Ness, COWL to Hold Literacy Forum in Springfield Tuesday

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL), is highlighting a literacy forum on Tuesday morning that will bring together legislators, educators and advocates to discuss literacy challenges and identify policy solutions to support teachers and strengthen state reading rates for Illinois students.

“This is a great opportunity to hear from subject matter experts on issues they’re seeing in education and explore ways we can better equip both educators and students to improve literacy rates in areas across the state,” said Ness. “This information is invaluable as we get into the thick of budget negotiations and debate what money goes where to get the best deals for our residents and our local schools.”

The COWL Literacy Forum will take place on Tuesday, March 24 in the Stratton Building, located behind the Illinois State Capitol building, in Stratton Room 413. A complimentary breakfast will be provided from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m..; the main program will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Keynote speakers include Government Affairs Director Jessica Handy of Stand for Children, President Shira Raviv Schwartz of Everyone Reading Illinois, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ronda Dawson of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and others.

“The state remains committed to strong investments in our local schools, but if we want the best outcomes for our students, it’s important we continue looking at programs that utilize the latest innovations and techniques,” said Ness. “By identifying actionable steps we can take to shore up curriculum, expand literacy programs and resources, and even improve ESL offerings, we’re renewing each and every student's chance to surpass state and national reading expectations.”