“Teachers stop me in school hallways to discuss this subject,” Schiller said, “And they have some good suggestions based on years of firsthand knowledge. It is clearly time to take an in-depth look at our system to see if we can improve it in ways that better support schools in their efforts to improve student achievement.”

To conduct that in-depth review, Schiller has assembled a statewide task force of individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. He said the group will be guided by the best research available coupled with information gained through at least three public hearings scheduled throughout the state. It will hold its first public hearing September 23 in Springfield.

Schiller will personally co-chair the State Superintendent’s Task Force on Assessment and Accountability, along with Robert S. Nielsen, Superintendent of Bloomington School District 87.

“These individuals bring a vast amount of knowledge and expertise to this important task, and I am very grateful they have accepted this important challenge,” Schiller said. The Task Force plans to conclude its review and recommendations in time for any necessary legislation to be introduced in the spring session of the General Assembly.

PUBLIC HEARINGS: