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LATEST NEWS


Exploring St. Joseph High School's North Building Before its Demolition
Join West40 as we walk the halls of the famous St. Joseph High School's north building in the days before its demolition. We found some...


West40 and Similar Education Organizations Now Eligible for State Construction Grants
Obtaining access to grant money for school construction projects just became easier for Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate...


See the Impact of West40's ALOP Program for FY24
West40's Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) is the support system we provide for thousands of students across the West...


Westchester Approves Ordinance for West40 to Run Residential School
West40 has officially received the stamp of approval from the Village of Westchester to operate the former St. Joseph High School as a...


West40 Receives Honorable Mentions in School Communication Awards
West40's contributions to social media and video storytelling have received national recognition from the country's largest school public...


Westchester Village Board to Vote on West40's Petition on June 25
During the Village of Westchester's Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday evening, village staff presented to board members information...


Holocaust Survivors Guide Students through Their Stories in Virtual Reality Learning Experience
The Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie honors the memory of Holocaust victims and educates visitors by promoting human rights, while...


Westchester Planning & Zoning Approves West40's Request for Special Permit for St. Joseph HS
Westchester Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a special permit request for the former St. Joseph High School.


Lawmakers Approve Change to Educator Content Exam, Needs Governor's Signature to Become Law
West40 has interviewed prospective teachers and analyzed public records of content exam pass ratios.


WEST40-BACKED BILL MAKES PROGRESS IN ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE
May 10, 2024 A West40-backed bill that would authorize the Illinois State Board of Education to make school construction grants...


WEST40 UPDATE ON ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
West40 presented plans for our St. Joseph property and answered questions at the Village of Westchester board meeting on April 9 as part...


LAWMAKERS PROPOSE CHANGES TO ILLINOIS EDUCATOR CONTENT EXAMS
Illinois lawmakers are considering two bills that, if passed, would update the existing teacher certification process that has been the source of concern for prospective educators as the state struggles to hire and maintain teachers. Teaching candidates must achieve a passing score on a state educator content exam to earn their licensure. But a West40 analysis of public records shows low passing ratios on certain exams, including Mathematics, Early Childhood Education, and El


CONCERNS MOUNTING OVER ILLINOIS’ EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CONTENT EXAM
Click here for Video. Imagine being a prospective teacher and earning great grades in college and receiving strong letters of support for...


WEST40 UPDATE ON ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
West40 remains committed to transforming the former St. Joseph High School into a state-of-the-art learning facility and living space for...


PROSPECTIVE TEACHER AND MENTOR QUESTION THE ILLINOIS MATH TEACHER CERTIFICATION EXAM
Are Illinois teacher certification exams discouraging some prospective teachers before they get a chance to begin student teaching? The...


WEST40 PROUD TO HOST MULTIPLE EVENTS FOR STUDENTS’ FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
West40 continues to “be what you need” through food donations and organizing family activities and holiday events for members of our...


UPDATE ON WEST40 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PARTICIPATION IN MIDWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Earlier this year, West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner was selected to serve on a U.S. Department of Education Regional Advisory...


WEST40 REACHES NEXT STEP IN ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATION
West40 is excited to share an update about our plans for St. Joseph High School in Westchester, as we have reached a pivotal next step in...


WEST40-SUPPORTED STUDY SHOWS NEED FOR HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMMING IN WEST COOK COUNTY
A new report released by Birth to Five Illinois and supported by West40 is shining light on the need for more funding of Early Childhood...


WEST40 EXEC. DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL TASK FORCE SEEKING INPUT FROM EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND PARENTS
West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner has been given a major opportunity to serve on a federal educational task force with the goal...
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