by Lisa Sutton
EDFN 405 Development of the Educational Mind

Leadership for Quality Education (LQE) advocates charter schools as the new reform concept for changing the quality of Chicago Public Schools and serves as a resource center for development of charter schools.

History
In 1988, LQE was launched by a parent organization, the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, and Chicago United, CEO-led groups promoting minority access to quality education and opportunities.

Their mission is to provide resources and support in public education reform.

During the early 1990s, LQE focused on support for the newborn local school councils, equity among decentralized schools, and management training for the newly empowered principals.

In 1995, another wave of legislation was proposed by the business community, granting greater control over Chicago schools to the city's mayor. This brought new leadership and a shift to a strong district role in encouraging improvement through tough accountability measures. LQE again responded strategically, working with system leaders and school reform groups to help stabilize the balance between local school decision making and enhanced central office powers.

Today
Currently, the LQE has a strong profile in new school creation through small school and charter school development.   In response to a demand for charter school information, the Charter School Resource Center was established by the LQE.  The resource center is a guide for those who are interested in implementing a charter school program.  The LQE has published two handbooks for developing a charter school.  One is called Illinois Charter School Developmer's Handbook and the other is called Measuring Up.   Besides working on developing charters and small schools, LQE focuses on two other areas, human resources/evaluation and accountability.