Ed. Secretary Duncan dodges charter school issue during Chicago visit
BY ART GOLAB Staff Reporter December 16, 2013 6:50PM
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, left, speaks with a senior student Stephanie Gil, right, after roundtable discussion with local students, parents and educators at the Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. The topics included work at the academy and progress toward increasing graduation rates, as well as access for Hispanics to postsecondary programs. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
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Updated: December 17, 2013 2:21AM
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan came to Benito Juarez Community Academy on Monday to find out how the school boosted its attendance and graduation rates and climbed out of its Chicago Public Schools probationary status.
Duncan, who formerly headed CPS, heard from Juarez administrators, teachers, students and parents who described a success story based on a rigorous curriculum, dedicated staff, motivated students and supportive families at the public school near Ashland and 22nd that serves the Pilsen area.
The education secretary however dodged questions on a local hot topic, charter schools. Asked what he thought of CPS’ proposal to open 21 new charters after closing more the 52 regular schools, Duncan said he’s for anything that will improve results for students, but that
A passionate debate over CPS’ 21 proposed charter schools
A hearing on 21 proposed new Chicago Public Schools charters drew at least 300 people to CPS headquarters on a snowy Monday evening, with supporters and opponents equally passionate about the need to propel or squash charter efforts.
