Sweeping Education Reform Headed to Quinn

Late Thursday night, the Illinois House of Representatives passed sweeping education reform that essentially neutralizes teacher tenure as we know it.

Senate Bill 007 had overwhelming support in both houses. It now heads to Governor Pat Quinn for signature.

“This is the start of what I see as Illinois taking education more seriously,” said Troy Superintendent Don White. “I am thrilled.”

This reform sets a new standard for how administrators evaluate teachers, White explained.

State Representative Tom Cross was one of the chief co-sponsors of the House bill. Another Will County legislator,  Toi Hutchinson, was a co-sponsor in the Senate.

 “These groundbreaking reforms will enhance classroom instruction for all our students statewide,” Cross said. “This is a great example of many groups working together for a common goal — the future of our children.”

The key components of the bill also include streamlining dismissal procedures, reforming tenure to reward great teachers, and improving contract negotiations, according to Advance Illinois. That group was one of the reform advocates at the negotiation table.

Other stakeholders included Stand for Children, community groups, the Illinois State Board of Education, and teachers unions.

“It is extremely impressive in the state of Illinois that we can get that many parties together to have what I will call sweeping reform,” White said.

The Chicago Public Schools also gained the ability to lengthen the school day and year.