https://www.edweek.org/illinois Illinois en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:03:35 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/is-the-court-system-fair-what-students-want-to-know-about-the-justice-system/2026/03 Chicago high schoolers asked a panel of Illinois judges how they decide tough cases. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:03:35 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/is-the-court-system-fair-what-students-want-to-know-about-the-justice-system/2026/03 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-3-top-principals-do-so-students-feel-like-they-belong-at-school/2026/03 Principals use belonging, mentorship, and creative incentives to boost attendance. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:38:50 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-3-top-principals-do-so-students-feel-like-they-belong-at-school/2026/03 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/some-halted-federal-funds-for-community-schools-will-flow-but-more-remain-frozen/2026/03 Schools in Illinois will regain access to some federal grant funds, but programs nationwide continue to struggle. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:33:55 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/some-halted-federal-funds-for-community-schools-will-flow-but-more-remain-frozen/2026/03 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-states-eye-math-reform-how-prescriptive-should-they-be/2026/02 Illinois is among the states aiming to revamp math, but a question remains: How hard should it push? Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:27:02 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-states-eye-math-reform-how-prescriptive-should-they-be/2026/02 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/when-should-a-school-district-speak-out-on-thorny-issues-one-leaders-approach/2026/02 A superintendent created a matrix for his district to prevent rash decisions. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:23:11 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/when-should-a-school-district-speak-out-on-thorny-issues-one-leaders-approach/2026/02 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-two-award-winning-educators-created-schoolwide-systems-for-academic-support/2026/02 Boosting student achievement should be a building-wide mission, they say. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:11:49 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-two-award-winning-educators-created-schoolwide-systems-for-academic-support/2026/02 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/educator-layoffs-loom-as-canceled-community-schools-grants-remain-in-limbo/2026/01 Three legal challenges and bipartisan backlash have followed the Trump administration's funding cuts. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:05:26 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/educator-layoffs-loom-as-canceled-community-schools-grants-remain-in-limbo/2026/01 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/undocumented-students-still-have-a-right-to-education-will-that-change-in-2026/2025/12 State-level challenges to a landmark 1982 Supreme Court ruling are on the rise. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:02:41 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/undocumented-students-still-have-a-right-to-education-will-that-change-in-2026/2025/12 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-am-i-doing-enough-chicago-teachers-share-their-heartache-over-ice-raids/2025/11 Teachers in Latino areas describe the trauma and economic disruption federal raids are causing. Fri, 07 Nov 2025 20:45:12 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-am-i-doing-enough-chicago-teachers-share-their-heartache-over-ice-raids/2025/11 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/inside-the-fear-at-chicago-schools-amid-federal-immigration-raids/2025/10 Sylvelia Pittman has never experienced something like the current federal crackdown in her city. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:50:12 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/inside-the-fear-at-chicago-schools-amid-federal-immigration-raids/2025/10 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-constant-anxiety-what-a-chicago-teacher-witnesses-as-ice-swarms/2025/10 What federal immigration agents are doing in Chicago doesn't look like democracy, an educator says. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:25:17 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-constant-anxiety-what-a-chicago-teacher-witnesses-as-ice-swarms/2025/10 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/rfk-jr-mcmahon-say-school-mental-health-screenings-turn-students-into-patients/2025/09 The cabinet secretaries recently called for a focus on nutrition, exercise, and cellphone use to boost students' mental health. Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:29:13 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/rfk-jr-mcmahon-say-school-mental-health-screenings-turn-students-into-patients/2025/09 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/chicago-schools-prepare-students-and-parents-as-trump-threatens-national-guard/2025/09 The district is pledging not work with or share student records with ICE officers. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:20:02 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/chicago-schools-prepare-students-and-parents-as-trump-threatens-national-guard/2025/09 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/how-this-state-is-protecting-undocumented-students-right-to-an-education/2025/08 Illinois lawmakers passed a bill locally codifying the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:20:30 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/how-this-state-is-protecting-undocumented-students-right-to-an-education/2025/08 https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/from-classrooms-to-careers-how-schools-and-districts-can-prepare-students-for-a-changing-workforce Learn how Alton High redesigned CTE pathways to align with academics, student interests, and workforce needs. