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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

Alumna Shalonda Carr a finalist for national award

by the College of Education at Illinois / Jan 17, 2017

Shalonda Carr Ed.M. ’06 C&I, a teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and a cooperating teacher of the College of Education, has been selected as a state finalist for the 2015-2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. The award is known as the highest national recognition teachers of math and science can receive.

Carr said in an article on the Urbana School District 116 website that the honor is “humbling and exciting.” She went on to say:

“My ability to reflect on my science instruction and the choices I make to support my students’ growth in inquiry based learning grew during this process. I am looking forward to meeting other finalists and awardees to continue my growth as a science teacher.”