Education

First nationwide school choice bill passes U.S. House committee

First nationwide school choice bill passes U.S. House committee

The Educational Choice for Children Act of 2024 becomes the first nationwide school choice bill to pass out of committee in U.S. history. Now it goes to the U.S. House floor, giving hope to Illinois families denied the option by state lawmakers.

By Hannah Schmid

What to know about Illinois education as students head back to school

What to know about Illinois education as students head back to school

Students in Illinois are steadily returning to class across Illinois’ 852 school districts, where improvement is needed on the 35% of elementary students who can read at grade level. What to know about how well the state’s public schools are preparing students for life.

By Hannah Schmid

Chicago Public Schools faces $500M deficit despite $10B budget

Chicago Public Schools faces $500M deficit despite $10B budget

Chicago Public Schools’ reliance on temporary federal pandemic funds has left the district grappling with deficits even before factoring in a new Chicago Teachers Union contract. $505M deficit + $10B in demands = taxpayer trouble

By Bryce Hill

3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools

3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools

Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools buildings have a space-use problem – they’re too empty. Nearly 60% of schools are underutilized while 5% are overcrowded. Only 37% are at ideal capacity. The Chicago Teachers Union wants to add staff to the empty schools.

By Hannah Schmid