Model trains will be on display and for sale at the Peoria Train Fair, Nov. 18 at Illinois Central College in East Peoria.

STATE

New formula to measure student achievement

The annual Illinois School Report Cards being released this week will reflect a new formula for measuring achievement of students in kindergarten to eighth grade.

The State Board of Education has updated its system for reporting school performance by assigning each public school a rating that sums up its performance based on multiple indicators.

The school report cards will continue to report the percentages of students meeting or exceeding expectations, or who fall into other categories. But rather than focus solely these percentages, the new formula for K-8 schools will now emphasize students’ academic gains. The formula will employ an accountability system that speaks to the effectiveness of instruction.

For the 2018 report cards, the state board is using the framework of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaced the No Child Left Behind law in late 2015. Every Student Succeeds establishes a 15-year timeline for achieving four academic goals.

The goals state that by 2032, at least 90 percent of third-grade students should be reading at or above grade level and 90 percent or more of fifth-grade students should meet or exceed expectations in math. At the high school level, 90 percent or more of ninth-grade students should be on track to graduate with their class and 90 percent or more of students should graduate from high school ready for college and career.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Train fair at ICC Nov. 18

The Peoria Train Fair will pull into the Illinois Central College East Peoria campus on schedule, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 18. The fair will show off the latest model train products and will have experts who can answer attendees’ questions. 

The operating layouts return to the Train Fair this year courtesy of the River City Model Railroad Club, giving attendees an idea of what is possible in model railroading. Run a Train returns, which will give children the opportunity to take turns as engineers and run selected trains.

DVDs, videos, books, and photos, as well as many model railroad parts and supplies will be available. Tables will also highlight new and used items from most scales including Lionel, G, O, HO, N and Z. Real railroad memorabilia will be available including clothing, such as hats, shirts, patches and pins.  

All proceeds will support the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and River City Model Railroad Club in Pekin and their efforts to highlight and promote the hobby of model railroading.

The fair is sponsored by the two clubs. Admission is $3 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. 

Bradley University founder top historic woman in Illinois

Lydia Moss Bradley was a woman of many firsts.

She is the first woman known to have served on the board of a national bank. She was among the first women to get a prenuptial agreement when she remarried.

She founded charities, ran businesses and fought Supreme Court battles. In central Illinois and particularly Peoria, she is probably best known as the founder of Bradley University. And, now she adds another honor to her name: named Illinois’ most groundbreaking woman

Bradley beat out Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Jane Addams and even Mrs. Abraham Lincoln on Illinois’ Top 200 list of extraordinary women. They are on the list, just not in first place. No. 2 is Betty Friedan, a Peoria native, who helped spark a new wave of feminism with her 1963 book, “The Feminine Mystique.” She also helped found the National Organization for Women. 

The competition is part of Illinois Bicentennial’s efforts to name the top person or object in 20 categories. Go to IllinoisTop200.com to see what selections are still open and the winners of past ones. Categories still to be voted on include state leaders and unforgettable moments. Voters already have picked their favorites in other categories such as movies, historic sites, musicians and scenic spots.

EUREKA

AARP course to teach driving skills

Older drivers can freshen up their driving skills and learn about changes that have affected driving, such as changes in rules of the road and auto technology, at an upcoming AARP Smart Driver Course. The two-day course, open to all Woodford County senior citizens, will be held at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 13 and Nov. 14.

The curriculum was developed following a two-year research study conducted by Eastern Virginia Medical School, and helps drivers stay current with driving laws and new technologies. Participants will also learn defensive driving skills, proven safety strategies and how to manage and accommodate age-related changes in vision hearing and reaction time. Drivers who complete the course may be able to save money on their car insurance.

Class fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited, call the library at 309-467-2922, to register.

Mayor to speak about city issues

Eureka Mayor Scott Zimmer will present an overview of city services and answer questions about the city and its future at 10 a.m. Nov. 3, at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St. Doughnuts and coffee will be served. Registration is due by Nov. 1 by calling the library, 309-467-2922.

–Woodford County News Briefs–