education

Tougher Tests for Illinois Students

WNIJ — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:01:08 +0000

Student achievement tests given to third through eighth graders will be more difficult this year. The Illinois Standards Achievement Tests are meant to measure learning in areas like language and math. But the new versions given this spring will require a broader understanding of subjects. Illinois will also raise the bar for meeting learning standards, which means fewer students are likely to hit the benchmarks.

Jarrett Named Superintendent of Rockford Schools

Jenna Dooley — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:37:02 +0000

The Rockford Public School Board has named Ehren Jarrett as its new Superintendent. The board will begin contract negotiations with the possibility of Jarrett assuming his new role July 1, 2013. Interim Superintendent Robert Willis is expected to stay on until then.

Teachers Union Calls for Ouster of Pension Head

WNIJ — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:05:51 +0000

A labor union is demanding the resignation of the head of Illinois' teacher pension system. The union doesn't like what he's been saying about the future of teachers' retirement benefits. Richard Ingram says in order to solve the long-term funding problems of the Teachers' Retirement System, the state has to consider reducing automatic cost-of-living increases for retirees.

College Receives Grant to Expand Training Programs

WNIJ — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:00:35 +0000

McHenry County College will receive nearly $600,000 over three years from a U.S. Labor Department grant to expand its manufacturing and robotics training programs. According to the McHenry County Labor Report of 2011, manufacturing is the largest employment sector of industry in McHenry County.

College Illinois Up and Running...Again

WNIJ and Brian Mackey — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:33:04 +0000

College Illinois is once again open for business. The state's troubled pre-paid tuition program had previously stopped selling contracts amid reports of financial mismanagement.