New ACT scores reveal that Illinois schools are still struggling to prepare their students for life after graduation. Overall, only 25 percent of the state’s students were considered college-ready in all four subjects – the exact same percentage as last year and 1 percentage point below the national average. This is still too low, especially for a...

School choice should be the foundation of any successful school system. This includes learning options of all kinds, including online learning, private schools, charter schools, homeschooling and more. While alternative learning options provide much-needed options for students, these programs should not be exempt from performance reviews. In a surprise move, the Chicago Public Schools, or...

The Chicago Teacher

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....

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...

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...

by Michael Wille In their opening round of teacher contract negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has demanded reduced class sizes, higher taxes on the city’s richest residents and a whopping 30 percent salary increase with little accountability in return. Think about what they are calling for. At a time when 10.2 percent of Chicagoans are out...

The Problem Chicago high schools have long held a tragic reputation. For years, district-wide dropout rates have hovered near 50 percent. High school test scores remain low. Only a relative few students have been able to attend selective schools, where seats are reserved for students with exceptional records in elementary school. Now, a new group...