should Illinois opt in or opt out? Here is what the critics say<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nJun 22, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n0<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n6 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program-should-illinois-opt-in-or-opt-out-here-is-what-the-critics-say\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  alt=\"IL state capitol building with a blue sky background.\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/06\/Wordpress-Link-Preview-Image-2.png\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">The debate on whether Illinois should opt in or out of the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program has been growing in the last few months. After a review of the facts, our conclusion was to hold out on judgment as we await further guidance from the federal government and continue to learn from stakeholders on both sides of the debate. To help Illinois\u2019 families better understand the impact of the tax scholarship program and the positions of proponents and opponents, we hosted a Virtual Townhall on June 10th.<\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Should Illinois opt in or opt out? Here is what the critics say\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program-should-illinois-opt-in-or-opt-out-here-is-what-the-critics-say\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3899\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/illinois-phone-free-schools-implementation-guide\/\" >Illinois Phone-Free Schools Implementation Guide<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nJun 18, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n0<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n1 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/illinois-phone-free-schools-implementation-guide\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  alt=\"Three students standing next to each other holding cell phones in their hands.\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/06\/Wordpress-Link-Preview-Image-1.png\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">NEW Illinois Phone-Free Schools Implementation Guide Released<\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"Illinois Phone-Free Schools Implementation Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/illinois-phone-free-schools-implementation-guide\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3855\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/public-comments-for-proposed-rules-for-dual-credit\/\" >Public Comments for proposed rules for Dual Credit<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nMay 8, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n0<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n1 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/public-comments-for-proposed-rules-for-dual-credit\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  alt=\"Public Comments for proposed rules for Dual Credit\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/05\/Wordpress-Link-Preview-Image.png\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">Stand for Children Illinois made public comments to the Illinois Community College Board&#8217;s proposed rules for Dual Credit programs.<\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"Public Comments for proposed rules for Dual Credit\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/public-comments-for-proposed-rules-for-dual-credit\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3836\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/the-newsstand-may-2026\/\" >The NewsSTAND: May 2026<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nMay 7, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n0<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n1 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/the-newsstand-may-2026\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  alt=\"September 2023. The NewsSTAND. blue gradient\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/09\/The-NewsSTAND-Graphic.png\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">May 2026 wrap up of the top issues, successes, and updates about Illinois education and children.\n<\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"The NewsSTAND: May 2026\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/the-newsstand-may-2026\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3757\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/confused-about-the-federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program\/\" >Confused About\u2026 the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program?\u00a0<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nMar 4, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n2<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n9 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/confused-about-the-federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/plugins\/ultimate-post\/assets\/img\/ultp-fallback-img.png\" alt=\"dummy-img\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program\u00a0gives taxpayers\u00a0an up-to-$1,700\u00a0credit\u00a0on their federal income taxes\u00a0if they contribute\u00a0up to\u00a0$1,700\u00a0to a\u00a0\u201cScholarship-Granting Organization\u201d\u00a0(SGO)\u00a0starting in 2027.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0a dollar-for-dollar credit, and\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no cap on the\u00a0number of taxpayers who can use it. <\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"Confused About\u2026 the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program?\u00a0\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/confused-about-the-federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-item post-id-3719\"><div class=\"ultp-block-content-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-entry-heading\"><h3 class=\"ultp-block-title \"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/still-confused-about-the-school-accountability-system-changes\/\" >Still Confused about the School Accountability System Changes?\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"ultp-block-meta ultp-block-meta- ultp-block-meta-icon\"><span class=\"ultp-block-date ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M3 5.5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h14a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2v-14ZM8 2v3m8-3v3M3 9h18\"\/>\n<\/svg>\nFeb 11, 2026<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-comment ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M20 4H4a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v9a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h4.5v4l5-4H20a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2Z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n0<\/span><span class=\"ultp-post-read ultp-block-meta-element\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M4 5v14a3 3 0 0 0 3 3h13V8H7a3 3 0 0 1-3-3Zm0 0a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h13M7 5h10\"\/>\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"M9.5 18.5v-3.092a3 3 0 0 1 .504-1.664l1.219-1.828a.934.934 0 0 1 1.554 0l1.22 1.828a3 3 0 0 1 .503 1.664V18.5m-5-2.5h5\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n7 min read<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-image ultp-block-image-opacity\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/still-confused-about-the-school-accountability-system-changes\/\" ><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/plugins\/ultimate-post\/assets\/img\/ultp-fallback-img.png\" alt=\"dummy-img\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-content\"><div class=\"ultp-block-excerpt\">MARCH UPDATE: Unfortunately, the final accountability system draft has been released and discussed at the March ISBE meeting and it looks like it\u2019s a done deal. We are disappointed that we are losing the indicators for ninth-grade on-track and college and career readiness, and that schools with 50-point achievement gaps can still receive the highest [&hellip;]<\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-readmore\"><a aria-label=\"Still Confused about the School Accountability System Changes?\u00a0\u00a0\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/still-confused-about-the-school-accountability-system-changes\/\" >Read More<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m12 20.5 8.5-8.5m0 0L12 3.5m8.5 8.5h-17\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-pagination-wrap ultp-pagination-ajax-action\" data-paged=\"1\" data-expost=\"\"  data-blockid=\"5ff325\" data-postid=\"1416\" data-pages=\"34\" data-blockname=\"ultimate-post_post-list-1\" data-selfpostid=\"no\"><ul class=\"ultp-pagination\"><li class=\"ultp-prev-page-numbers\" style=\"display:none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m15 18-6-6 6-6\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n Previous<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-first-pages\" style=\"display:none\" data-current=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/\">1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-first-dot\"style=\"display:none\"><a href=\"#\">&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-center-item pagination-active\" data-current=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/\">1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-center-item\" data-current=\"2\" ><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/page\/2\/\">2<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-center-item\" data-current=\"3\" ><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/page\/3\/\">3<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-last-dot\" ><a href=\"#\">&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-last-pages\" data-current=\"34\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/page\/34\/\">34<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ultp-next-page-numbers\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416\/page\/2\/\">Next<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n  <path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" d=\"m9 18 6-6-6-6\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"pagination-block-html\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_hide_page_title":true,"color_schema":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1416","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - 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