Education Reform Act of 1985
Over the past several decades, Illinois family farms have experienced a revolution of sorts, steadily growing in acreage as they also become more specialized. One result of this trend has been a steady depopulation of many of the state’s small towns and rural areas; which in turn has led to the need to reorganize or consolidate school districts. Few things are more traumatic for otherwise vibrant communities than losing a piece of their identity when a cherished school is closed. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library volunteer Philip Pogue, himself a career educator, has chronicled that story in an important collection of interviews conducted in 2010 and 2012. Illinois schools continue to evolve. For the 2017-2018 school year, Illinois will have 851 Public School Districts (368 Elementary, 97 Secondary, and 386 Unit). This includes 2 Cooperative High Schools. This past year there were 2 successful Reorganizations. One used the Consolidation method; while the other created a Cooperative High School from the two independent public school districts.
Interviews
Allan, Dr. Peggy
Former state Teacher of the Year discusses the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Anderson, Dr. Richard
Center for the Study of Reading director discusses programs since 1985 Reform Act
Anderson, Jo
A labor union and Department of Education perspective of the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Baker, Paul
IL State University professor discusses Educational Reform Act of 1985
Bentz, Dr. Susan
State Board of Education employee discusses the 1985 Education Reform Act
Bertino-Tarrant, Senator Jennifer
Reflections on 1985 Educational Reform Act from career educator and State Senator
Currie, Barbara Flynn
Illinois legislator's involvement with the Educational Reform Act of 1985
Daiber, Dr. Robert
Regional Superintendent of Madison County discusses 1985 Educational Reform Act
Eagle, Dr. Sherry R.
Senior administration at Aurora U. Institute for Collaboration discusses STEM education
Hodel, Ross
Career educator discusses his involvement with the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Hoesley, John
Graduate of IL Math Science Academy discusses the school's early years
Kerins, Tom
Career educator discusses state learning goals and the IL State Assessment Program
Lampard, Carol
Democratic Caucus staff member's memories of Educational Reform Act of 1985
Lightford, Senator Kimberly
Illinois State Senator discusses the legacy of the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Llano, Frank J.
Educational reform from the perspective of Gov. Thompson's Education staff and State Board of Education
Marshall, Dr. Stephanie
First President of the IL Math Science Academy discusses its creation and development
Morrison, Dr. Susie
State Board of Education and North Central Director discusses the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Pancrazio, Dr. Sally
IL Department of Education official discusses implementation of 1985 Educational Reform Act
Perkins, Dr. John
Dr. Perkins, former Educational Service Center Director, State Board of Education, and District Superintendent, discusses impact of 1985 Educatinal Reform Act
Sanders, Dr.Ted
Former Illinois State Superintendent discusses the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Seidner, Maria
Discussion with the former Illinois State Board of Education Bilingual Director
Shea, Dr. Susan
Dr. Shea, (State Board of Education and Illinois Education Association) gives an administrator's perspective of the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Taenzer, Sandra
Discussion of early childhood programs in Illinois following 1985 Educational Reform Act
Turek, Joe
State Board of Education employee discusses the implementation of the Educational Reform Act of 1985
Turner, Dr. David
High School principal and Executive Director of the IL Principals Association
Villano, Kathleen
Discussion on early childhood education following 1985 Reform Act
Weinstein, Adela
Bilingual education in Illinois since the 1985 Educational Reform Act
Wharton, Dr. Lyndon
1985 Educational Reform Act from the perspective of the IL Department of Education
Wood, Roycealee J.
Regional Superintendent of Schools for Lake County discusses Educational Reform Act