2021 in Review
December 15, 2021
As we look back on 2021, we remain hopeful that change is possible and is, indeed, happening here in Illinois.
The Latest Spotlight:
February 28, 2022
Join us at the 2022 Illinois 60 by 25 Network Conference
The Illinois 60 by 25 Network's 2022 conference, Equity First: Building Toward a Better Future and Revitalizing Learning, will be a free, virtual event from February 28 through March 3.
January 25, 2022
Model Programs of Study in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Register now for a webinar overview of the Model Programs of Study Guide in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, sponsored by ICCB, on Tuesday, January 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This event is designed for community college and high school faculty & staff.
February 8, 2022
Model Programs of Study in Information Technology Webinar
Register now for a webinar overview of the Model Programs of Study Guide in IT, sponsored by ICCB, on Tuesday, February 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This event is designed for community college and high school faculty & staff.
November 16, 2021
WBL Continuum in Education: I-WIN November 2021 Community of Practice
I-WIN's November community of practice on November 16 focused on experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the Education sector.
November 16, 2021
Model Programs of Study in Manufacturing & Engineering Webinar
View a webinar overview of the Model Programs of Study Guide in Manufacturing & Engineering, sponsored by ICCB.
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News
2021 in Review
As we look back on 2021, we remain hopeful that change is possible and is, indeed, happening here in Illinois.
December 15, 2021
Thought Leadership
Charting Collective Wins and Areas for Growth in New State Data on College and Career Readiness
Looking at ISBE’s 2020-21 Illinois Report Card, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted learning for students of all ages across Illinois, the impacts of which are reflected in several critical measures. However, increasing dual credit enrollment and declining postsecondary remediation enrollment rates are cause for celebration.
December 8, 2021
News
Career Development Experience Toolkit Companion Piece Helps Support Opportunity Youth
In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Education Systems Center has released a new Career Development Experience Toolkit Companion Piece to address the needs of stakeholders outside of a traditional high school setting.
October 25, 2021
Thought Leadership
New Career & Technical Education Rules Build from Years of College & Career Readiness Innovation
New rules ensure alignment of CTE to existing policy frameworks such as the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act and that implementation embodies the spirit and intent of the articulated State Plan components. This clarified focus on college and career, with an emphasis on quality and equity, will ensure that Illinois’ students are empowered to succeed.
October 21, 2021
Advancing Racial Equity
Advancing Racial Equity: Year One Review
What has advancing racial equity tangibly meant this last year? While we are still listening, learning, and reflecting, we share an overview of our nascent efforts to serve Black and Latinx students in Illinois.
October 14, 2021
Events
CEIF Fall 2021 Convening: Connecting Transformative SEL and Performance-Based Assessment
The Chicago Equity-Centered Innovation Forum’s fall convening built on the ongoing work CPS is doing to support its competency-based education (CBE) schools to incorporate adaptive competencies into the curriculum and integrate social-emotional learning instruction.
October 4, 2021
News
EdSystems Partners with National Coalition to Improve Equity in Postsecondary and Career Pathways
We are proud to announce that we are a partner in Building Equitable Pathways, a national coalition of leading intermediaries to unlock more equitable postsecondary and career outcomes for Black and Latinx youth and young people who are experiencing poverty.
September 15, 2021
News
What the Edsystems Team Is Learning through Student Engagement
Through the launch of the Illinois 60 by 25 Network Student Advisory Council, the EdSystems team is learning first-hand the importance of lifting up student voices as we design and refine resources and policies that support student success.
August 31, 2021
News
Introduction to the Pathways School Readiness Framework and a Peek into Implementation Processes
EdSystems’ Pathways School Readiness Framework and accompanying Tracker are designed to support school districts, intermediary organizations, and school leaders to develop action plans for implementing college and career pathways in a deliberate and sustainable manner.
August 20, 2021
News
An Initial Analysis of Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois
An analysis of the initial implementation of the Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois initiative, with input from the first cohort of collaboratives. It was undertaken to understand how the components of the education pathway were being executed in practice and to collect promising practices and lessons learned.
August 19, 2021
Thought Leadership
Preparing Students for College and Careers Post-COVID-19: Public Comments to the USEd
We applaud the US Department of Education for acknowledging the pandemic’s impacts on schools and build from innovative practices. We join USEd in seeking to re-envision how we educate young people and dismantle barriers that stand in the way of success for students of color for far too long.
