On November 17 at Dennis Lab School in Decatur, Illinois State Center for the Study of Education Policy Director Lynne Haeffele delivered a keynote speech titled “Poverty and Education Policy: Where Have We Been and Where Do We Go From Here?”

The presentation showcased findings from the Illinois Best Practice School Study, describing highly effective practices Haeffele and her team found in high-poverty high-performing schools across the state. Attendees then participated in group discussions to develop ways to improve educational outcomes.

The meeting was sponsored by Illinois Humanities, the state branch of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Attendees included Macon County educators, parents, community organizers and service providers, university faculty and administrators, and local policymakers.