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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

Celebrating the life of Dick Williams (1914-2016)

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

Dick Williams
The Illinois School of Architecture will hold a gathering in Chicago to celebrate the life of former architecture professor A. Richard "Dick" Williams, who passed away on May 27 in Tucson, Ariz.


Friday, Nov. 4
5-7 p.m.
Chicago Studio of the Santa Fe Building (224 S. Michigan Ave.)

Williams graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1936 and later joined the architecture faculty at Illinois. One accomplishment during his long career—among many—was designing the College of Education building, which earned him a prestigious American Institute of Architects award. During his time on campus, Williams made a positive difference in the lives of countless students, colleagues, and friends.

Email Gail Rost at gailrost@illinois.edu with inquiries about the gathering.

Learn more about the life of Williams and view a video from 2014 in which he reflects on his journey.