Education Reform Bill Will Have Significant Impact in Illinois, Says Joyce Foundation

CHICAGO, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's signing of comprehensive education reform legislation is a major accomplishment that will have lasting impact on Illinois' schools, according to the Joyce Foundation, whose education grant making has played a key role in building this change.

The landmark legislation, Senate Bill 7, puts performance–not tenure–at the center of decision-making in Illinois schools and will ensure the most effective teachers are at the head of the classrooms.

"Teachers who demonstrate they are efficient, skilled and impactful will be rewarded with tenure and will be able to remain with the students who need them the most," says Joyce President Ellen S. Alberding. "These new policies will benefit our school children and our teachers, and strengthen Illinois' ability to compete in the global economy."

The package of reforms is the result of months of close collaboration among lawmakers, teachers' unions, the Illinois State Board of Education and education reform groups, including Advance Illinois.  

"Illinois education stakeholders accomplished something outstanding. Unlike our Midwest neighbors, our teachers remained at the center of the discussion. Legislative leaders, union representatives and reform groups came to the table, had tough discussions, and made compromises, without ever sacrificing students," says Alberding.

The Foundation has been laying the groundwork for this type of reform for years through investments in a range of strategies for improving public policies on teacher quality in Illinois and other states. Along with initiating Advance Illinois, Joyce has also supported other reform organizations, including the New Teacher Project and Stand for Children. Education Program Manager John Luczak was loaned by the Foundation to serve as an adviser to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn during the legislative process.  

Moving forward, Joyce plans to continue investing in education strategies that build off the new legislation. To support the resources, education and research necessary to implement Senate Bill 7 effectively, Advance Illinois has received a two-year, $1 million Joyce grant.  

"Our state is a national model for how to generate real change through close collaboration, education, and advocacy," says Alberding. "Now, more than ever, Joyce remains committed to investing in polices that recognize great educators and, in turn, provide our students with the education they deserve."

Based in Chicago, the Joyce Foundation supports efforts to protect the Great Lakes, to reduce poverty and violence in the region, and to ensure its residents good schools, decent jobs, a strong democracy, and a diverse and thriving culture.  Learn more at www.joycefdn.org.

SOURCE The Joyce Foundation