Urges districts to better prepare students for college math, careers

SPRINGFIELD - May 23, 2013. As the state's point person on education reform, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and the Illinois State Board of Education today released the state's first 6th-12th grade math curriculum and urged middle and high schools statewide to implement the new courses beginning this fall.

The new curriculum package aims to reduce remedial math needs for college-bound students and improve career readiness for those going into the workforce. In 2012, 58 percent of Illinois high school graduates failed to meet the math college readiness benchmark, according to the ACT. Research shows when students enroll in remedial math courses at college, they are more likely to drop out or graduate late.

To make sure Illinois students are better prepared for college-level math and careers, Simon worked with ISBE last year to pass Senate Bill 3244 and launch the Math Curriculum Task Force to design the first-ever statewide math curriculum units. The units outline teaching techniques aligned with Common Core standards, providing educators a better road map for math instruction than ever before.

"We want to put all middle and high school students on a track for success," Simon said. "Colleges and employers expect our students to have certain skills, but find too many students unprepared. The tools we released should help educators better prepare students to compete in the global marketplace."

Illinois adopted the Common Core standards in 2010. But how to implement or teach to those standards has been up to districts. Many rely on textbook companies to dictate curriculum not necessarily aligned to standards, while others can invest in curriculum directors to assist teachers.

The state-designed curriculum units, and soon-to-come lesson plans, provide new, high-quality tools that are aligned with the Common Core and can be adapted as needed to meet each classroom's needs. Simon said this should help level the playing field for districts with fewer resources.

"This is not an unfunded mandate," Simon said. "We are giving teachers, schools and districts an extra resource to incorporate within their classrooms in a way that is most beneficial to the students."

In all, 24 middle and 28 high school unit outlines were developed, with major changes in high school curriculum. Currently, high school math progresses annually from one content area to the next - Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II. The new model introduces integrated high school math courses - Math I, II and III - which each teach elements of algebra, geometry and statistics at each grade level.

Although four years of math are not required to graduate from high school in Illinois, the new model also includes content recommendations for senior year courses. The fourth-year options include career and technical education courses and dual credit coursework offered in conjunction with a local community college or university. These can help better prepare students for college-level math or the workforce.

Schools can opt to follow the state-recommended scope and sequence of math study in part or whole, or continue to follow local curricula. Analysis of the models' effect will be completed within four years.

"These math curriculum models can help districts continue to implement the more rigorous Illinois Learning Standards in the coming year," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. "Our new learning standards emphasize a holistic approach and ensure that students truly master math concepts and can apply them in their jobs and everyday life."

ISBE has decided to go beyond its statutory charge and develop lesson plans to correspond with the proposed math curricula, as well as develop math curriculum units for elementary schools. The additional materials will be available in the fall.

"The units structure the way a topic should be approached and allow a common ground for all teachers to teach their grade level," said Tai Williford, an 8th grade math teacher from Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago. "You can see the progression from one topic to the next and one grade level to the next. Using these units has been great for me and my colleagues because we know what we need the end result to be and we can discuss how to get our students there based on their current standings."

For more information about the model curricula, click here.

In response to passage of the Conference Committee report on education reform

DES MOINES, IA (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Education Association is pleased a compromise has been reached on the education reform package. We know there are pieces in the bill that will benefit Iowa's students and public schools tremendously. Allowable Growth is now set for the next two years giving school districts a reliable and stable budget stream to plan for class sizes, course offerings, and school technology. The Iowa Early Intervention Block Grant means that K-3 students will continue to receive essential learning tools that are needed to enhance and improve their chances for a good beginning in school; Home Rule was defeated which could have hindered our ability to maintain a statewide standard of excellence; the teacher leadership pathways will enhance the roles of educators in our schools; and the Legislature has provided an opportunity for educators to be involved in studying our evaluation system and recommending improvements.

While there are disappointing portions of the bill, overall we are pleased with the outcome. At the end of the day, this funds our schools and provides educators a voice in their profession.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

ALLIANCE, OH (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Courtney Wachal of Bettendorf, IA, a French major, received The John O. Rouse International Travel Prize at the University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation on April 23, 2013.

The University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation recognizes graduating seniors and underclassman students who have excelled academically, displayed excellent leadership skills and shown dedication to the University and community through outstanding community service initiatives.

Awards were presented to deserving students, ranging from general to discipline-specific.

About the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year private institution that has a liberal arts tradition. The University is located in Alliance, OH, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Mount Union offers many different programs and career specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Ranked as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the University is committed to providing a student centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu.

DANVILLE , IL (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Kayla Blackburn, a resident of Taylor Ridge, IL, was among 26 students recently recognized as a new member of the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society.

Blackburn is a 2007 graduate of Rockridge High School and a 2011 graduate of Monmouth College. She is the daughter of Beth Blackburn of Taylor Ridge, IL.

In order to be considered for the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society each student was required to be within the top 1/3 of their graduating class, hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and demonstrate leadership and service through their activities.

Lakeview College of Nursing officials say that in the future they plan to establish a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, a prestigious international nursing honor society. Membership in the College's own honor society is an important step toward this goal.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.