Resources for Parents and Community Members

The GEAR-UP program helps low-income and minority students prepare to succeed in higher education.

Educational opportunities and issues for Hispanics

The Interactive Illinois Report Card (IIRC) created at NIU provides educators and community members easy-to-use and easy-to-understand access to student and school performance data.

Learning First Alliance has developed action plans to improve student performance that engage all sectors of the education system.

No Child Left Behind information is available from Illinois State Board of Education and the U.S. Department of Education

Parents Homework Guide in English

Parents Homework Guide in Spanish

Resources on General P-20 Topics

"A 2020 Vision for the University of Illinois : P-16 and Beyond"

American Diploma Project identified rigorous new benchmarks for high school graduation

The Bridge Project : Betraying the College Dream: How Disconnected K-12 and Postsecondary Education Systems Undermine Student Aspirations"

Understanding University Success  describes foundational skills and content standards in English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, second languages and the arts required for success in entry-level university courses. More than 400 faculty at 20 research institutions worked on the project, which was funded by AAU and the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pathways to College: Tools for dealing with transition issues

The Neglected 'R'  establishes the need for a "writing revolution" to address the unacceptable state of writing competencies. This report from the National Commission on Writing in America's Schools and Colleges addresses the implications of the "Neglected R" at all levels, P-20, in teacher certification and professional development, general education, and undergraduate education in all disciplines -- as well as the potential demands for resources, technology, and assessment.

Education Committee of the States website contains access to an extensive collection of publications on a wide variety of P-20 issues

Education Trust article on forming local K-16 councils

State Higher Education Executive Officers Broad view of P-16 issues

P-20 Resources for Educators and Researchers

Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) strongly supports collaboration across universities and partnerships with colleges and schools.

Engineering Grants Useful information for grants involving Engineering in K-12

Illinois Education Research Council

David Imig, “No Teacher Left Behind: Advancing Student Learning”

Institute for Education Leadership offers high quality publications and links

ISBE Illinois Teacher Preparation, Certification, and Certificate Renewal

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) requires well-developed partnerships.

National Commission on Teaching and America 's Future

Wisconsin Education Research Center does basic and applied research on a wide range of topics, including projects in Illinois .

Resources on Illinois Standards, Assessment, and Accountability

Illinois Learning Standards The Illinois Learning Standards, performance descriptors, and classroom assessments are on the ISBE website. http://www.isbe.net/ils

General information on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) including grades and subjects tested, test dates, statewide results, interactive test sample questions, sample student work, teacher's guides and other information.

General information on the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) including grade and subjects tested, test dates, statewide results, interactive test sample questions, teacher's handbook, parent brochure and more.