Education Initiatives—Summer Quarter Updates
Here are the latest updates from the Forum’s education team.
Early Childhood Education Advocacy Day
The Forum’s partners and advocates headed to the state capitol on April 20 to advocate for the fair tax amendment and early childhood education. More than 10 organizations and 72 participants made the journey to Springfield, Illinois, visiting over 20 legislators. Parents shared emotional tales of their child’s progress and offered regalitos, or small gifts, to emphasize the positive results of funding early childhood education.
See photos of parents and advocates in action here. The conversation also continued on Twitter, engaging and informing audiences citywide. Check out the conversations here.
Abriendo Puertas
The Forum will continue to accept Abriendo Puertas Facilitator Training Institute applications until Friday, July 29. The Abriendo Puertas Training Institute will take place on August 17 to 19. For more information, please contact Natalie Vesga.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Throughout the last three months, the Education team has attended and hosted meetings, presentations and forums related to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In March, the Forum hosted the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to craft recommendations for the state plan for ESSA which include a vision for promoting bilingualism and biliteracy.
As part of this work, the Forum has participated and provided testimony during ISBE Listening Tours. On June 10, the Forum hosted a panel featuring Claudio Sanchez, education correspondent from NPR, and numerous stakeholders to discuss ideas for improving education for English Learners EC-12. The results of the panel were incorporated into a brief regarding the new federal legislation.
The Forum also participated in a webinar hosted by Partners for Each and Every Child and collaborated with the Joyce Foundation, Stand for Children, Advance Illinois, Education First and other partners to promote key principles for state planning which is inclusive of English learners.
Budget Advocacy
Prior to the end of session in May, Education Manager, Karen Garibay-Mulattieri and Associate Director, Martin Torres testified in Springfield about the importance of increasing funding for both early childhood and bilingual education. Karen and Martin spoke with members of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee regarding the tremendous challenges faced by school districts as they strive to meet the needs of a growing culturally diverse student population. In addition, the Forum and members of its early childhood education Acuerdo submitted written testimony to each committee in the House and Senate involved in the appropriations process surrounding early care and education in the state budget.
ECE Acuerdo
The Forum welcomes the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Patterson and McDaniel Family Center in Addison, Illinois as its newest early childhood education acuerdo member. Thank you for your commitment to the education of young children!