Blogs

Advocacy in Action: School Funding Approved by Senate

By Advocacy In Action posted 22 days ago
Be the first to like this.
                August 29, 2017 Spotlight on the Statehouse ALLIANCE LEGISLATIVE REPORT (100-43) - SCHOOL FUNDING APPROVED BY SENATE Today, the Illinois Senate approved Senate Bill 1947 , the school funding reform bill. Governor Bruce Rauner has vowed to quickly sign the bill into law, thus ending a long stalemate between the partisan caucuses and the two legislative chambers. The bill, which passed the Senate on a vote of 38-13-4, will be effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature. Both the Illinois ...
0 comments

Title II Advocacy

By Alison Maley posted 23 days ago
Be the first to like this.
The U.S. Senate will soon host appropriation committees and a markup of the education funding bill. As I’m sure you are aware, Title II funding is at serious risk. Nearly every district receives Title II funding to support the recruitment, preparation, development, and retention of excellent teachers and leaders, but the funding for Title II is in danger of being eliminated. The elimination—or significant reduction—of Title II funding would have drastic and negative impacts on teachers, school leaders, principals, and the students they serve. How to help: Send a message to Congress - Use this link to quickly send a message to your members of Congress ...
0 comments

It's The Little Things That Matter

By Bridget Belcastro posted 23 days ago
1 person like s this.
It’s the little things that matter. If you are an educator in Illinois, I am sure you are experiencing challenges with managing a building budget when one might not even exist. Our district has adopted austerity measures until the state passes a funding mechanism for the budget they passed in the summer. This derailed many of our plans to start the year. We had to find ways to get school started without our usual supplies.  We were on our last roll of laminating film (that alone sends shudders of horror down elementary teachers’ backs), we hadn’t ordered our new library books, no new PE equipment or art supplies. We also couldn’t renew some ...
0 comments

Taking Risks in a New School year

By Bridget Belcastro posted 08-21-2017
1 person like s this.
The title of this blog post isn't subtle. I have been wanting to begin writing a blog for a while now. While I feel like I have great professional conversations regularly, I wasn't sure that I could come up with engaging content regularly. But much of the professional reading I have been doing this summer has been reminding me that taking risks is an important part of growth. In chapter 4 of George Curos'  The Innovator's Mindset , he asks school leaders to to consider three questions.  1. Do people often ask me for permission or guidance? 2. Have I created an environment where risks are not only encouraged but expected? 3. How have I highlighted the great work ...
0 comments

Let's Get This Done

By Jason Leahy posted 08-11-2017
1 person like s this.
​Friends, During the first six or seven years of my tenure at the IPA (I have lost track), my wife Ashlee and I were either announcing the pregnancy or birth of one of our kids.  (Whew, I am glad that is over! :) This year, though, marks another kind of milestone for our family as all five of our kids now have the opportunity and privilege to attend school.  Next Wednesday, our youngest will join his older sister and three older brothers at Chatham schools.  As you might expect, our home has been filled with excitement and anticipation as we learn about who their teachers will be, collect supplies, and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.  ...
0 comments

Advocacy in Action: Senate Bill 1 Action Alert

By Advocacy In Action posted 08-10-2017
Be the first to like this.
                August 10, 2017 Spotlight on the Statehouse ACTION ALERT: CONTACT LEGISLATORS TO OVERRIDE VETO OF SENATE BILL 1 The Illinois Senate will return to Springfield on Sunday, August 13 while the House returns August 16. The chambers are expected to take action on Governor Rauner's Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 1. The AV of Senate Bill 1 does damage to schools and is contradictory to the premise of evidence-based funding to provide adequacy and equity in the following ways: Freezing school ...
0 comments

Front Porch Initiative My Story Project

By PrinciPal Connection posted 08-10-2017
Be the first to like this.
The following is a guest post from David LaFrance of the Front Porch Initiative: We all have a story. The  My Story  project from the  Front   Porch  Initiative is a resource to move our relationships forward and connect all students, staff, and families. Grow our true community. As an administrator and teacher I believe building relationships with our students and staff are essential for creating community and allowing meaningful learning to take place. Our students and staff were immediately on-board and wholeheartedly embraced the crafting and sharing of their life stories. The sharing time brought insightful conversations that embodied beginnings, challenges, ...
0 comments

