The IEA created the Center For Educational Innovation to assist local associations become a driving force in school transformation. Audrey Soglin, Director of the Center, has built a network of resources for locals to become a meaningful part of the professional lives of their members.
What the Center For Educational Innovation Can Do For You
The CEI can help you and your local association voice your ideas in the on-going conversation about:
- meeting the diverse needs of Illinois students
- empowering Association members to promote greater student learning
- building partnerships to support of public schools
CEI will work with you to tackle challenges.
The Center has developed as an effective model for bringing about meaningful change that positively impacts teaching and learning. The components of this model are referred to as the Emerging Curriculum.
The Emerging Curriculum is based on the premise that we must continually improve teaching and learning in public education. To do that, a collaborative culture among stakeholders must be present. Best teaching and learning practices need to be utilized. Continual assessment that supports improvement and learning within a system is essential to focus the organization on the tasks at hand.
The Center has pioneered the formation of learning networks, consortia of school districts that share knowledge and resources in school improvement. Continuous learning from our experiences and others is a powerful tool. To date six networks have been formed around the state comprising a growing number of school districts, teachers and school employees.
The CEI can work with your local association on strategies to build better working relationships in your school, district and community. The CEI has promoted Interest-Based Bargaining as a tool for this purpose.
CEI works with staff of the Illinois State Board of Education to inform their work with
Illinois Learning Standards, the
System of Support for Districts and Schools on the Academic Early Warning List, the School Improvement Planning process, and other state initiatives. CEI can aid your efforts to gain information and resources by cutting through the bureaucratic maze that often forms between the state and districts.
Research makes clear that the single most important factor in what children learn is what their teachers know. The CEI assists districts in pursuing professional development efforts that are aligned with the strategic focus of the district and are based on best practices. CEI can help you end the cycle of unfulfilling teacher training and random acts of innovation that have little lasting impact.
Questions? Comments?
Contact the IEA’s Center for Educational Innovation
Audrey Soglin, CEI Director
530 East 22nd St.
Building D
Lombard, IL 60148-6103
Phone: (630)495-3250