New study finds many suburban public schools are not as strong as parents think

CHICAGO (June 3, 2014) — New research to be released at an event hosted Wednesday by the Illinois Policy Institute and Pacific Research Institute finds that many suburban Illinois schools that are considered strong are actually underperforming.

The presentation will show that schools in suburban towns such as Plainfield, Waukegan, Downers Grove, Naperville and many other communities are not as good as parents think. Some suburban school districts have as many as 20 or more underperforming schools. At the event, Lance Izumi of the Pacific Research Institute and Ted Dabrowski of the Illinois Policy Institute will discuss which Illinois schools are underperforming according to an innovative new study.

The study found that 70 percent of suburban Illinois schools have at least one grade level that is underperforming. Many families move to the suburbs to give their children the best education possible, but new research shows these parents might not be getting the quality of education they expected. Izumi will discuss his new findings and why suburban parents should embrace school choice.

Below are the details for the event:

WHEN: 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesday, June 4

FEATURING: 
Lance Izumi, senior director of education studies, Pacific Research Institute
Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy, Illinois Policy Institute

WHERE: Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle St., Chicago

COST: Free, breakfast included

Event information can be found online here:

http://www.illinoispolicy.org/event/education-policy-breakfast/