In the News
Advance Illinois serves as a resource for media outlets from across the state and beyond on policy issues in education from birth to career. Here’s our recent coverage.
Chicago Schools Get State Funding Bump, but Still Need $1.6 billion to be Adequately Funded, According to Recent Data
Chicago Public Schools will receive an additional $76 million from the state this fiscal year for a total of $1.9 billion, according to new data released by the state on Friday.
The Future for Teacher Diversity in a World of DEI Scrutiny
With diversity, equity and inclusion efforts facing scrutiny under the Trump administration, school districts and states looking to diversify their teacher workforces are in a precarious situation.
State Colleges are Cutting Back as Funding Falls and Costs Rise
For over two decades, state funding of Illinois’ public universities has failed to keep up with rising costs, forcing administrators to raise tuition, which, in turn, has squeezed family finances and even discouraged students from pursuing a degree.
Despite Victories, Major higher Education Policy Bills Stall in General Assembly
During the spring 2025 legislative session, lawmakers did not pass other major higher education policy initiatives, including Pritzker’s plan to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in certain high-demand career fields, and a long-sought overhaul in the way Illinois funds its public universities.
How Will This Spring’s General Assembly Session Affect Education in Illinois?
State lawmakers passed dozens of education bills. They also left hundreds more on the table when they wrapped up this past weekend.