5 solutions for Illinois schools to fight literacy crisis

By Hannah Schmid

01/08/2025

The first three years of elementary school are critical in building reading skills so a student succeeds in school and life. Illinois lawmakers can push five proven literacy reforms to give the state’s students a better start.

TAGS: literacy, public schools

5 ways Illinois can learn from Colorado’s ‘blue state’ literacy reforms

By Hannah Schmid

12/25/2024

Colorado lawmakers passed an act in 2012 to focus on early literacy development and the science of reading. Its fourth graders are now in the Top 5 states for reading proficiency. Illinois can benefit from adopting five of their tactics.

TAGS: literacy, public schools

What Illinois can learn from Florida’s emphasis on early literacy

By Hannah Schmid

11/21/2024

Florida state lawmakers began mandating science-based literacy education in the early 2000s. It improved reading proficiency among early grades and cemented Florida as a leader in early literacy education. Illinois should do the same.

TAGS: Florida, literacy

Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly

Report Archive

Kelsey Olson

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students