August 11, 2021
Thought Leadership
Fostering Relationships for Recovery: Lessons from Benito Juarez Community Academy
Competency-based education means different things at different schools, but at Benito Juarez Community Academy, a Chicago neighborhood public high school, it means a focus on equity—and that means prioritizing social-emotional skills, or developmental/adaptive competencies, as well as academics.
August 9, 2021
Podcast
Designing College and Career Pathways: Lessons Learned from CPS
In this second episode in our Systems Sessions podcast series, Designing College and Career Pathways, hear lessons learned from CPS.
July 8, 2021
Podcast
Designing College and Career Pathways: Lessons Learned from D214
In this first episode in our Systems Sessions podcast series, Designing College and Career Pathways, hear lessons learned from D214.
July 1, 2021
News
Working Toward a Thriving Illinois
EdSystems applauds the adoption of the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s new 10-year strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois: Higher Education Paths to Equity, Sustainability, and Growth.
June 22, 2021
News
Developing a Local Advisory Panel for Transitional Instruction: Promising Practices and Lessons Learned from Illinois Communities
Our conversations with five established Transitional Math Local Advisory Panels across Illinois have resulted in a document that is intended to provide guidance at all phases of establishing and running a Local Advisory Panel.
June 16, 2021
News
Let’s Talk: In-person vs. Virtual Networking Events for Students
High school intern Edith Lizardo compares in-person and virtual networking events and shares the importance of teaching students to network.
June 9, 2021
Advancing Racial Equity
Advancing Racial Equity: Six Month Update
Since October, our team has individually and collectively worked to deepen our understanding of how we can make racial equity more central to our work, internally and externally.
April 22, 2021
News
Expanding the Law and Public Safety Pathway in Rockford
The support Rockford Public Schools receives from Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University, thanks to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, is helping to drive aligned college and career pathways forward, including the Law and Public Safety pathway.
April 12, 2021
News
Announcing the Chicago Equity-Centered Innovation Forum
In collaboration with leaders of Chicago Public Schools, school leaders of competency-based education (CBE) pilot schools, and other interested stakeholders, EdSystems will support the implementation of innovative instructional models as strategies for dismantling systemic inequities in traditional educational approaches.
April 8, 2021
News
Free Access to Work-Based Learning Platform for Illinois Communities
Through a partnership between EdSystems and Practera, Illinois communities have free access to pilot the platform through SY21-22. Practera is a customizable, web-based application that
March 26, 2021
News
Sauk Valley Is First Community College in Illinois to Offer CCPE Currency
To help combat the teacher shortage, Sauk Valley Community College is offering every student entering the college with a College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) a $100 credit. Sauk Valley is the first community college in the State to offer an award based on the CCPE.
March 23, 2021
Thought Leadership
How HB 2170 Will Advance Racial Equity for Student Success in College and Careers
The Education Omnibus Bill results in sweeping changes to Illinois’ P-20 education and workforce systems, spanning from home visiting programs serving Illinois’ youngest children to expectations for community colleges and universities.
March 8, 2021
News
Expanding Supports for College and Career Readiness: State Adoption of Transitional English Course Parameters, Competencies, and Policies
To increase the number of high school graduates placed into college-level reading and communications courses without the need for remediation, the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Board of Higher Education have adopted the Statewide Transitional English Course Parameters, Competencies, and Policies.
February 11, 2021
News
NIU College of Education Offers Incentives to Students with CCPE in Education
Northern Illinois University’s College of Education and Education Systems Center at NIU are proud to announce new incentives for Illinois students graduating with the College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) in Education.
February 10, 2021
Thought Leadership
EdSystems Contributes Public Comment on Work-Based Learning to U.S. Department of Education
In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s RFI on Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Youth, the EdSystems team offered public comments based on the PWR Act and community interests, examples, and concerns gathered from our I-WIN members.
February 1, 2021
News
Growing the SEPI Community and Expanding Access to Education Pathways
EdSystems is excited to announce an additional six collaboratives to be funded through SEPI, representing 16 school districts, 25 high schools, and 12 colleges/universities throughout Illinois.