A Principal's Critical Resource - Delegation

By Jason Leahy posted 06-16-2017
3 people like this.
​School leadership is not getting any easier. No mystery, right? Even the most seasoned principals are challenged by the complexities of the job and the time required to do it well. Teacher evaluations, learning standards, 21 st century skills, school discipline, restorative justice, etc., etc. layered on top of a myriad of managerial tasks and fires to put out keep you on your toes. However, do not lose sight of the importance of your work. You are engaged in the highest of callings with the opportunity to influence so many. Never doubt that your work matters. Your leadership matters. YOU MATTER!   To help you keep a handle on what you are responsible ...
0 comments

Advancing the Illinois Early Childhood Education Workforce: A Model College and Career Pathway

By PrinciPal Connection posted 06-01-2017
Be the first to like this.
The following is the executive summary from Advancing the Illinois Education Research Council report "Illinois Early Childhood Education Workforce: A Model College and Career Pathway" The early childhood educator workforce has widely ranging credentials and degrees, qualifications and compensation, typically varying by setting. Yet, there is a national call for aligning and strengthening requirements for preparation of the early childhood workforce to ensure that young children thrive and reach their potential at each stage in their development. This policy brief, Advancing the Illinois Early Childhood Education Workforce: A Model College and Career Pathway, ...
0 comments

Coffee. Connections. Conversations: How To Host A #CoffeeEDU Event

By Amanda Ellis posted 06-01-2017
Be the first to like this.
Not too long ago, I read a blog post about creating informal opportunities for educators to come together to discuss topics related to teaching and learning through the concept of a #CoffeeEDU . Aligned to the idea of an EdCamp/Uncoference, the goal of a #CoffeeEDU is to provide impromptu and conversational learning opportunities in a short amount of time. #CoffeeEDU events are limited to 1 hour. I set out with the support of our district 1:1 Professional Learning sub-committee to launch our first #CoffeeEDU. Creating a plan for a #CoffeeEDU event is as easy as: Setting a date and time Establishing a location Communicating and sharing the event ...
0 comments

Enhancing Education for African American Children

By PrinciPal Connection posted 05-11-2017
1 person like s this.
This is reposted from the NATIONAL FORUM OF TEACHER EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL, VOLUME 27, NUMBER 3, 2017 Enhancing Education for African American Children Dr. David E. Bartz Professor Emeritus College of Education & Professional Studies Department of Educational Leadership Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL Eastern Illinois University Dr. Patrick Rice Illinois Association of School Boards Abstract The United States is in a crisis regarding the ineffectiveness of PreK-12 education for African American children. Principals play a key role in alleviating this crisis through culturally responsive school leadership ...
0 comments

Advocacy in Action: Take Action on School Arrest Bill

By Advocacy In Action posted 05-11-2017
Be the first to like this.
                May 8, 2017 Spotlight on the Statehouse ALLIANCE LEGISLATIVE REPORT (100-17): TALKS CONTINUE ON BUDGET, FUNDING FORMULA Serious discussions on a State budget and school funding formula changes were prevalent this week in the Capitol – some in public and some in private. With the Senate in session, most of the activity was in that chamber. The House of Representatives was not in session this week. Leadership and budget negotiators were reportedly meeting privately this week to try ...
0 comments

Release of ISBE-provided April SAT® School Day Student Scores

By PrinciPal Connection posted 05-09-2017
Be the first to like this.
 The following is a message from The College Board SAT scores from the ISBE-provided April SAT® School Day administration will be available to students and educators through the College Board Reporting Portal beginning May 2017. The Portal will update as scores are released. Scores for students who submitted a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form will not be available in the Portal. Please contact College Board at 1-888-728-4357 if you have questions about SAT data posted in the Portal. Separately, ISBE is scheduled to provide SAT scores from the ISBE-provided April SAT® School Day administration in its Student Information System (SIS) on July 10, 2017, for ...
0 comments

Interested in Offering Dual Credit or Getting Your Teachers Qualified to Teach Dual Credit?

