Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

A meditation on the Chicago Way

A meditation on the Chicago Way

A few parting observations, lessons to be learned, and things to watch in the future: Any positives in the contract?  Yes, but…  It is hard to find positives in the contract, but for what it’s worth: Chicago had one of the shortest school days and years in the US.  The school day is a bit longer and...

By Paul Kersey

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

Institute Experts on the Chicago Teachers Union Strike A meditation on the Chicago Way The CTU strike has ended and a lot of people are asking: “what happened?” Five things you need to know about Chicago Public Schools Five critical facts to keep in mind during the CTU strike. Cheat Sheet: Chicago Public Schools A...

By Chris Andriesen

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

There is room to debate who won the battle between Chicago and its striking teachers union but there is little disagreement the strike and the deal approved by union members on Tuesday mark a personal loss for Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Chicago Teachers Union: Tentative agreement – A short summary

Chicago Teachers Union: Tentative agreement – A short summary

Last week bargaining teams from the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Teachers Union reached an agreement on broad terms of a contract that could end the strike.  The agreement hit a snag over the weekend when the union’s Board of Delegates voted to extend the strike until at least Wednesday, in order to give themselves...

By Paul Kersey

Meet the Kane County Transparency Team

Meet the Kane County Transparency Team

  Recently, the Institute released the results of transparency audits of 26 northern Illinois counties as part of the Local Transparency Project. Kane County earned the highest grade and became the first county in Illinois to score a 100%, on the Institute’s 10-Point Transparency Checklist. Here is a picture of Kane County’s Transparency Team who was responsible for...

By Brian Costin