IASA's Leadership Matters Spotlights the EL Consortium
Interested in joining the EL Consortium? Learn more here.
In the December 2025 edition of Leadership Matters, published by the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the article “Illinois Consortium to Advance English Learner Program Effectiveness” highlights a growing statewide collaboration focused on improving outcomes for English learners.
The article features an interview with Dr. Jean Barbanente, Superintendent of DuPage High School District 88, and describes how more than 100 Illinois school districts have come together to better understand the impact of EL and bilingual program models. The work of the Consortium closely aligns with Vision 2030, particularly its emphasis on local decision making and flexibility amid EL mandates that carry significant financial and operational implications for districts.
ECRA serves as the Consortium’s data and research partner, supporting districts with disaggregated analysis by program model, years in program, grade level, and school. By examining outcomes collectively, districts gain clearer insight into which programs are most effective and how local evidence can inform both program improvement and policy advocacy.
Read the full article in Leadership Matters to learn more about the goals of the Consortium and how districts can participate in this collaborative, data-driven effort.
Interested in joining the EL Consortium? Learn more here.