January 20, 2021
Thought Leadership
Making Good on the Promise of Dual Credit in Illinois
New reports highlight opportunities to enhance dual credit policy for equity and quality.
January 4, 2021
News
Counting Our Wins in the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership
The 2020 GLCCPP By the Numbers report examines community capacity as well as student experiences and outcomes. This report also reflects on process learnings as we conclude the GLCCPP.
December 10, 2020
News
SEPI, Golden Apple Partner to Strengthen Teacher Pipeline
For the first time, Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois and EdSystems are partnering to offer a unique advantage for students earning a College and Career Pathway Endorsement in education.
December 7, 2020
Thought Leadership
The 2019–20 Illinois Report Card and College and Career Readiness
The Illinois State Board of Education recently released the 2019–20 Illinois Report Card, and student readiness for postsecondary appears to be rising overall across the State—dual credit enrollment is rising, remediation rates are falling, and graduation rates are growing.
November 13, 2020
News
Announcing A Framework and Resources for Measuring Student Needs and Development During Remote and Blended Learning
As schools across Illinois continue to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EdSystems team is pleased to share a new resource for guiding the development of information gathering systems in remote and blended learning environments.
November 12, 2020
News
EdSystems, ICCB Release 1st Four Model Programs of Study Guides
The first four Model Programs of Study Guides focus on the following industry sectors: Education, Health Sciences and Technology, Information Technology, and Manufacturing and Engineering.
November 10, 2020
Advancing Racial Equity
Advancing Racial Equity
The EdSystems team is taking active steps to reflect, learn, and make racial equity even more tangible in our work.
October 19, 2020
News
Ridgewood H.S. First in IL to Award College & Career Pathway Endorsement
As students across the state return to school, many high school students are now working towards earning a College and Career Pathway Endorsement. Ridgewood High School, located in the Chicago suburbs and a leader in the pathways approach, was the first in Illinois to award the College and Career Pathway Endorsements to Class of 2020 graduates who successfully completed the Education and Manufacturing and Engineering pathways.
September 11, 2020
News
Peoria Regional Partners Launch Essential Skills Program Pilot: GPEAK
The Greater Peoria Essential Abilities and Knowledge (GPEAK) is a regional essential skills program to provide work-based learning opportunities.
September 1, 2020
News
Announcing the Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network (I-WIN)
The new Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network (I-WIN) will support work-based learning educators in school districts and community colleges across Illinois.
August 19, 2020
News
Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois (SEPI) Sets 750 Students on the Education Pathway in First Year
In the first year of Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois, Education Systems Center launched 9 collaboratives representing 22 school districts.
August 7, 2020
News
Bringing Work Home: A Framework for Virtual Work-Based Learning
As communities move to remote learning, we can also continue developing valuable employability skills through virtual work-based learning.
June 16, 2020
Thought Leadership
Five Takeaways from COVID and Remote Learning
How quarantine proved personalized, project-based learning and competency concepts can provide frameworks for doing school better.
June 12, 2020
News
Transitional English Course Parameters and Competencies
The Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act’s Transitional English Course Parameters and Competencies are now available for public review.
June 8, 2020
Thought Leadership
It’s Time to Elevate the Leadership of Our Competency-Based Education Districts in the Shift to Remote Learning
Learn more about the need to elevate competency-based education districts with the shift to remote learning.
May 7, 2020
Podcast
Systems Sessions: Illinois 60 by 25 Network
This two-part Systems Sessions podcast series shares the background and work of the Illinois 60 by 25 Network.
April 15, 2020
News
NIU Team Establishes Counts of IL Children Receiving Early Childhood Services
Led by an NIU team funded by a federal grant, this early childhood project links data across state agencies to establish unduplicated counts of children.
March 16, 2020
Podcast
Systems Sessions: Scaling Educations Pathways in Illinois
A 2-part Systems Sessions podcast series diving into the Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois initiative, a collaboration to build streamlined teacher career pathways.
March 10, 2020
Podcast
Systems Sessions: Illinois’ Dual Credit Landscape
Our first series dives into the work behind the development of the Model Partnership Agreement (MPA) and how it is being implemented in communities. Systems Sessions explores big, current issues in education policy through conversations with the EdSystems team, State policymakers, and community leaders who are on the ground leading this work.