By PrinciPal Connection posted 05-08-2017
Be the first to like this.
This is Guest Post from the Illinois Board of Higher Education If your school is interested in offering dual credit coursework with a partner institution, it is important to be aware of some changes that have occurred over the past several years.  In 2010, the Dual Credit Quality Act was passed by the legislature, and then in October 2015, the 23 Illinois Administrative Code 1009 was formally passed.  The Dual Credit Quality Act was enacted to accomplish the following to: Reduce college costs Speed time to degree completion. Improve curriculum for high school students and the alignment of the curriculum with college and workplace expectations. ...
0 comments

Teacher Evaluator Retraining

By Legally Speaking posted 04-26-2017
Be the first to like this.
Teacher evaluators who have taken the initial evaluator training ( Growth Through Learning modules ) must complete retraining “once within the next [license] renewal cycle” and then every subsequent renewal cycle. Retraining will be offered through the Administrator’s Academy process. Specifically, two academies are required to meet the retraining requirement: one Academy on teacher practice, and one Academy on student growth. The retraining Academies can be taken at any time during an individual’s licensure cycle and can be taken in any order. The retraining Academies also count as an individual’s required Academy for the year. The attached chart, which ...
0 comments

Advocacy in Action: ILGA Spring Break

By Advocacy In Action posted 04-12-2017
Be the first to like this.
     April 10, 2017 Action Alerts - Title II Funding & School Arrest Legislation TITLE II FUNDING It is critical that you contact your congressional representatives to let them know that you oppose President Trump's budget proposal and tell them to support funding for Title II, Part A of ESSA. ACTION:  Send a message  to your members of Congress today ACTION: Share stories of how Title II dollars are used in your district with Kelly Pollitt at kpollitt@naesp.org  and  alison@ilprincipals.org .  STUDENT ARREST LEGISLATION Senate Bill 704 prohibits student arrests ...
0 comments

Advocacy in Action: Vision 20/20 Ed Funding Plan Moving

By Advocacy In Action posted 04-05-2017
Be the first to like this.
April 3, 2017 Advocacy Alert - Title II Funding Eliminated in Trump Budget It is critical that you contact your congressional representatives to let them know that you oppose President Trump's budget proposal and tell them to support funding for Title II, Part A of ESSA. ACTION: Send a message to your members of Congress today Urge your legislator to stand with America's students and educators by negotiating a spending package that funds Title II, Part A at no less than $2.295 billion, ...
0 comments

School Arrest Limitations

By Advocacy In Action posted 03-28-2017
Be the first to like this.
March 6, 2017 School Arrest Limitations Legislation has been filed this year to limit school-based arrests for offenses that occur on school grounds, during school hours, in school vehicles, or at school activities or sanctioned events (including field trips), with few exceptions. SB 704 and HB 1779 restrict the ability of school officials and law enforcement to protect children and ensure a safe learning environment. The legislation allows students to commit multiple misdemeanors without ...
0 comments

Improving Student Outcomes with Afterschool-School Day Partnerships: Examples of What School Leadership Can Do

By PrinciPal Connection posted 02-27-2017
Be the first to like this.
The following is a guest blog post by Susan Stanton of ACT Now Network Students benefit when their afterschool providers coordinate with their school day teachers and administrators. Connections between the school day and afterschool help to increase curricular alignment, reinforce behavior expectations, and increase partnerships with parents and families. School leadership is an integral part of making these partnerships work. The following are two excellent examples of school leadership and afterschool program partnerships in action in Illinois. Neponset Grade School At Neponset Grade School, Site Coordinator Patrick Peach and Principal Dena Hodge-Bates ...
0 comments

Building Trust with Parents

By Charley Cass posted 02-21-2017
Be the first to like this.
I commented to a colleague this weekend that I could write a best seller based on Friday's events alone. It was surely one of those days. Every situation was an indication of everything that's is wrong with schools and society. It took quite a while to digest and reflect upon how the wheels fall off and why can't these bad days being prevented. The truth is it's like being a fireman. Sometimes there are boring days and sometimes you work 14 hours without taking your gear off. I try not to complain and keep on moving. I once heard someone say that we shouldn't pray for a smaller load, we should pray for a stronger back. This is definitely true in education. ...
0 comments