Illinois

This policy paper from the New America Foundation, Starting Early With English Language Learners, First Lessons from Illinois, focuses on Illinois’ approach to teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) which begins in PreKindergarten.

The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute (UEI) and the Ounce of Prevention Fund (the Ounce) embarked on an effort to form a partnership whose vision is to “… build a model of public education for children and their families that begins at birth and creates success in school, college, and life.” The goal is to collaboratively and continuously align and create instructional practices, and academic and social supports, to demonstrate a new model of public education that seamlessly and successfully prepares children for college, beginning at birth.

The Foundation for Child Development commissions case studies that offer a first-hand account of ground-breaking policy development and practice.