MISSION

"Advance Illinois will be an independent, objective voice to promote a public education system in Illinois that prepares all students to be ready for work, college, and democratic citizenship."

Advance Illinois will develop and launch a long-term, student-focused vision of educational reform. We will infuse the dialogue on what needs to be done with objective information; find statewide common ground; and build public will and civic action for meaningful change.

Specifically, Advance Illinois will:

• Provide objective research and data about the state of education in Illinois. To bring a broader perspective to discussions of state policy issues, Advance Illinois will synthesize existing research to identify pressing challenges affecting student achievement; use research combined with stakeholder feedback to create a compelling policy agenda; and educate legislators and the public about needs and solutions.

   

• Listen to what citizens and key stakeholders have to say about education and workforce needs. Advance Illinois will engage the public, stakeholders, and opinion leaders to gain insight into crucial issues that must be addressed to make ongoing progress in raising education outcomes for Illinois students.

   

• Develop a comprehensive, multi-issue policy agenda for change. Rather than create a narrow agenda that does not do justice to the scope of the state's challenges or its opportunities for advancement. Advance Illinois is thinking big about the future. The organization will consider solutions to some of the most pressing problems of the day from raising expectations for students and schools to better supporting students, teachers, and leaders so that Illinois can attain world-class standards.

   

• Work in partnership with other groups and leaders to mobilize citizen support for implementing that policy agenda. Advance Illinois is committed to working in a bipartisan and collaborative manner on the comprehensive array of issues affecting students across the entire state. The organization will mobilize many groups that have not been part of the dialogue about improving schools, and work with those already deeply engaged. Advance Illinois also will encourage citizens to step off the sidelines and take a more active role in transforming the state's education system.