New jobs increasingly require a more educated work force. To meet the demands of the job market, workers must be armed with a quality education to survive and succeed in the workforce.

Greater economic opportunities are afforded to those with a quality education and training. A quality education requires schools that are adequately funded and staffed with highly educated teachers. Schools must be supplied with a full array of text books and updated computers. The only way for the children of the District to compete in today's competitive market is to be armed with a quality education. We must reform our educational system so the District can produce better educated citizens.

The numbers are alarming for the drop-out rate and increased gang activity in the District. Fifty percent of the students in High School in the 48th District are in Foster Care and the drop-out rate exceeds fifty percent. Proficiency scores are way below standards.

		Demand and insist on properly credentialed teachers. Develop after school tutorial and educational programs.
		Develop strong mentoring programs to supplement family and community support.
		Revise curriculum to address the interest of today's students.
		Improve college prep courses.
		Provide every student with his or her own textbooks.
		Increase teacher salaries to attract higher quality instructors.
		Improve nutritional programs to provide a healthy breakfast to all underprivileged kids.
		Restore funding for vocational programs.