Anyone engaging in education advocacy needs to first have a snap shot of what are the major trends in policy at the federal, state, and local level.
This page attempts to provide important links on what is happening in federal policy, including the Race to the Top legislation, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization, and key reports any one interested in education reform should read. There are also summaries of the status of education reform in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, including legislation passed in 2010 in order to compete for Race to the Top funding and excerpts from the political barriers in advancing education reform in these states. Lastly, a big step in education advocacy is learning about the quality of your local schools, so we have provided links to the performance reviews of all public schools in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
The Federal Outlook
Race to the Top Program - Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions & Executive Summary (U.S. Department Of Education). Summary of most important Federal Initiative and Policy around Education and the Guidelines States will use to seek support
A Blueprint for Reform (U.S. Department Of Education). Information of upcoming renewal of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act in 2011 (Adjustment of NCLB and continuation of Race to the Top)
Policy Resources
Teacher Rules, Roles and Rights Database (TR3) (National Council on Teacher Quality) Interactive website to find out the teacher hiring polices of your own district and state
The Widget Effect: Our National Failure to Recognize and Act on Differences in Teacher Effectiveness, (Weisberg, D., Sexton, S., Mulher, J. & Keeling, D., The New
Teacher Project) Excellent analysis of the problems of teacher evaluation and its repercussions
2010 State Teacher Policy Yearbook, (National Council on Teacher Quality). NCTQ provides a breakdown of statewide teacher policies and room for improvement in all 50 states.
Smart Options: Investing the Recovery Funds for Student Success (Coalition for Student Achievement). Recommendations to states and districts about to be effective with federal money, good follow up with race to the top information above.
Missed Opportunities: How We Keep High-Quality Teachers Out of Urban Classrooms. (Levin, J., & Quinn, M., The New Teacher Project). Highlights the inefficiencies of districts in recruiting and retaining quality teachers
Common Core, State Standards Initiative, About the Standards (Council of Chief State School Officers and National Governors Association Center for Best Practices). States are collaborating to create a common set of standards that prepare students for college and will be implemented in their state curricula.
The State of State Standards--and the Common Core--in 2010 (Fordham Institute) An analysis by the Fordham Institute of the Common Core standards and comparison with each state’s existing academic standards
State Outlook
State of Illinois Race to the Top: Application for Phase II Funding: PowerPoint Summary (Illinois State Board of Education) Summary of Illinois plans in regards to Race to Top Application
RACE TO THE TOP: Can Illinois Race to the Top? Yes, We Can! (Advance Illinois) Non-Profit Organization Summary of Illinois plans in regards to Race to Top Application and information in Spanish
Illinois SB 315 ANALYSIS (Illinois Association of School Boards) Summary of Illinois legislation passed in 2010 to be competitive for Race to the Top
Illinois HB 174 ANALYSIS (Illinois Association of School Boards) Summary of Illinois 2010 legislation that addresses funding gaps in education
Letter to Nate Schnellenberger, President of Indiana Teachers Association (Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Indiana Dept. of Education). Controversial letter detailing goals of Indiana department of education superintendent regarding top priorities for race to top application.
FAST FORWARD — Indiana’s Plan for Race to the Top (RttT): Executive Summary, (Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction). Executive Summary of Indiana's Original Fast Forward Plan, in response Race to the Top legislation
Wisconsin Race to the Top – State Plan Overview (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction). Summary of Wisconsin Initiatives in regards to trace to the top legislation.
Governor Doyle Signs Education Reform Bill (Office of Governor of Jim Doyle) Summary (from governor's office) of Wisconsin Education Bill passed in 2010
Analysis of Education Reform Proposal (MacIver Institute). Summary of bill relating to low-performing schools and school districts. SB 437 was introduced to improve Wisconsin’s chances of securing funds in President Obama’s Race To The Top initiative
Wisconsin Race Smarter Brief (Democrats for Education Reform, the Education Equality Project, and Education Reform Now). Policy Suggestions relating to Wisconsin Race to the Top Application
Learn About Your School
Indiana Annual School Performance Reports (Indiana Board of Education)
Wisconsin School Performance Report (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction)
Illinois State Board of Education E-Report Card, (Illinois State Board of Education)
