Three Education Bills Will Equip Youth with Anti-Violence Training and Help Students Struggling in Math and Reading

CHICAGO - July 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help students across Illinois to learn about how to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. The Governor also signed bills into law that will help elementary school students who are struggling with math and reading by ensuring that they spend more classroom time on these vital subjects.

"All of our students deserve a quality education, taught in a school that is free of violence," said Governor Quinn. "Through these new laws, we are working to improve math and reading instruction for our struggling students while taking steps to address violence among our youngest children."

House Bill 1204, sponsored by Rep. Constance Howard (D-Chicago) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), requires Illinois school districts to educate all students about ways to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. Older students in grades four through 12 have received this instruction since 1995, but in recent years violence among younger students has increased. The new law, which takes effect immediately, extends this important guidance to students enrolled in kindergarten through third grade, empowering them at an earlier age with a better understanding of how to handle conflicts appropriately.

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Sen. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), requires school districts to emphasize reading and math during summer school instruction for students who have fallen two grade levels behind in those subjects for two consecutive school years. Currently, there is no specific requirement in place to ensure that struggling students spend more classroom time on these critical subjects. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this bill into law and helping meet the needs of struggling students. Basic skills such as reading and math are necessary tools for a child's successful school career," said Rep. La Shawn Ford. "I hope this law continues to build on Illinois' commitment to reforming education, supporting teachers and continuing to close the educational achievement gaps found in underperforming communities."

House Bill 2397 sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), requires school boards across Illinois to promote at least 60 minutes of reading instruction in kindergarten through third grade for students who are one or more levels below their grade proficiency. Currently, there is no reading requirement in place. This new law takes effect immediately and will encourage schools across Illinois to provide more robust reading instruction.

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Talent Search Program Providing Funds to Eight Iowa Schools

WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that eight universities and colleges in Iowa have been awarded funding from the TRIO Talent Search Program, administered through the U.S. Department of Education.  The goal of the Talent Search Program is to increase the number of disadvantaged youth who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education. The program helps identify and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have potential to succeed in high school and continued education. The program provides financial information, career and educational advice including educating students about the availability of financial assistance for postsecondary education. The program also provides support to students who have dropped out of school and hope to enter or re-enter the education. The colleges and universities selected will use the funds to pinpoint communities in their area in special need and provide the needed assistance to potential students.

Senator Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the TRIO Talent Search Program and Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

"Providing access to educational and financial information to less advantaged students in Iowa is critical for our state's continued economic improvement and the improvement of Iowans' quality of life," said Harkin. "It is important we help those who wish to, and have the potential to succeed in high school and postsecondary education by giving them the information to improve themselves academically and financially."

The following schools were provided the corresponding funds:

Briar Cliff University                     $295,598.00
Central College                        $363,832.00
Graceland University                     $331,500.00
Iowa Lakes Community College                        $354,067.00
Iowa State University of Science and Technology    $337,333.00
Southwestern Community College                        $230,000.00
University of Northern Iowa                           $404,867.00
Western Iowa Tech Community College                   $237,039.00

ATLANTA (07/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Horvat of Bettendorf, Iowa (52722), daughter of Valerie Horvat of Bettendorf, Iowa (52722) and Anthony Horvat of Bettendorf, Iowa (52722), received a Bachelor of Arts from Emory College of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., at its 166th commencement ceremony on May 9, 2011.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Perennially ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Elizabeth-Horvat-Graduates-from-Emory-University/2774332.

Clarke College - Dubuque: $56,485

Allen College - Waterloo: $49,011

St. Ambrose University - Davenport: $408,404

"These schools have a reputation and tradition of excellence," Braley said. "And these grants will allow them to build and expand upon programs that are already extremely successful, helping to graduate qualified and successful students."

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