December 19, 2014
Editor:
Superintendent Dan Oakley
It's time for educators and members of the community to take back the conversation about public education in Illinois. That's why we are excited to share with readers a new initiative called Vision 20/20. It's a blueprint for the future of public education that has been developed by Illinois educators from all regions of the state. The Fieldcrest Community Unit School District 6 Board of Education adopted a resolution of support for Vision 20/20 at the December 2014 regular Board meeting.The goal of Vision 20/20 is summarized in its tagline: "Fulfilling the Promise of Public Education." Education is an investment in our children's future, our state's future, and our nation's future. It is our responsibility as educators to reflect upon the current state of education in Illinois and take action to create an education system that meets the needs of all students.
We endorse Vision 20/20 because it provides a positive and comprehensive path forward in the face of ongoing negative legislative activity in Springfield. Vision 20/20 also focuses on the best interests of students instead of peripheral activities that may or may not impact student learning – and after all, the school districts primary objective is, first and foremost, student learning.
Vision 20/20's policy platform is divided into four main pillars:
- 21st Century Learning - Not just knowledge of reading and math, but providing the technology and tools for learning in today's world as well as a commitment to the "whole child";
- Highly Effective Educators - Policies to help attract, develop and retain the highest quality of teachers and administrators;
- Shared Accountability - Creating a shared accountability model that includes more input from educators, increases collaboration with legislators and restructures mandates to allow more flexibility for local school districts and communities; and