Source: Islam-Online.net
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2006-04/15/article05.shtml
On April 15, 2006 Islam-Online reported, "With the Muslim population growing steadily in North America and [the] issue of education gaining increasing importance, Muslim educators are meeting in Chicago, Illinois, to share experience and compare notes... The three-day meeting, which kicked off on Friday, April 14, is bringing together Muslims educators and teachers from various parts of North America. This year’s theme, 'Islamic Education: Strengthening Faith & Enhancing Quality,' reflects a conviction among Muslim educators on the need to strike a balance between academic achievement and the spiritual development of the students. The forum was first convened seven years ago in order to provide a place for Muslim educators in general and educators in Islamic schools to network and exchange ideas."