Cover Stories

• 14, 34, and 1,400: Updating Illinois arts standards starts with time

  By Jonathan VanderBrug

  The Illinois Arts Learning Standards Initiative has developed a new series of standards, emphasizing the importance of arts education in Illinois schools.

• Arts education: The evolution of human intellect and the creative mind

  By Chris Sykora

  Art is at the core of who we are as human beings and nurtures our development in profound ways, and the fine arts are an integral and necessary component of education for Illinois students.

Feature Articles

• A new definition of college, career readiness

  By David R. Schuler

  Viewing students as more than a score, Redefining Ready promotes student achievement towards readiness for college, career, and life.

• Administrator salary survey: Good-bye, gender gap?

  Written by Lora Wolff; Analysis by Dean Halverson

  A semi-annual review of Illinois principal and superintendent salaries shows the gender gap may be closing.

• Explaining ESSA: Federal update spotlights local governance

  By Theresa Kelly Gegen

  The Every Student Succeeds Act chases away NCLB and promises less federal oversight and greater state and local governance.

Regular Features

• Ask the Staff: New policy service tutorials available

  By Angie Powell

• Practical PR: Benefits of breakfast program extend beyond students

  By Jennifer Bova