Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Chicago

Yana Kunichoff

Grading the tests

Chicago
March 6, 2019

5 things you should know about the ‘Zombie’ PARCC

Illinois is rolling out a new state test for third- to eighth-grade students, but don’t expect much change. In fact the new state…

an iffy future

Chicago
February 27, 2019

Ignoring threat to its existence, Illinois’ charter commission weighs schools’ future

Even as it faces a threat to its very existence, the Illinois State Charter Commission continued about its business considering whether to save four charter schools rejected by Chicago.

election 2019

Chicago
Updated February 26, 2019

Chicago enters historic mayoral runoff between Lori Lightfoot and teachers union candidate Toni Preckwinkle

Chicago’s crowded mayor’s race is headed toward a runoff. Early returns show that former prosecutor Lori Lightfoot will face Cook County Board President…

Race for mayor

Chicago
February 26, 2019

Chicago voting: some strategic, some from the gut

Some Chicago voters cast ballots trying to counter the candidate they didn't want to reach a runoff. Others voted on instincts or on issues: education, youth, taxes.

Illinois State Board of Education

Chicago
Updated February 26, 2019

Illinois new chief educator: Pritzker board appoints first woman of color to the top job

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommended the first Latina to the state’s top schools job on Tuesday, a day after he replaced all but…

Campaign finances

Chicago
February 25, 2019

Here’s how some of the biggest forces in the education world are spending money in Chicago’s mayoral race

Chicago mayoral candidates have raked in millions of dollars in campaign contributions from various players inside and around the world of education.

new leaders

Chicago
February 25, 2019

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker appoints 8 new state board members in near total sweep

The only member from Bruce Rauner’s term who will keep her seat is Susan Morrison, a former social studies teacher who has held statewide jobs.

Budget woes

Chicago
February 20, 2019

In budget address, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker proposes modest education increases

Even while calling his proposed budget “austere” and speaking plainly about the yawning deficit he inherited, Illinois’ new governor, J.B. Pritzker, struck an…

Charter strike

Chicago
February 19, 2019

Charter teachers laud new contract on first day back at school after nine-day strike

After nine days on the picket line, teachers and paraprofessionals at four Chicago International Charter Schools were back in class Tuesday — with many…

Charter strike

Chicago
February 15, 2019

On Chicago charter strike, how far will the teachers union go?

Chicago’s second charter strike has now stretched over nine days. Beyond picket lines and hashtags on social media, the Chicago Teachers Union has…

Charter strike

Chicago
February 13, 2019

With Loop lobby sit-in, striking teachers union beefs up campaign against Chicago charter

Facing a stalemate at the bargaining table with the management of four Chicago International Charter Schools, the Chicago Teachers Union on Wednesday staged…

Test of Time

Chicago
February 12, 2019

Parents at striking schools in Chicago see inconvenience, and hope, as charter walkout drags on

Families supporting striking Chicago charter school teachers have kept their children out of school during the standoff at Chicago International Charter Schools. But finding child care is hard.

Walkout: Day 4

Chicago
February 11, 2019

Why Chicago’s second charter strike is one to watch

As Denver teachers went out on strike Monday in a pay dispute with their district, charter teachers in Chicago at four schools operated…

Charter strike

Chicago
February 8, 2019

Multiple layers, multiple CEOs: Strike puts charter management under microscope

Among the leaflets union officials distributed at Chicago’s four-school charter strike picket line this week was one with a bold line at the…

Raising their profile

Chicago
Updated February 7, 2019

With campaigning aldermen in tow, striking Chicago teachers target statewide charter lobbyist

The Chicago Teachers Union stepped up its pressure campaign on administrators of a second striking Chicago charter with plans to picket the downtown offices of a key pro-charter lobbying group on Thursday.