Four common myths about charter schools
Four common myths about charter schools
The Chicago Teacher
CPS asks charter networks to save failing schools
CPS asks charter networks to save failing schools
According to a report in today’s Chicago Tribune, CPS officials have asked several charter operators if they would be willing to take over some of the 80 to 120 under-enrolled or poorly performing schools that the district is planning on closing next year. Among the names mentioned are the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) and the Noble Network of Charter Schools....
Top ten charters outperform top ten open enrollment, non-selective, traditional high schools in Chicago
Top ten charters outperform top ten open enrollment, non-selective, traditional high schools in Chicago
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In Chicago that is. In Chicago’s traditional public schools, the teachers’ union was on strike. Parents were scrambling to find a safe place for their child to stay during what would otherwise be a school day. Some were taking time off, even at...
A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
The problem Too many of Chicago’s children don’t reach their full potential because traditional public schools are failing them. Our solution Chicago’s charter schools are proving, once again, that low-income children can succeed if given a chance. Why this works In 2012, charter schools held the top nine spots for open-enrollment, non-selective public high schools...
A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
The problem Too many of Chicago’s children don’t reach their full potential because traditional public schools are failing them. Our solution Chicago’s charter schools are proving, once again, that low-income children can succeed if given a chance. Why this works In 2012, charter schools held the top nine spots for open-enrollment, non-selective public high schools...
Four state lawmakers to file legislation to increase charters, opportunity scholarships
Four state lawmakers to file legislation to increase charters, opportunity scholarships
As Chicago Teachers Union members strike, hundreds of thousands of Chicago kids are on the street.
Charter secrets the CTU hopes you won’t find out
Charter secrets the CTU hopes you won’t find out
There’s a big reason why the Chicago Teachers Union fears charter schools. Charters will expose truths the CTU hoped would never be revealed. Charter schools in Chicago are already showing strong results in learning. Looking at the average ACT score, for example, you will see that last year, nine of the top 10 open-enrollment, non-selective high schools...
On a Quest: An education reform success story in Peoria
On a Quest: An education reform success story in Peoria
Peoria Quest Charter Academy offers students a better choice.
Unchartered territory: Downstate and suburban families lack school alternatives
Unchartered territory: Downstate and suburban families lack school alternatives
The Problem Illinois has fallen behind its neighbors in offering alternatives to students outside major population centers. All children deserve the chance at a brighter future with schools that work best for them. Where choice in education is available, parents respond. Most downstate and suburban parents have few alternatives to their local public schools. A...
Playing Favorites Supplement
Playing Favorites Supplement
How will this affect your district? Currently, the state pays the “employer” portion of teacher pension normal costs. How would shifting this cost back to the true employer – school districts – affect local school budgets? “He’s essentially freezing our revenue and increasing our cost. It’s akin to tying the school districts’ hands and feet together...
Playing favorites: Education pension spending favors wealthy, suburban schools
Playing favorites: Education pension spending favors wealthy, suburban schools
The problem State education funding is designed to ensure a base amount of money is available to every student in Illinois. To that end, the state strives to send more money to poor districts and less money to districts with a healthy property tax base. But a bird’s eye view of Illinois education spending reveals...
Playing favorites: Education pension spending favors wealthy, suburban schools
Playing favorites: Education pension spending favors wealthy, suburban schools
The problem State education funding is designed to ensure a base amount of money is available to every student in Illinois. To that end, the state strives to send more money to poor districts and less money to districts with a healthy property tax base. But a bird’s eye view of Illinois education spending reveals...
More than 1,000 students rally for charter schools in Springfield
More than 1,000 students rally for charter schools in Springfield
by Michael Wille Last week, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools hosted its annual “Have Your Say Day” at the Capitol. More than 1,000 students from across Chicago boarded buses at Soldier Field and traveled to Springfield to rallyand meet with legislators. Their demands? Simple. Support HB 5225, which provides equal funding for charter schools across the...
It’s working in Wisconsin: Gov. Walker signs ed reform legislation
It’s working in Wisconsin: Gov. Walker signs ed reform legislation
by Michael Wille Yesterday, Gov. Scott Walker signed the “Read to Lead” legislation into law aimed at improving education for Wisconsin students. Starting in Kindergarten, children will now be tested on literacy to set a benchmark of their skills and better understand what interventions are required to ensure reading capabilities are strengthened by third grade. In addition...