Blog
Our blog provides readers an opportunity to hear from the Advance Illinois staff and partners on education policy issues affecting Illinois students and beyond.
Thank you, Dr. Ayala, for Your Commitment to Equity and Students
As we and others reflect on Dr. Carmen Ayala’s contributions to Illinois schools, we want to celebrate her abiding commitment to equity throughout her career and as State Superintendent.
SB815 Commission May Meeting Recap: Workgroups Assigned; Tennessee Presents Its Funding Model; Research Base for Adequacy Introduced
During the May 25 virtual convening of the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding, members continued to discuss matters pertaining to creating an equitable funding model in Illinois. Commissioners discussed next steps for convening workgroups, and as part of the Commission’s continuing research into existing state models for equitably funding their public universities, the group heard a presentation on Tennessee’s approach to funding its institutions.
SB815 Commission April 2022 Meeting Recap: Working Groups Proposed, Two More State Models Introduced
In an effort to raise awareness about these public meetings and their progress, the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding will share meeting recaps as soon as possible following each of the Commission’s remaining meetings.
Now Is the Time to Transform How Higher Education is Funded in Illinois
With the creation of the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding, Illinois has an opportunity to create a transformative funding model that can help our great public institutions thrive.
Our Districts Need Fully Funded Schools
As superintendent of Vienna School District 13-3, I have witnessed the essential strides that the K-12 Evidence-Based Funding formula (EBF) has and will continue to make towards re-establishing fundamental educational opportunities for students around the state and in our community of Vienna. Because of this, it is critical that the Illinois General Assembly prioritize an investment of at least $350M into EBF in the FY23 budget.
Our Work is Not Done. Opportunities to Make EBF More Equitable are Worth Exploring
“Continuous improvement” is undeniably a buzzword. But the concept – using data and evidence to consistently assess and improve upon policy solutions – is critical. When it comes to school funding, this approach helps ensure that funding systems are increasing equity and prevents formulas from becoming disconnected from student needs and real-world costs.
Strengthening the Teacher Feedback Process for a Strong Workforce
It is no secret that our state is grappling with a teacher shortage. Years of underinvestment and program cuts are coming home to roost and directly impacting students. All students need and deserve highly skilled and qualified teachers, so it is essential that the state support and implement a comprehensive, coordinated, and ambitious plan to strengthen and diversify the educator pipeline.
Bold Investments in Illinois’ Higher Education are Investments in Its People, Prosperity
Until Illinois adopts a new approach that adequately and equitably funds our public universities, our students will continue to be harmed and their futures negatively affected. A college degree remains the surest path to the middle class with benefits to both our students and the communities they call home.