New Survey Reveals That Most Illinois Residents Want More Funds for Public Schools

Introduction

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A new survey published Wednesday shows that most Illinois residents want more funds for public schools. This finding is published just when educators warn that the efforts of the Trump administration for dismantling the United States Department of Education could reduce school expense and harm students, especially the most vulnerable.

Survey Findings

The survey of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) revealed that 71% of Illinois residents believe that financing for public schools and more than 9 out of 10 residents should be increased, they believe that students have the right to public education. IEA is the largest teachers union in the state.

The report on the status of education was published just after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that requires the dismantling of the Department of Education. Trump has already reduced agency staff in half and has transferred the management of the entire federal loan portfolio for university students to another agency.

He also announced the transfer of the “special needs” programs of the department, an apparent reference to the supervision of the education of students with disabilities, to another agency, although it is not clear if the transfer of any of them can be done without the approval of the congress.

Reaction from Educators

“I simply do not understand the logic behind transferring the Department of Education to several venues and delegating some of those responsibilities in people without experience in the areas that will address,” said the president of the union, to Llorens, at a press conference on Wednesday to announce the results of the survey. “While they spend time solving it, children will be lost in the process.”

Governor JB Pritzker has declared that as of this summer, Illinois will receive almost $ 3.6 billion in federal funds for education, funds that, according to him, are at risk due to the dismissals of the Department of Education and efforts to dismantle the agency.

Llorens indicated that federal funds finance approximately 17,000 jobs.

“These jobs are fundamental, especially considering that we are in the midst of a massive scarcity of teachers and support personnel in this state,” Llorens said.

President Donald Trump speaks in an educational event and in the signing of an executive order in the East Room of the White House last week.

Additional Survey Results

The survey revealed that more than three quarters of Illinois residents are concerned about the scarcity of teachers and support personnel, including support personnel, bus drivers, nurses and library.

When asked if they would support a state prohibition of teaching critical theory of breed in public schools, 36% of respondents replied that yes, while 52% would oppose said law. However, more than 80% of respondents said that Illinois high school students about slavery in the United States and its consequences.

The survey also revealed a strong opposition to the ban on books in Illinois school libraries. However, 36% of respondents claimed to support the prohibition of teaching on sexuality in high school.

Survey Methodology

The survey, held between January 27 and 30, 1,000 residents of Illinois, had a 3.1%margin, according to IEA. It was made by the Speakers’ Signators Normington Petts and Next Generation Strategies.

Anna Savchenko is Wbez reporter. You can communicate with her at asavchenko@wbez.org.

Translated by Gisela Orozco for La Voz Chicago

Conclusion

The survey results highlight the importance of increasing funding for public schools in Illinois, as well as the concerns of residents regarding the scarcity of teachers and support personnel. The efforts of the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education may have significant consequences for the state’s education system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the survey reveal about funding for public schools in Illinois?

The survey revealed that 71% of Illinois residents believe that financing for public schools should be increased.

What is the impact of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education?

The efforts of the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education may reduce school expense and harm students, especially the most vulnerable.

What is the scarcity of teachers and support personnel in Illinois?

The survey revealed that more than three quarters of Illinois residents are concerned about the scarcity of teachers and support personnel, including support personnel, bus drivers, nurses and library.