Here’s a fact: education reform (school choice, teacher accountability, high expectations and school autonomy) is the not the cause of the impending teacher strike in Chicago. Here’s another fact: it is becoming increasingly difficult for the public to perceive that the first fact is true. That’s because there is a sad juxtaposition playing out in Chicago today. On one hand,…
Tag: Chicago Unheard
Dear Chicago Teacher’s Union: Put Children First
I am a proud Chicago Public Schools parent. Like many Chicago parents, I mostly like what I see happening in my child’s school. My daughter is a good student and has the support of caring teachers and a principal who is trying new things. But like many Chicago parents, I’m frustrated by the political and financial problems that now threaten…
Did Something Strange Occur With the Chicago Teacher’s Union Practice Vote?
There are two things that I have been around a lot in my professional career: schools and elections. I guess it’s that slightly odd mix of experiences that has me asking questions as the Chicago Teachers Union prepares to hold a strike authorization vote this week. Now, don’t get me wrong. I believe in the right of workers to organize.…
Student Voice Is Essential for School Improvement
I’ve written before at some of the good things happening at Namaste Charter School. But today I’ll be writing about some of the challenges my child’s school is currently facing. We’re in a leadership transition, which is always a tough time for any school. In summer 2014, Namaste’s founding principal made way for a successor. The transition was thoughtfully planned,…
In Spite of Change CPS is Still Failing Special Education Students in Englewood
Last week Chicago Public Schools announced that they were reversing their decision to cut Special Education positions at about 120 schools. The Board of Education realized that somebody on staff made a mistake. They made a recommendation based on errant and incomplete information that ultimately would have hurt untold numbers of students with special needs. While some folks will take…
A Letter to Ed. Reformers: Don’t Ignore Black Lives Matter
It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving, time to get back into the classroom. School leaders everywhere will work hard to get students and staff refocused on the labor of love that is education. But, there will be something significant competing for attention in Chicago schools this Monday. A lot has happened since the last time teachers and students in the city…
CPS Students Set New Records on AP Exams with More Students than Ever Participating
Chicago Receives National Recognition for Participation Rate & Success of African-American and Latino Students on AP Exams. CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced that more than 20,700 students took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam last year, an increase of more than 4 percent from the previous year. Since 2011, CPS student participation in AP college-level coursework…
Is There Anywhere a Black Youth Can Be Counted as a Real Person?
Last night I did something I promised myself I would not do. I watched the tragic dashcam video in which a Chicago Police Officer fires 16 bullets into a 17-year-old kid with a switchblade in his hand. It was a hard experience. Much more difficult than I thought it would be. But, when it was over I was certain of…