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
Black and Hispanic students thrive in school model Chicago Teachers Union wants to eliminate
Black and Hispanic students thrive in school model Chicago Teachers Union wants to eliminate
Black and Hispanic students are around six times more likely to be proficient in reading at selective enrollment high schools compared to traditional public schools in Chicago. But the Chicago Teachers Union wants to eliminate these schools that are a lifeline to the city’s minority students.
By Hannah Schmid
Will back to school in Chicago Public Schools be back to same-old, same-old?
Will back to school in Chicago Public Schools be back to same-old, same-old?
Chicago Public Schools students return to class Aug. 26. Here’s what parents should know about academics, building use, enrollment, absenteeism and finances.
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
Democratic National Convention to tout education policy near Chicago school where no kids read at grade level
Democratic National Convention to tout education policy near Chicago school where no kids read at grade level
Education will be a major platform piece during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Too bad the party will meet near a Chicago school where spending $27K per student yields none who can read at grade level.
By Dylan Sharkey
Johnson’s loyalty to Chicago Teachers Union clear as he pushes out schools chief
Johnson’s loyalty to Chicago Teachers Union clear as he pushes out schools chief
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly working to get rid of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Martinez has been fighting financial ploys by Johnson and the mayor’s former employer, the Chicago Teachers Union.
By Patrick Andriesen
3-in-10 Chicago public school teachers send their children to private school
3-in-10 Chicago public school teachers send their children to private school
Nearly 31% of public school teachers in Chicago send at least one of their kids to private school. What does that say about the quality of a public-school education in Chicago?
By Hannah Schmid, Jon Josko
Illinois Education Association puts union bosses’ agenda ahead of teachers’
Illinois Education Association puts union bosses’ agenda ahead of teachers’
Just 13% of IEA’s spending was on representing teachers in 2023. But the spending of its national affiliate – the National Education Association – was even worse, with less than 8% of its spending on representing teachers’ interests.
By Mailee Smith
Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races
Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races
With 10 Chicago Public Schools Board of Education seats on the Nov. 5 ballot up for grabs, the battle is on for the Chicago Teachers Union to take full control of the city and district.
By Paul Vallas
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
How’s my community? Measures of how your piece of Illinois is doing
How’s my community? Measures of how your piece of Illinois is doing
Here are data snapshots of Illinois communities, schools and government. See how well your tax dollars are performing in your city, county or school compared to others.
Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
As Chicago Public Schools spending per student continues to rise, test scores and proficiency levels among students continue to drop.
By Kurtis Karg
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
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Illinois students’ reading and math proficiency have yet to rebound from pandemic losses. Illinois parents have a right to know what their children are being taught so they can be part of the solution.
By Mailee Smith