Gov. Blagojevich establishes Illinois Parent Leadership Council

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed an executive order creating the Illinois Parent Leadership Council to advise the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on encouraging parental involvement in children's education. Research shows that children with involved parents have higher rates of success in many aspects of their education including higher test scores and grades, better attendance, improved social skills, and elevated rates of graduation. As part of the Governor's 2006 education plan, the Parent Leadership Council is an intricate part of an overall strategy to continue reforming and improving schools.

 

"Kids are far more likely to thrive when their parents are interested and involved in their education," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "So it's imperative for us to look for the best ways to get parents on board and fully informed about how their children are doing in school and how they can support their children's learning. The Illinois Parent Leadership Council will fill the gap between teachers, the state, and parents, making sure all parties are on the same page."

 

Earlier this week, the Appleseed Foundation published a report that found a continuing lack of parental engagement.  The study found that schools and districts do not prioritize parental involvement and that it is important for schools and parents to communicate on issues affecting student achievement.

 

"Parents have a very important part to play in supporting teaching and learning.  When parents are involved it builds a strong foundation of support for education," said Jesse Ruiz, Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education.  "By getting parents, students and educators working together we can surround our kids with a positive learning environment focused on long-term success."

 

"As an educator I have seen first-hand what a positive difference parental involvement can make," said Randy Dunn, State Superintendent of Education. "This council will look at the best ways to get teachers and parents working together on a common goal of helping kids learn."

 

In addition to leading Illinois parents, the Council will determine the best practices for parent involvement and advise ISBE on resources and materials needed to implement them statewide. The Council will also submit an annual report to the Office of the Governor including their findings and recommendations.

 

Earlier this year the Governor signed Senate Bill 10 (Public Act 94-0507), sponsored by Senator Miguel del Valle, and created the Parental Participation Pilot Project and Project Fund.  The current fiscal year budget includes a $100,000 appropriation for ISBE to offer grants to schools for their efforts to improve parental participation. 

 

Building on the work of the previous four budgets and legislative sessions, which saw more than $3.8 billion in new funds invested in Illinois schools, the creation of universal preschool in Illinois, and raising graduation standards to require students to take more reading, writing, math and science, Governor Rod Blagojevich's 2006 education plan includes the follow initiatives:

 

·                   Implementing full day kindergarten and universal preschool;

·                   Funding new school construction;

·                   Helping school districts regularly replace outdated textbooks;

·                   Extending the school year for underachieving schools;

·                   Funding after-school tutoring for students that need extra help;

·                   Helping schools afford special education teachers;

·                   Encouraging school district consolidation;

·                   Offering mentoring programs for principals and superintendents;

·                   Helping schools afford new technology;

·                   Improving school libraries;

·                   Updating Career and Technical Education curriculums; and

·                   Reducing school district administrative costs.

 

The appointees to the Parent Leadership Council are as follows: