Leadership Matters September 2014

State superintendent wishes Happy 50th to IASA! ISBE, Illinois PTA to hold Back-to-School webinar for parents September 9

efforts, students can only accomplish so much without engaged and supportive parents. We know learning begins at birth, and a child’s academic, physical, social and emotional growth and development are a shared responsibility among parents, teachers and school leaders alike. Research clearly shows that children are more likely to succeed when their families are involved in the learning process, both at home and at school. However, many schools need assistance to build and strengthen effective relationships with parents. To serve this need, ISBE has developed a shared framework guide for engaging families. I, along with members of

Message from the State Superintendent of Education

Thanks to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to attend our 2014 Back-to-School Webinar last month. We had nearly 800 participants and many productive questions, which speak to your tremendous commitment to your students. Many of you have assisted

“...I applaud the Illinois School Administrators for 50 years of providing much-needed support, resources and advocacy for school leaders in your efforts to improve and strengthen our public education system one district at a time. The role of administrator can be a thankless job at times, and the State Board of Education could not pursue its goals without the strong dedication of superintendents and school leaders.” Association

me and my staff over the years to improve the systems we currently have to better measure and tell the story of student and school success. I appreciate your assistance and your continued efforts to prioritize your student’s instruction. Given our financial challenges in Illinois, your leadership makes all the difference for our students. Working together, we are improving the lives of our students and the well-being of our state’s economy by better preparing our students for postsecondary education and training and meaningful careers. As we roll out and fine-tune new learning standards and assessments and a new accountability system, we are able to better measure and tell the story of student and school success. That’s why I applaud the Illinois Association of School Administrators for 50 years of

of the Illinois PTA, will discuss the state’s efforts to promote this crucial relationship between parents and school communities during a Back- to-School Webinar for Parents at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. During the presentation, I will also update parents on the new learning standards implementation as well as the debut of the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exams and how they will inform parents about their children’s progress toward college and career readiness. I ask that you encourage families in your districts to register and participate. Registration

-- Dr. Christopher A. Koch, State Superintendent of Education

information is available at www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/185876249 . I also encourage you to continue your good work of finding new ways to connect and communicate with families. Working together, we can provide a solid foundation for a bright and prosperous future for the state’s 2 million students. My best to all of you for the new school year,

providing much-needed support, resources and advocacy for school leaders in your efforts to improve and strengthen our public education system one district at a time. The role of administrator can be a thankless job at times, and the State Board of Education could not pursue its goals without the strong dedication of superintendents and school leaders. I also realize that despite administrators’ best

Chris

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