Final answer:
The overall responsibility of providing Illinois with a public school system lies with the state and local governments, including the Illinois State Board of Education, the State Superintendent, elected officials, and local advocacy groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual charged with the overall responsibility of providing Illinois with a public school system is primarily the responsibility of the state and local governments. This role typically falls under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, who oversee the implementation of education policies and the administration of public schools. Additionally, key elected officials, such as the governor and legislature, play significant roles in determining funding and educational standards.
The law requires all public schools and students to be included in accountability systems, with students in grades 3–8 to be tested in reading and math. Underperforming schools can face corrective actions and restructuring to ensure they meet adequate yearly progress goals. Furthermore, educational policy decisions, such as budget allocations and the enforcement of standards, are largely influenced by actions at the state and local level, including those by mayors, state governors, and boards of education.
An important historical note is the involvement of CORE in addressing educational issues in Illinois during the early 1960s. They advocated against segregation and pushed for the implementation of transfer plans to desegregate schools, underscoring the role local advocacy groups play in shaping education policy.