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The Forum on the Future of Public Education

The Forum on the Future of Public Education strives to bring the best empirical evidence to policymakers and the public.

The Forum draws on a network of premier scholars to create, interpret, and disseminate credible information on key questions facing P-20 education. The Forum pursues original research and facilitates collaboration between researchers and policymakers to examine the pressing issues shaping the future of public education. Key constituencies of the Forum include scholars who influence research, policy and practice; policy makers and policy making bodies at all levels; members of the media who influence public opinion; foundations, organizations, business groups and others who support, criticize and advocate for reform; and citizens who make choices about education for themselves and their children.

America is witnessing a drastic redefinition of the policies and practices associated with “public education.” Too often, discussions around the future of public education are strong on passion but short on actual evidence. The Forum for the Future of Public Education is filing that gap by building a resource of objective, research-based insights on key educational issues. We are establishing an open venue- a true public forum to debate controversial and consequential policy issues that will shape American’s future.

Latest News

Wanted: Student Volunteers for Community Day Celebration

by the College of Education at Illinois / Sep 6, 2016

The College of Education at Illinois is seeking student volunteers for the Oct. 22 Community Day Celebration, which caps off the 2016 Youth Literature Festival. The festival, which brings together local and national authors, illustrators, poets, and storytellers, is sponsored by the College of Education, the University Library and numerous local supporters.

The Community Day Celebration, which is free and open to the public, is a family-oriented event that will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes author readings, book signings, puppet shows, live music, art displays and a variety of hands-on activities. Admission and parking are free.

Student volunteers are needed on Community Day to check in visitors and hand out info, serve as moderators for panel discussions, and monitor rooms prior to author presentations. Other volunteer opportunities include:

  • Keeping track of the number of people who attend the day's events
  • Monitoring author signing areas, book sales areas, and a lost and found area
  • Helping attendees with room directions
  • Assisting with the setting up and taking down of rooms for special activities
  • Helping with author/illustrator errands and general crowd control 

Volunteers can sign up for shifts of 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and noon to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Karla Moller at kjmoller@illinois.edu.