Advance Illinois
Advance Illinois is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes through policy, research, and advocacy, focusing on equitable access to high-quality education across over 850 school districts in Illinois.
Services
Advance Illinois works on policy, research, and advocacy to improve educational outcomes. The organization aims to address systemic inequities in over 850 school districts in Illinois. It operates a Research Hub that publishes reports and data, provides policy analysis, and engages in extensive advocacy work. Key focus areas include Early Childhood Education & Care, Higher Education, Equitable Funding & Resources, Strong & Diverse Educator Pipeline, Engaged Families & Whole Student Supports, Data, Assessments & Accountability, and Standards, Rigor & Strong Transitions.
History
Advance Illinois has been operational for 15 years, recently celebrating its 15th anniversary. The organization has consistently worked towards building an education system that supports the whole child from the earliest years through adulthood. Over the years, it has been involved in the development of significant educational policies and frameworks such as the Evidence-Based Funding formula for Illinois schools. Additionally, Advance Illinois has played a pivotal role in the Illinois P-20 Council and the creation of the Illinois Report Card.
Key Focus Areas
Advance Illinois has several key areas of focus to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students in Illinois. These areas include Early Childhood Education & Care, Higher Education, Equitable Funding & Resources, a Strong & Diverse Educator Pipeline, Engaged Families & Whole Student Supports, Data, Assessments & Accountability, and Standards, Rigor & Strong Transitions. Each focus area is designed to address specific challenges and opportunities within the Illinois education system to drive systemic change and improvement.
Advocacy and Policy
Advance Illinois is committed to driving systemic change in the education system through robust policy and advocacy efforts. The organization advocates for increased state funding for education through the Evidence-Based Funding formula and works on improving policies related to educator recruitment, preparation, mentoring, and retention. It is also involved in the Illinois Education and Career Success Network and the Illinois P-20 Council. Additionally, its publications on the impact of COVID-19 on education illustrate the organization's commitment to timely and relevant advocacy.
Research and Data
Advance Illinois operates a Research Hub that publishes reports and data on various educational topics. The organization has published several reports on the state of the educator pipeline in Illinois, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. It has also been involved in developing the Illinois Report Card, which provides data on school performance. Through continuous data collection and analysis, Advance Illinois supports accountability and enables improvements within the education system. Recent publications include reports on the impact of COVID-19 on education in Illinois.