Having a mentor can help teachers improve and students learn more. CTU and CPS should compromise so that we invest more of our resources in this support throughout a teacher’s career, instead of waiting until a teacher is on the brink of failure.
Cover Story
The question of tech equity
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Technology isn’t a silver bullet for learning, but schools can’t reap any benefit if they don’t have what’s needed to make the best use of it: fast internet, enough computers and trained teachers.
Catalyst Chicago
Closing the digital divide for all students
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A teacher and former Chicago Public Schools student says technology can be a game-changer for ‘young people who need opportunity the most.’
From the Editor
Moving the legacy forward
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When Catalyst Chicago went to press with this issue, lawmakers in Springfield had finally passed a stopgap budget that will let schools open in the fall, in Chicago and in other districts that had sounded the alarm about possible shutdowns. After a year-long stalemate, the temporary budget will allow the wheels of state government to continue turning for a time. But there’s no reason to breathe a sigh of relief, at least for longer than a few seconds.
bilingual education
Dual language programs to expand, but fears over money linger
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Five elementary schools are starting programs that will teach children in both English and Spanish, an approach that has gained traction across the country. Community groups played a role in lobbying for the programs.
Catalyst Chicago
At education summit, calls for more revenue for schools
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Eleven aldermen and one state representative joined about 200 teachers, parents, activists and students at an education summit Saturday calling for progressive revenue solutions to the financial crisis at Chicago Public Schools.
Catalyst Chicago
Dozens of principals quitting CPS, even from “plum schools”
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Chicago Public Schools officials say 54 principals have resigned or retired so far this school year. The number could go higher, given the budget impasse in Springfield and what principals say is a lack of support from the district.
Catalyst Chicago
50 more schools get privatized building engineers
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The Chicago School Board voted to privatize building engineers in almost 50 more schools, giving more control over school maintenance to two companies that principals have widely criticized for two years.
Catalyst Chicago
Charter school shutdowns loom under planned $700 million budget cuts
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Up to two dozen charter schools could shut down under budget cuts CPS recently released, sending up to 15,000 students in search of new schools. Charter advocates are working on proposals to reform state education funding.
Catalyst Chicago
LaRaviere wins presidency of principals’ group–and a bigger platform to criticize the mayor
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Troy LaRaviere will become the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, a group that has flown under the radar until recently. LaRaviere vows to make sure that the voices of all principals are heard–even those who don’t agree with his sharp public critiques of the mayor.
finance and budgets
With no budget relief from Springfield, schools face massive cuts, layoffs
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District officials are now planning cuts of up to 39 percent in per-pupil money given to schools, a loss of about $700 million. A small group of principals was told to prepare for average cuts of 26 percent overall, when poverty grants and other supplemental funds are taken into account.