Policy Momentum From 2025 Into 2026
As we begin 2026, we’re reflecting on the significant policy shifts of the past year and the opportunities they create for strengthening pathways for Illinois learners.
January 6, 2026
Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) is a mission-driven policy development and program implementation center. Through collaborative partnerships, we design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students.
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As we begin 2026, we’re reflecting on the significant policy shifts of the past year and the opportunities they create for strengthening pathways for Illinois learners.
To ensure every young person is ready for life after high school, EdSystems is working with Southwestern Illinois College and its partner K-12 institutions to establish regional model pathways and robust work-based learning opportunities.
As 2025 comes to a close, the Illinois Education and Career Success Network reflects on a year of growth and collaboration. Learn how communities are working together to build the future we want for Illinois students.
As we complete the target year of the state’s postsecondary attainment goal, what have we achieved, what have we learned, and what should come next?
How can community colleges better support students to access and succeed in pathways-aligned dual credit? Working with College of Lake County and Jobs for the Future, we’re testing an innovative “hub” model that centralizes dual enrollment operations through community colleges to improve outcomes for high-need students.
How do we gather and utilize the right data and tools to ensure our systems are driving the student outcomes that matter the most? That’s the prompt behind the third pillar of our Policy Agenda: Policy Evaluation and Continuous Improvement. Learn more about our aims to address the question.
