Mission: advance illinois was founded to be an objective voice in supporting a healthy public education system that prepares all students for college, career, and democratic citizenship. (continued on schedule o)

Education

Research & policy development: advance illinois conducts secondary research to inform the development of its policy advocacy and to monitor the effectiveness of policy implementation. Recent examples include (1) various analyses about illinois' school funding formula; (2) qualitative research on recent efforts to intervene in struggling schools and districts; (3) research to understand stakeholders' perceptions about the new illinois learning standards and aligned large-scale assessments; and (4) biennial analyses of how the state's comprehensive suite of reforms have improved student performance. publications & communications: advance illinois develops and commissions reports to spotlight areas of interest for education reform in illinois. The organization produced various subject-matter briefs and publications, which were released through the advance illinois-managed websites: funding illinois' future (fundingilfuture. Org); real learning for real life (reallearningil. Org); and advance illinois (advanceillinois. Org). All publications and communications are used in advance illinois events and outreach to highlight progress made and galvanize the public in support of reforms underway. policy outreach & community engagement: advance illinois actively engages with educators, business and community leaders, students and families, and policymakers to push for meaningful action to strengthen public education and improve student performance. Advance illinois works with local and national organizations; education researchers; the state's education agencies (illinois state board of education, illinois board of higher education, and the illinois community college board); the state's executive branch; the state's p-20 council; the state's general assembly and various legislative work groups. Advance illinois conducts outreach with community groups, education stakeholder groups (e. G. Teacher unions and school management groups), the media, and the general public. Advance illinois shapes and promotes a thoughtfully-researched education policy framework that begins with the objective to expand access to high quality early childhood education and support students to post-secondary success. From birth to career, advance illinois envisions a healthy education system to supports five interconnected goals: (1) create rigorous learning environments with high expectations; (2) hire, develop and retain the great teachers and leaders; (3) give schools the resources they need; (4) engage families and provide necessary student supports; and (5) promote continuous improvement and innovation.