"This law is another strong signal to Washington that a top-notch education for all Illinois students is our foremost priority," said Governor Quinn. "Rigorous teacher and principal evaluations will make our education system the best it can be, while ensuring Illinois is at the head of the class when it comes to winning those important federal 'Race to the Top' funds."

Senate Bill 315, sponsored by Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), requires every school district to incorporate student performance as a significant factor in teacher and principal evaluations. The new law requires districts to work with its local teachers' union to meet the new requirements.

More than 350 school districts, representing more than 70 percent of Illinois' students, have agreed to make student performance at least 50 percent of evaluation criteria if Illinois receives "Race to the Top" funds.

Under the legislation, Chicago Public Schools and dozens of other districts will begin using the new teacher evaluations in 2012, with full statewide implementation by 2016. All districts will implement the new principal evaluations in 2012. If the state wins "Race to the Top funds," the timeline would be greatly accelerated with most districts implementing the evaluations in 2012.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 616, sponsored by Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), which allows non-profit organizations, such as Teach for America, to offer alternative certification programs independent from institutions of higher education. This allows the state to increase the number of high-quality training programs for teachers and principals, a priority established by the U.S. Department of Education. The non-profit programs will be required to undergo the same rigorous approval process as higher education institutions.

These bills represent a four-month effort by the Governor's Office, the Illinois State Board of Education, the two major teachers' unions, civic and business leaders, advocates, management groups and legislators from both parties.

"Race to the Top" is a $4.35 billion competitive federal grant process focused on innovative approaches to education. Illinois could receive up to $500 million in discretionary funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Applications are due January 19.

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Joins Rep. Yarbrough to Advocate for Crime Prevention Efforts

CHICAGO - October 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today joined parents, lawmakers and neighborhood activists to stress the need for more anti-violence programs for youths and to highlight the positive influence such efforts have on the community. Governor Quinn was joined by Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), who has been a strong voice in the Illinois General Assembly for violence-prevention programs.

"I'm proud to join staunch advocates like Rep. Yarbrough who are working to confront violence in our neighborhoods," said Governor Quinn. "We must continue to support programs that strengthen our communities and provide our children with alternatives to risky behavior."

As Chairwoman of the Public Safety Appropriations Committee, Rep. Yarbrough has fought for increased funding for violence prevention throughout Cook County and Illinois. Rep. Yarbrough is also among the first to recognize the value of early intervention programs, which use trained mediators to diffuse tense situations before they become deadly.

"Young people who see violence every day need prevention programs and caseworkers to show them that it's not worth getting mixed up with gangs," said Rep. Yarbrough. "These programs help youth get back on the right track by providing new ways to resolve conflicts."

Last month, Governor Quinn announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services will receive nearly $4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant funding. This funding will support evidence-based programs that help reduce community violence. Programs that will receive the funding include those that focus on child welfare, youth violence prevention and juvenile delinquency prevention and reduction programs.

Governor Quinn was also joined today by Hon. Henderson Yarbrough, Mayor of the Village of Maywood; Gary Slutkin, Executive Director of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention and CeaseFire; Barbara Cole, Director of Maywood Youth Mentoring; Rev. Marvin E. Wiley, Senior Pastor at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church; Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero); Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago); Rep. Deborah Graham (D-Chicago); Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago); Rep. Esther Golar (D-Chicago); and Rep. Robert Rita (D-Crestwood).

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