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:06:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/from-classrooms-to-careers-how-schools-and-districts-can-prepare-students-for-a-changing-workforce https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-2-school-leaders-limited-distractions-and-carved-out-more-time-for-learning/2025/03 They removed extra responsibilities from teachers' days and carved out a dedicated academic intervention time. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:51:30 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-2-school-leaders-limited-distractions-and-carved-out-more-time-for-learning/2025/03 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/which-states-are-challenging-undocumented-students-right-to-free-education/2025/03 States are reviving efforts to challenge the 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling that guarantees undocumented students a free, public education. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:11:27 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/which-states-are-challenging-undocumented-students-right-to-free-education/2025/03 https://www.edweek.org/leaders/2025/this-leader-said-all-kids-will-do-college-level-work-what-it-took-to-get-there Jennifer Norrell led an effort to more than double the percentage of high schoolers taking AP in her district. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leaders/2025/this-leader-said-all-kids-will-do-college-level-work-what-it-took-to-get-there https://www.edweek.org/leaders/2025/this-leader-made-the-tagline-discover-your-future-real-for-students-heres-how Lazaro Lopez was the architect of an early national career-pathway model that is still reaping dividends for students. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leaders/2025/this-leader-made-the-tagline-discover-your-future-real-for-students-heres-how https://www.edweek.org/leaders/teaching-learning/why-reading-support-classes-help-high-schoolers-succeed/2025/02 Biology, literature, calculus, U.S. history—all high school courses, regardless of subject, require a strong literacy skills. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leaders/teaching-learning/why-reading-support-classes-help-high-schoolers-succeed/2025/02 https://www.edweek.org/leaders/teaching-learning/the-power-of-career-pathways-for-engaging-high-school-students/2025/02 Lazaro Lopez is building career pathways to help students graduate with clear, relevant steps toward college and careers. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leaders/teaching-learning/the-power-of-career-pathways-for-engaging-high-school-students/2025/02 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/local-education-news-you-may-have-missed-in-2024-and-why-it-matters/2024/12 A recap of four important stories and what they may signal for your school or district. Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:45:56 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/local-education-news-you-may-have-missed-in-2024-and-why-it-matters/2024/12 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/the-4-district-leaders-who-could-be-the-next-superintendent-of-the-year/2024/12 Four district leaders are finalists for the national honor. They've emphasized CTE, student safety, financial sustainability, and more. Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:19:04 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/the-4-district-leaders-who-could-be-the-next-superintendent-of-the-year/2024/12 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/top-affirmative-action-foe-has-new-target-scholarships-for-aspiring-minority-teachers/2024/10 The legal activist behind the U.S. Supreme Court college admissions decision has now sued over an Illinois minority scholarship program. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:40:36 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/top-affirmative-action-foe-has-new-target-scholarships-for-aspiring-minority-teachers/2024/10 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/kamala-harris-potential-vp-picks-where-they-stand-on-education/2024/07 Some of the contenders for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket have extensive K-12 records. Mon, 29 Jul 2024 21:08:09 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/kamala-harris-potential-vp-picks-where-they-stand-on-education/2024/07 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-inequity-in-who-earns-seals-of-biliteracy-and-how-to-avoid-it/2024/07 Illinois and New Mexico have led the way in ensuring English learners have access to the seal of biliteracy. Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:43:22 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-inequity-in-who-earns-seals-of-biliteracy-and-how-to-avoid-it/2024/07 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/whos-eligible-for-special-education-services-schools-struggle-to-keep-up/2024/06 Many states now require schools to offer special education services to students until they turn 22. Costs and logistics can be daunting. Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:50:28 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/whos-eligible-for-special-education-services-schools-struggle-to-keep-up/2024/06 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-teacher-stress-management-is-crucial-for-handling-student-mental-health/2024/06 A Chicago program helps teachers learn how to manage their own stress in classes with more easily triggered students. Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:18:10 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-teacher-stress-management-is-crucial-for-handling-student-mental-health/2024/06 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/3-steps-for-schools-to-use-relationships-as-a-prevention-strategy/2024/05 Research has shown that strong school relationships can be a prevention strategy for chronic absenteeism, misbehavior, and other challenges. Wed, 29 May 2024 19:23:50 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/3-steps-for-schools-to-use-relationships-as-a-prevention-strategy/2024/05 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-a-dei-rebrand-is-playing-out-in-k-12-schools/2024/05 School districts continue to advance DEI initiatives, though the focus is more on general inclusion and belonging for all. Fri, 17 May 2024 20:02:07 GMT https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-a-dei-rebrand-is-playing-out-in-k-12-schools/2024/05