December 9, 2019
News
Guidance and Resources for Providing High-Quality Work-Based Learning
Through collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Education Systems Center has released a Career Development Experience Toolkit aligned to the frameworks established in the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act and embedded within Illinois’ broader strategies around scaling high-quality career pathways and work-based learning.
November 12, 2019
Thought Leadership
The 2018–19 Illinois Report Card and College and Career Readiness: Cause for Celebration and Concern
With EdSystems’ focus on key metrics of college and career readiness, the release of new Illinois Report Card data provides us with an opportunity to both celebrate progress and identify areas needing attention.
November 8, 2019
News
Expanding Dual Credit Access Through the State’s Model Partnership Agreement
With the help of Education Systems Center, Illinois recently achieved a major milestone in its efforts to expand dual credit access and offerings with the adoption of the Model Partnership Agreement by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
July 31, 2019
News
Education Systems Center Launches Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois (SEPI) to Support Teacher Career Pathways
The Illinois P20 Council, The Joyce Foundation, and Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University have partnered to launch Scaling Education Pathways in Illinois (SEPI) to help address the teacher shortage in Illinois.
May 3, 2019
News
Empowering All Learners to Achieve Personal Excellence: District 100’s College and Career Pathway Endorsement Process
How District 100 aligned its CTE programs with career-focused course sequences in partnership with Rock Valley College, as part of the College and Career Pathway Endorsement framework.
November 28, 2018
News
Illinois Launches Career Pathways Dictionary
The Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary includes terms that pertain to—or deeply impact—multiple programs across state agencies and apply to programming with funding from multiple federal agencies.
November 16, 2018
News
ILDS Governing Board Releases 2018 Annual Report & Plan and User Guide
The Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS) Governing Board has released its 2018 Annual Report & Plan.
October 26, 2018
News
Supporting Local Implementation of College and Career Pathway Endorsements
To support the implementation of College and Career Pathway Endorsements at the local level, EdSystems has awarded funding to sixteen 60 by 25 Network Leadership Communities.
September 14, 2018
News
Illinois’ Innovative Approach to Mapping Skills for Student Success in College and Career
A new report details College and Career Pathway Endorsement competencies in health sciences, IT, manufacturing engineering, and finance and business services.
August 30, 2018
News
Validating the Hard Work to Prepare for Life after High School: College and Career Pathway Endorsements
One of the PWR Act’s four components is the College and Career Pathway Endorsement, an innovative way for school districts to validate the hard work of students preparing for life after high school.
August 30, 2018
Thought Leadership
Endorsements: Illinois Has a New Tool for Creating Paths from High School to Effective College and Career Experiences
The new College and Career Placement Endorsements address the disconnect between what’s taught in the classroom and what employers need.
August 22, 2018
News
Ten 60 by 25 Leadership Communities Receive Grants to Implement the PWR Act
On behalf of the Illinois 60 by 25 Network, EdSystems has awarded ten Leadership Communities grants of up to $14,000 each over two years to support implementation of the PWR Act.
April 2, 2018
Liberia Career Pathways Begins a Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Teachers
As part of its goal to drive Liberia’s economic growth by preparing students for jobs that are available in the economy, Liberia Career Pathways (LCP) in collaboration with the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, conducted a career pathways train-the-trainer workshop for teachers from nine schools in two counties.
October 6, 2017
News
ILDS Governing Board Releases 2017 Annual Report & Plan
The Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS) Governing Board has released its 2017 Annual Report & Plan.
July 21, 2017
Events
Summit Engages Employers on Building Effective Learning Partnerships
On May 11, 2017, the Illinois Science and Technology Institute (ISTI) and Education Systems Center at NIU hosted an employer summit to bring employers together to talk about building effective learning partnerships between employers and schools through problem-based learning, titled Employer Summit: Building Effective Learning Partnerships.
May 30, 2017
News
Implementing Career Pathways for Biomedical Equipment Technicians in Liberia
EdSystems staff spent time in Liberia strategizing with key stakeholders on how to fund and implement a BMET training program locally.
May 11, 2017
Six 60 by 25 Leadership Communities Receive Grants to Implement the PWR Act
To support the implementation of the PWR Act at the local level, Education Systems Center, on behalf of the Illinois 60 by 25 Network, awarded six Leadership Communities grants of $7,500 each.
April 28, 2017
