What Illinois can learn from Florida’s emphasis on early literacy
What Illinois can learn from Florida’s emphasis on early literacy
Florida state lawmakers began mandating science-based literacy education in the early 2000s. It improved reading proficiency among early grades and cemented Florida as a leader in early literacy education. Illinois should do the same.
By Hannah Schmid
Election’s over. What’s next for the Chicago School Board?
Election’s over. What’s next for the Chicago School Board?
Voters have chosen the first 10 members of their elected Chicago Public Schools board. Amid a chaotic fall, here are answers to some common questions about what’s next for public education in Chicago.
By Mailee Smith
CTU-backed candidates losing majority of Chicago School Board races
CTU-backed candidates losing majority of Chicago School Board races
Chicago Teachers Union allies were losing most Chicago School Board elections. CTU spent more than $1 million on its candidates, but voters made it clear they are tired of paying more to get less from city schools.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Public Schools’ financial crisis can again be fixed by state oversight
Chicago Public Schools’ financial crisis can again be fixed by state oversight
By 1980, financial mismanagement led Chicago Public Schools to lose its ability to borrow money, to miss multiple payrolls and vendor payments, and to drop deep into debt. The state stepped in with a financial oversight authority. It’s time to do that again.
By Joe Tabor
Fewer than 1-in-3 Chicago Public Schools students read at grade level
Fewer than 1-in-3 Chicago Public Schools students read at grade level
Chicago Public Schools third- through eighth-grade state test scores increased in 2024, with reading finally surpassing 2019 levels. But for Chicago’s 11th grade students, both reading and math remained below pre-pandemic levels.
By Hannah Schmid
Marsha Familaro Enright
Marsha Familaro Enright
“Part of the idea is to have people in many different professions who are knowledgeable about the principles of entrepreneurship and liberty."
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
New Illinois public school test data shows reading and math proficiency rates for third- through eighth-grade students increased since 2023. Not so for 11th graders, who performed worse in reading and math.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois’ tax credit scholarship program for low-income students saved taxpayer dollars
Illinois’ tax credit scholarship program for low-income students saved taxpayer dollars
The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars before it was killed by teachers’ unions, according to a new study.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Public Schools sees uptick in enrollment, but still lower than 10 years ago
Chicago Public Schools sees uptick in enrollment, but still lower than 10 years ago
For the second year in a row, student enrollment has slightly increased in Chicago Public Schools. But the effects of a decade-long annual loss of enrollment remain, with 71,378 fewer students than in 2014.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Public Schools spends more, gets poorer test scores
Chicago Public Schools spends more, gets poorer test scores
Chicago Public Schools’ instructional and operational spending both reached all-time highs. Did the extra money improve student learning? Nope.
By Chris Coffey
Chicago Public Schools adds 2,500 staffers for 80,900 fewer students
Chicago Public Schools adds 2,500 staffers for 80,900 fewer students
Chicago Public Schools enrollment dropped 80,900 from the 2011-2012 school year to 2023-2024. But staffing increased by over 2,500 and costs rose $3.5 billion.
By Chris Coffey
Chicago Public Schools is spending more per student despite plummeting test scores
Chicago Public Schools is spending more per student despite plummeting test scores
Chicago Public Schools instructional and operational spending reached all-time highs while academic outcomes stagnate.
By Chris Coffey