Dialogue with Educational Leaders: Implications for Policy. Report 2.

Overview & Synopsis

The Illinois Council on Vocational Education (ICOVE) has tried to influence educational policy in recent years. Members of the council met with the chief executive officers of the three educational boards in Illinois to discuss issues and pending policies paramount within the educational arena. ICOVE also met with members of the various education committees of the Illinois General Assembly. The purpose of these meetings was to (1) inform policymakers of findings of the council resulting from studies and other council activities; (2) acquire feedback from the leaders regarding council findings and policy directions; and (3) determine ways in which ICOVE could be of service to leadership in resolving educational issues and forming new policy to target quality and excellence in education. Following the meetings with educational leaders, ICOVE compiled a list of 11 issues for which the council and policymakers share common interests and views: (1) the need for schools to prepare people for continuing education and work; (2) the value of private sector internships for all teachers; (3) the need to provide academic instruction in an applied format; (4) the need to integrate academic and vocational education; (5) the desire to eliminate the tracking system; (6) the need to teach students about work; (7) the need to expand student options; (8) the need to improve the image and quality of vocational education; (9) concern for public perception of graduation and university entrance requirements; (10) increased private-sector participation; and (11) the need to train teachers for teaching basic skills in vocational education. (KC)