Al Molina
Al Molina
“E-learning does not work for everybody, and one size does not fit all. My children are not doing well in school.”
Illinois lawmakers to vote on controversial ‘culturally responsive’ education rule
Illinois lawmakers to vote on controversial ‘culturally responsive’ education rule
The Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will vote Feb. 16 on whether to suspend a rule that would require Illinois teacher training programs to adopt ‘culturally responsive teaching and leading’ standards.
Returning to school: What Illinois parents, teachers, school boards need to know
Returning to school: What Illinois parents, teachers, school boards need to know
Illinois students are returning to school, but some unions are scaring teachers about their safety in the classroom. The science doesn’t support those fears, and the law may put teachers at odds with union demands.
Illinois school standards proposal pushes ‘progressive values’ over diverse views, critics say
Illinois school standards proposal pushes ‘progressive values’ over diverse views, critics say
Illinois educators may face controversial rules encouraging teachers to review their biases and privilege, accept multiple views as correct and encourage student activism.
Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall
Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall
Gov. J.B. Pritzker should set the expectation that Illinois schools will welcome students back to campus full-time for the 2020-2021 school year.
Building better schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards
Building better schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards
The Illinois Policy Institute has created Building Better Schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards, which provides policies in five key areas to assist school board members ensure the best educational and financial outcomes in their districts.
Pritzker budget spends more on everything, but education is left behind
Pritzker budget spends more on everything, but education is left behind
Illinois’ fiscal year 2021 budget is larger than 2020’s, yet spending on education lost ground without an adjustment for inflation.
Free resources to keep learning going while COVID-19 keeps students at home
Free resources to keep learning going while COVID-19 keeps students at home
COVID-19 has forced classes to close, but children’s educations can continue with some creativity and a wealth of free resources for online learning at home.
Illinois wastes taxes supporting too many school district bureaucracies
Illinois wastes taxes supporting too many school district bureaucracies
Illinois could put $708 million more toward classrooms or property tax relief if it reduced school district bureaucracy to national average.
Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration
Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration
Illinoisans pay large sums for public education, yet a large portion of the money goes to Illinois’ bloated school district bureaucracy that diverts resources away from the classroom. Through smart, strategic reforms, Illinoisans can better prepare their youth for the future as well as provide property tax relief.
Illinois Senate passes bill requiring kindergarten for all 5-year-olds
Illinois Senate passes bill requiring kindergarten for all 5-year-olds
Lowering the compulsory age to attend school from 6 to 5 would tie Illinois for the lowest compulsory attendance age in the nation.
5 things you should know about putting students ahead of administration
5 things you should know about putting students ahead of administration
The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Classrooms First Act by a unanimous vote March 28. If it becomes law, students, teachers and taxpayers will benefit.
Pritzker budget slashes school choice scholarships for low-income students
Pritzker budget slashes school choice scholarships for low-income students
The Pritzker administration’s first budget proposes phasing out a school choice program for disadvantaged families. Low-income families loved the program. Public teachers’ unions decried it.
Teachers’ unions spend millions on hotels, airlines and catering – but don’t tell members why
Teachers’ unions spend millions on hotels, airlines and catering – but don’t tell members why
NEA and AFT racked up millions of dollars in travel and catering expenses. Their reporting documents don’t always explain the intent, including why a cruise line received union money.