"The transformative changes needed to truly prepare our kids for the 21st-century global economy simply will not happen unless we first shed some of the entrenched practices that have held back our education system, practices that have long favored adults, not children...It's time for all of the adults -- superintendents, educators, elected officials, labor unions and parents alike -- to start acting like we are responsible for the future of our children."

-The Washington Post, Op-Ed: Joel Klein, Michelle Rhee, et al.

Education is an issue that is very close to my heart. As a parent, I am deeply committed to improving our schools. All Illinois children have the right to an excellent education and deserve the resources they need to thrive.

In Illinois, I have seen the effects of a state government that place the needs of adults ahead of children We must have an education system that prepares all our students for success in life. We need a plan of action and elected officials that are brave enough to follow through with that plan.

I know the demands on our teachers and our schools have increased over the years while adequate funding has remained elusive. We should be ashamed some of our schools rely on family fundraisers to provide for the basic needs of their students. The Illinois General Assembly must meet its responsibility to adequately fund education in our state.

Investing Early in Education

Simply put we need to redefine basic education to include early learning.

Early childhood education has proven to be an important foundation for children. Full-day kindergarten is a logical extension of early childhood programs and smaller class sizes will achieve greater results, especially between kindergarten and third grade. The goal of these efforts: every student needs to be reading at grade level to be successful.

Recognizing limited resources, I support prioritizing first efforts to significantly reduce K-3 class sizes first. Next, expanding early learning programs we already know work and last fully funding all-day kindergarten.

Secondary Education Success

Illinois needs to dramatically increase high school graduation rates, with a sharper focus on college readiness and overall student performance.

Investing in Teaching

"In South Korea teachers are known as nation builders - it's time we treated our teachers with the same level of respect"

- President Obama

There are fewer jobs with as many demands and as few resources than teaching. I will support legislation that allows school districts to set higher teacher compensation for those teachers that go above and beyond to close the achievement gap. Schools need programs that attract and retain high performing teachers by incentivizing teaching and creating sustainable, responsible, professional career ladders for educators.

Empowering Parents

Parents deserve a variety of high quality school choices for their children including traditional public schools and charter schools. Families who choose private schools and home based education should continue to receive state tax credits.

Effective Education Services for Children

Illinois needs to embrace innovative approaches to insure children with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and a school environment where all children are encouraged to reach their full potential.