Education

Celia Bermudez

Celia Bermudez

“Our public school is overcrowded; safety is a concern. Also, we noticed the difference in the homework at their private school. My children there are more prepared for college.”

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

Contradictory metrics statewide point to poor accountability and grade promotion standards in Illinois. Low-income parents seeking alternatives are hamstrung as lawmakers weigh ending Illinois’ only school choice program.

By Hannah Schmid

Sabrina Sibby

Sabrina Sibby

“If these scholarships end, it may result in me having to quit my job and homeschool my son. Having the scholarship allows them to be in a safe, respectful and trauma-free environment."

Chicago Public Schools get over $1.9B more since school choice program began

Chicago Public Schools get over $1.9B more since school choice program began

Chicago Public Schools has received about $1.93 billion in additional state and local funding since the 2018-19 school year, when the Invest in Kids scholarship tax-credit program awarded its first scholarships to low-income students to attend the schools of their choice.

By Hannah Schmid

Vallas: Fact check on Stacy Davis Gates’ rationalization for fighting, exercising school choice

Vallas: Fact check on Stacy Davis Gates’ rationalization for fighting, exercising school choice

Stacy Davis Gates conveniently ignores she and other union bosses actively work to deny poor parents the same educational choices they themselves enjoy. While Davis Gates bemoans “unfair choices” for South Side and West Side parents, she fails to acknowledge CTU leadership is primarily responsible for these disparities.

By Paul Vallas

George Kokuro

George Kokuro

“I want lawmakers to know that some people out here don’t have enough money to better themselves, so they depend on people like Empower Illinois."

Vallas: School choice and the hypocrisy of Chicago Teachers Union leaders

Vallas: School choice and the hypocrisy of Chicago Teachers Union leaders

According to the Chicago Teachers Union leadership, supporters of school choice for poor children are fascists and racists. What does it say when four out of 10 CTU teachers send their children to private schools, including CTU President Stacy Davis Gates?

By Paul Vallas