Illinois may consider lowering the compulsory school age to 5 Oct 13, 2020 10:15 am by The Center Square (Chicago)Illinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images The Center Square (Oct. 12) – Christopher Span, a professor of education policy, organization, and leadership at Illinois, says not offering early education to five-year-olds widens opportunity gaps that will eventually manifest as achievement gaps. Share on Facebook Tweet Email