Illinois student proficiency up in 2023, but two-thirds still read below grade level
Illinois student proficiency up in 2023, but two-thirds still read below grade level
Illinois state education administrators celebrated academic progress in 2023, but student achievement is still behind where it was before COVID-19 hit. Chronic absenteeism remained high. Enrollment dropped again.
By Hannah Schmid
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s new attack on charter schools
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s new attack on charter schools
Chicago Public Schools’ decision to significantly shorten the number of years charter schools are allowed to operate before their charters are up for renewal is the latest Chicago Teachers Union effort to destroy public school choice.
By Paul Vallas
Democratic state lawmakers file bill extending school choice
Democratic state lawmakers file bill extending school choice
Chicago state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar filed a bill that would extend Invest in Kids scholarships through 2028 but would cut total tax credits by one-third and therefore the number of scholarships. Another bill would make the program permanent.
By Dylan Sharkey
Students at Illinois capitol to demand last-minute scholarship rescue
Students at Illinois capitol to demand last-minute scholarship rescue
Hundreds of students and school choice advocates were at the Illinois House chambers to let state representatives know they expect them to save the Invest in Kids Act for low-income students.
By Jess Plowman
Students filling Statehouse to save Illinois’ school choice program
Students filling Statehouse to save Illinois’ school choice program
The Illinois General Assembly was greeted back to Springfield by private school students pushing them to save the state scholarship program for low-income students. Thousands more are expected Oct. 25.
By Jess Plowman
Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships mostly go to Black, Hispanic students
Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships mostly go to Black, Hispanic students
Low-income students from across Illinois receive Invest in Kids scholarships, with the majority going to Black and Hispanic students.
By Mailee Smith
Pritzker says he would sign Invest in Kids extension
Pritzker says he would sign Invest in Kids extension
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would extend the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program if a bill reaches his desk. State lawmakers on Oct. 24 return to Springfield.
By Dylan Sharkey
April Colette
April Colette
“The teachers unions are basically playing hardline partisan politics when our children’s education is at stake."
Another poll finds Illinoisans strongly back school choice scholarships
Another poll finds Illinoisans strongly back school choice scholarships
Democrats’ pollster found Illinois voters strongly support Invest in Kids scholarships for low-income students. The results were similar to other polls, and again tell state lawmakers voters want them to save school choice.
By Dylan Sharkey
Most Invest in Kids scholarships go to families living on $49K or less for 4
Most Invest in Kids scholarships go to families living on $49K or less for 4
The majority of families who received scholarships from the Invest in Kids program in the 2022-2023 school year earned the equivalent of just $49,025 for a family of four. Over 25% were below the poverty line.
By Hannah Schmid
Why support Illinois school choice? Let them tell you.
Why support Illinois school choice? Let them tell you.
Hear from those involved in Illinois' only school choice program about why Invest in Kids matters and should be saved.
By Brad Weisenstein
4,000 low-income Chicago students on verge of losing scholarships
4,000 low-income Chicago students on verge of losing scholarships
Thousands of Chicagoans will soon have their scholarships cut off thanks to political pressure from the Chicago Teachers Union.
By Dylan Sharkey
What is the Invest in Kids scholarship program, and why it matters
What is the Invest in Kids scholarship program, and why it matters
Over 9,600 low-income students rely on the Invest in Kids scholarship program to attend schools that best fit their needs. Here’s what you need to know about the program and why it is important lawmakers extend the program this fall.
By Hannah Schmid