This week, Chicago Unheard will host two parent conversations about the proposals to change how the Board of Education is selected. The Illinois State Senate is examining two bills: one would create a 21-member, fully-elected school board; the other would have 11 members, eight appointed by the mayor and three elected. Today, our friends from Kids First Chicago will hold…
Tag: Kids First Chicago
Elected and Appointed School Boards, Explained
The effort to change Chicago’s school board from mayor-appointed to elected could win this legislative session. But Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who supported an elected school board when she ran for office, appears to be changing her mind in favor of a hybrid between elected and appointed members, which would allow her to retain final authority and continue to hold the…
WBEZ’s Curious City Wants to Hear Your Thoughts on The New School Year
Chicago parents, teachers and students, WBEZ’s Curious City wants to hear your thoughts on the new school year!
CPS Parents Tell Kids First Chicago How to Fix Remote Learning This Year
In July 2020, Kids First Chicago spoke with 163 CPS parents about their recommendations for the upcoming school year. They included four dual-language focus groups to connect with Spanish-speaking parents. This is very important since the district and many individual schools still struggle to communicate effectively with parents who primarily speak Spanish. (Let alone parents who speak other languages!) You…
Hundreds of CPS Families Told Kids First Chicago What They Really Need
While many Chicago families struggle to meet basic needs like food and diapers, they also need help with tech access and guidance to support their children’s learning.
When Enrollment Is Declining, Let Communities Decide Next Steps for Schools
Urban school systems all over the Northeast and Midwest are facing declining enrollment and struggle with the challenge of downsizing without shortchanging students’ education. Unfortunately, Chicago is a leader in the problem, but new thinking on the role of neighborhoods could propel the city to become a leader in solutions. Enrollment in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has been sliding…