May 28, 2003
For Immediate Release

Kirk Announces $187,000 Federal Grant for North Suburban Special Education District
Federal Funding to Train Local Teachers and Principals

Glenview, IL. - During a special flag raising ceremony at Willowbrook School in Glenview, Congressman Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) announced a $187,000 federal grant awarded to the North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED).

Kirk presented the check to Dave Peterson, Superintendent of NSSED. The new federal funding will support training programs for teachers and principals. After the ceremony, Kirk got a first-hand look at ongoing programs in three classrooms.

"I applaud our North Shore special education team for their leadership and federal recognition to implement training programs to serve at-risk students," said Rep. Kirk. "These programs will decrease unnecessary referrals to special education and support efforts to ensure that every child receives effective instruction to increase achievement."

The grant will support an initiative entitled, "Supporting Principal-Led Teams to Provide Services to All Students." The initiative establishes problem-solving classes to provide training, technical support, coaching, and supervision to school reforms at the district level. The grant will help implement the No Child Left Behind Act and prepares for the expected reenactment of the key statute dealing with special education - the Improving Education Results for Children with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

NSSED has been spearheading a systems change effort to train principal-led teams in meeting the educational needs of all students.

"Children with special needs require a special commitment," said Kirk. Giving local school districts new flexibility and resources to improve early intervention and reduce misidentification of children for special education will enhance the teaching environment and better our children's education. Our special education professionals are setting the national standard for implementing special education programs."

Congressman Kirk was also honored at the ceremony for his advocacy on behalf of special education. Kirk remains committed to fighting for legislation mandating full special education funding. He voted for the President's No Child Left Behind Act and the House passage of the re-authorization of IDEA.

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