Month: September 2016

What Are TIFs and Why Is the Teachers Union Wrong About Them?

There were two very important events in Chicago yesterday. One serves as an example of what SHOULD be happening more in Chicago with TIF funds. The other presents a terrible idea and embodies exactly what SHOULD NOT happen with these dedicated funds. Early yesterday morning there was jubilation on the south side as a Whole Foods store opened in the…

Chicago Parents Do NOT Want Another Teacher Strike

On September 28, 2016 the Chicago Teachers Union announced their plan to strike on October 11 if a deal isn’t reached. 95% of CTU members are in agreement of the pending strike. However, a group of parents who are members of Chicago Parent Congress doesn’t support CTU’s decision. “I think there are some other alternatives or options available and I…

Strike Will Hurt Our Kids

The teachers strike will seriously hurt our kids. My husband and I made the decision to send our son to Catholic school because we didn’t want anyone putting a price tag on his education. We didn’t want to wake up one day to an email stating that his school was closed and he won’t learn anything for the day.  If…

CPS apologizes for enrollment snafu on charters

Chicago Public Schools apologized Tuesday for releasing incorrect enrollment figures for charter and contract schools during a preliminary count on the district’s 10th day of school, which made charter schools look like they lost a whopping 10 percent of enrollment since last year. CPS typically counts students in its privately managed contract schools along with the charters, but this year it did not, spokeswoman…

My President Is Black

My President is Black. President Obama may have given the BLACKEST speech of his presidency. There were shots fired at former Presidents, the bias justice system, and most importantly a miseducated America. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be at that moment, standing shoulder to shoulder with hundred upon thousands of my brothers and sisters as America finally…

A Tale of Two Cities: How Race and Poverty Shape Educational Outcomes and the Need for Reform

In recent weeks Chicago Unheard has posted two open letters.  The letters reflect two very different perspectives and two different experiences in Chicago’s education system.  While both of the letters come from people within the same Chicago Public School District, it seems that they come from two different worlds.  In one of these worlds, middle-class families (mostly white) endeavor to…

Something IS Working

There is a lot going wrong in Chicago right now.  Violence seems to be an unsolvable mystery.  We can’t quite get fair school funding from the state.  A teacher strike is looming and, let’s face it, the Bears look terrible.  But, there are glimmers of hope for those of us who still believe in Chicago and those of us who…

CPS Students Set New ACT Score Record

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools announced Monday that students acheived a record high average ACT score. CPS students scored an average of 18.4 on the 2015-2016 ACT exam, which represents the highest composite score for the district on record. “Chicago’s schools are realizing record-high academic achievements, progress that could not be made if it were not for the…