The Forum Newsletter (Vol. 1, Fall 2024)

The first Future of Illinois Education event focused on education policy in the Education and Workforce Equity Act (Public Act 101-0654). The bill was first sponsored by Senator Kimberly Lightford and Representative Carol Ammons with the support of the Illinois Black Caucus. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the act into law in 2021. Free and open to the public, the event was held on Thursday, March 28, at the I Hotel and Conference Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

Asif Wilson

Understanding Racial Equity, 
Healing and Justice

As a member of the Inclusive American History Commission and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Asif Wilson elaborated on how Public Act 101-0654 built on the work of Black women who have made historic and lasting impacts in education policy. He discussed how the school code made changes to revise the State Board of Education's Learning Standards for Social Science, to establish an Inclusive American History Commission and add a Black History unit of instruction. Dr. Wilson’s report recommended high-quality professional learning, long-term commitments to ensure inclusive and equitable social science, and continued and sustained support.

	Paul Bruno

Evaluating Computer Science 
and Funding

Dr. Paul Bruno, an assistant professor and education researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focused on two components of the bill that are impacting Illinois schools. First, beginning with this school year, the bill requires that school districts offer high school students the opportunity to take what the state considers a rigorous computer science course. Bruno indicated that it is too early to know how districts will implement this requirement or whether students will benefit. However, there likely will be challenges associated with finding teachers, making space in the curriculum, and ensuring equitable opportunities for students of different backgrounds.

	Janiece Jackson

The Philip Jackson Freedom School Grant

As the Superintendent of Lindop School District 92, Dr. Janiece Jackson spoke about the immediate impact the Education and Workforce Equity Act had on programming. Specifically, Dr. Jackson focused on the Illinois legislators who made educational history when they passed the Phillip Jackson Freedom Schools Grant ($17 Million) as part of the omnibus education bill from 2021. Legislators named the Phillip Jackson Freedom Schools Grant after the Chicago-based activist.

The second Future of Illinois Education event focused on remembering the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. It was titled “A Forum on the Future of Public Education: Finishing the Unfinished Business of Brown v. Board of Education.” This forum was held on May 17, 2024 (the precise date the decision was handed down 70 years ago in 1954). The event was organized in concert with the Office of the Chancellor, as this forum was the first installment of the university-wide series that commemorates the Brown decision during 2024.