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ILLINOIS KIDS COUNT 2009
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Educational disparities persist across Illinois, particularly with respect to school resources and student achievements. The "Illinois Kids Count 2009" data book examines the educational well-being of children in the state, presenting data for student, school and family-community characteristics. At every level, we note demographic and geographic disparities and inequities. The book also offers essays by prominent academics and education leaders that assess policies and propose solutions.
INTRODUCTION
"We Are All Responsible for Our Children's Education" by Jerry Stermer
STUDENTS
Characteristics
Data: Public school enrollment demographics; charter school and non-public enrollment; low-income and Limited-English-Proficient enrollment; preschool and prekindergarten enrollment; special education enrollment; higher education enrollment
Essays: "Incorporating Children's Diverse Experiences into the Classroom" by Luisiana Meléndez, Ph.D.; "SEL: A Solid Financial and Personal Investment for Illinois" by Colette Lueck; "Matching Young Adolescents to Middle-Grade Schools" by Peter Mulhall, Ph.D.
Health
Data: Children's health insurance coverage; school health center enrollment; student immunization; student participation in school breakfast and lunch programs
Higher Education
Data: Degrees conferred; retention rate; enrollment transfers
Essay: "Rewriting Education Destiny: P-20 Partnerships Key to Closing Achievement Gap" by Judy Erwin
Out-of-School Time
Data: Before- and after-school program participants; students in structured activities; access to computers; computer usage by students
Essay: "Building Bridges: A Systems Approach to School and Beyond" by Mary Ellen Caron, Ph.D., and James Chesire
SCHOOLS
Early Childhood Education
Data: Child care capacity; Early Intervention program; Early Childhood Prevention Initiative program and participants; Head Start, preschool and prekindergarten programs and participants
Standards, Assessment and Accountability
Data: ISAT, PSAE, NAEP and ACT scores; Advanced Placement exams; school Adequate Yearly Progress; graduation rates
Essays: "Supportive School Environments Improve Student Performance, Chances of Graduating" by Elaine Allensworth, Ph.D.; "Reflections on Standards, Assessment, Accountability and NCLB" by Glenn W. "Max" McGee, Ph.D.
Teachers and School Leaders
Data: Teacher demographics; teacher experience; certificates issued; teacher and administrator salary; workforce shortage
Essays: "How Teacher Quality Contributes to Student Achievement" by Bradford White and Kathleen Sullivan Brown, Ph.D.
School Structure *
Data: Public school district enrollment; charter schools; average class size; pupil-teacher ratio; attendance, truancy, mobility and expulsion/suspension rates
Essays: "Incubators for Educational Breakthroughs" by Elizabeth Evans
Education Funding
Data: State and local revenue sources; property taxes and wealth; funding for elementary, high school and unit districts; state general funds
Essay: "Quality Education for All" by David Thigpen and Sharon Jones
FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Data: Family demographics; family poverty; median family income; unemployment rates; educational attainment; occupation; teen births; state crime rates
Essays: "Parent Involvement Makes a Difference" by Lina Cramer; "The Most Fundamental Issue for Our Nation" by Edward B. Rust Jr.
CONCLUDING ESSAY
"Making Strides Toward a Better Education System" by Christopher Koch, Ph.D.
Definitions and Acknowledgments
* CORRECTION NOTICE: Voices learned there were errors on page 54 of the Illinois Kids Count 2009 data dook. We encourage readers to download a copy of the revised table. Voices apologizes for the error.
