Catalyst writers and editors share their perspectives, analyses and the news behind the news on improving Chicago area public schools. Our on-the-ground reports will tell you what’s happening in schools and education circles here and elsewhere. Our views will tell you what to make of it.
College-prep for all no guarantee of higher achievementDo more rigorous courses raise student achievement? Not necessarily, according to a study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research. A new policy brief from the Consortium, in effect, sounds a warning about the national push for tougher learning standards for all students.
Continue Reading College-prep for all no guarantee of higher achievement »
Continue Reading College-prep for all no guarantee of higher achievement »
In the News: 'Two worlds' at school board meeting; support for Obama's education agenda slippingThe Sun-Times reports on the "two different worlds" of Wednesday's Chicago School Board meeting, as board officials calmly insisted they would be ready to open schools Sept. 7 with a balanced budgets and hundreds of jobs restored — while teachers and principals called CPS budget-balancing chaotic. The president of the Chicago Principals Association also said the idea of asking principals to retire in January — eight weeks before critical state tests are given — is "stupid."
Continue Reading In the News: 'Two worlds' at school board meeting; support for Obama's education agenda slipping »
Continue Reading In the News: 'Two worlds' at school board meeting; support for Obama's education agenda slipping »
CPS passes budget, union demands rehiring of laid-off teachers
Continue Reading CPS passes budget, union demands rehiring of laid-off teachers »
At Wednesday’s board meeting, CPS officials announced plans to restructure some of the district’s debt obligations to balance the system’s budget, rather than draining all of the district’s stabilization reserve funds, as had earlier been proposed.
Continue Reading CPS passes budget, union demands rehiring of laid-off teachers »