Illinois Education Advocacy and Community Organizations and Rockford Public Schools Unite for Panel Discussion Looking at the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Education in Illinois
A presentation on the key findings in Advance Illinois's report, The State We’re In 2022: A Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Illinois will be followed by a discussion with three esteemed panelists from the Rockford area.
Rockford, IL (Nov 28, 2022) – In collaboration with Advance Illinois, Alignment Rockford, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford Public Schools, and Harlem School District a presentation and panel discussion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education in Illinois will be held at Rockford University on November 30, 2022.
Advance Illinois will present key findings from its report, The State We’re In 2022: A Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Illinois which looks at the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Illinois school communities during the 2020-2021 school year. The report looks at notable changes in student enrollment and attendance, access to instruction and student supports, academic progress, and social-emotional well-being by examining data according to region, ethnicity, English Learner status, household income, and geography.
The discussion to follow, moderated by Robin Steans, Advance Illinois President will include esteemed panelists Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Superintendent of RPS 205, Dr. Terrell Yarbrough, Harlem UD 122 Superintendent, and Rev. Dr. K. Edward Copeland, New Zion Baptist Church and Governing Board member of Alignment Rockford. Panelists will discuss ongoing work and paths forward in ensuring students reach their full potential on the road to recovery from the pandemic.
The panel discussion will cover:
What is the data telling us: How have attendance, enrollment, and academic outcomes shifted over the last 2.5 years? Where have educational inequities been exacerbated by the pandemic? What are the biggest challenges in schools right now?
Work underway: How are local and school leaders addressing the pandemic’s significant impact on student academic progress and student well-being? What programs and supports are working?
Moving forward: What should our priorities be moving forward? What do local and school leaders need in order to best support students and families moving forward?
Robin Steans, President of Advance Illinois says, “The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant educational disruption and profound effect on education across Illinois. Findings in the report highlight the work needed in the coming years to overcome these unprecedented circumstances. Local school districts and organizations along with state leaders must work together to support students in Illinois to ensure they have access to resources and opportunities they need to succeed.” Emily Klonicki, Executive Director of Alignment Rockford adds, “Education and academic success is a community issue, and this event is a unique opportunity for the community to participate in the process. While Advance Illinois will present critical data that illustrates the challenges facing our students post-pandemic, the panel discussion will be focused on local context and application of these findings and will be an opportunity for our community to inform this state-wide advocacy group about the local and regional educational needs and challenges.”
Lunch and Panel Discussion
When: Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Where: Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. Rockford, IL
Register: https://alignmentrockford.org/events/the-state-were-in/
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Eucarol Juarez communications@advanceillinois.org, Cathy Bayer-Eberle cathy.bayer@rps205.com, Jason Blume, jason.blume@harlem122.org
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Alignment Rockford Alignment Rockford brings together strategic partners from corporate, civic, political, religious, and social entities to challenge and address systemic barriers and equitably impact the growth, development, and academic achievement of students in the Rockford Area.
Advance Illinois Advance Illinois is an independent policy and advocacy organization working toward a healthy public education system that enables all students to achieve success in college, career, and civic life. Since its founding in 2008, Advance Illinois has become a nationally recognized thought leader in education policy and advocacy.
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois' mission is to serve as a catalyst for giving in order to attract, preserve, and grow an endowment for the current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois.
Rockford Public SchoolsRockford Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in Illinois, educating approximately 27,700 students through early childhood and preschool programs all the way through high school and adult education programs.