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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.

SOAR after-school program recruiting volunteer tutors for Spring 2018

Jan 17, 2018, 09:30 by Maria Lang (mglang2@illinois.edu)
SOAR: Student Opportunities for After-School Resources (SOAR) on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus is seeking volunteers to assist at International Prep Academy in Champaign.

SOAR program (Student Opportunities for After-School Resources) SOAR: Student Opportunities for After-School Resources

1605 W. Kirby Ave.
Champaign, IL (International Prep Academy) 

Primary Contact: María Lang, Program Coordinator
Email: mglang2@illinois.edu Ph. 956-535-1459 

SOAR: Student Opportunities for After-School Resources is a partnership between the University of Illinois and the International Prep Academy (IPA) in Champaign. The program provides after-school enrichment for Latina/o bilingual youth. Children in grades 2-5 benefit from tutoring in reading and homework followed by social activities. The program is part of a growing national trend for dual language instruction in schools. Instruction in two languages has value for both emergent bilinguals and those fluent in English. The goal of dual language instruction is to promote positive cross-cultural understanding, bilingualism and biliteracy at a time when knowledge of language and culture confers power. SOAR is one of several programs available through the Center for Education in Small Urban Communities. The Center is an outreach arm in the College of Education. 

Opportunities for U of I students include:

One-to-One Tutoring. SOAR tutoring is scheduled for TWR from 2:00-3:15, with time for reading, homework assistance, and social activities with the children. Illinois students are paired with the same child for the semester and may choose to volunteer more than one day per week. Spanish-speaking skills are not necessary in order to participate. Tutors will need to complete a background check through the Champaign School District the third week of classes. The SOAR program coordinator will provide the clearance form for the tutors. This opportunity is especially interesting to Illinois students who want to gain cross-cultural awareness and relationship skills.

U of I students who would like to tutor with SOAR need to commit by January 29.