Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Yana Kunichoff

union power

Chicago
December 10, 2018

Charter teachers won big in nation’s first strike. What now?

Some 500 unionized teachers joined in the nation’s first charter strike last week, and succeeded in negotiating wage increases, smaller class sizes and…

impasse over

Chicago
December 9, 2018

With tentative deal struck in Chicago charter school strike, Acero students set to return to class

More than 7,000 students at 15 Acero schools are expected to be back in class Monday. The work-stoppage canceled classes for four days. 

Charter strike

Chicago
December 7, 2018

Chicago charter files federal labor complaint against union over strike

As the acrimonious teacher strike against Acero charter schools wound down its fourth day, both sides ratcheted up pressure, neither giving indications of backing down.

Teaching & Classroom

Chicago
Updated December 7, 2018

From missed meetings to children home alone, Chicago families feel the strain of ongoing Acero charter strike

It took Alma Adan several weeks to schedule a meeting with school counselors to go over her kindergarten son’s special education needs. But…

charter union

Chicago
Updated December 6, 2018

Chicago charter strike extends a third day, with teachers holding out for raises for support staff

Union teachers reported small gains — but stuck adamantly by demands for smaller class sizes and for increased pay, including for paraprofessionals.

charter upheaval

Chicago
Updated December 4, 2018

As charter strike enters second day, Chicago agencies offer care for students out of school

As Acero union negotiations drag on, the YMCA and Chicago parks offered care for students displaced by the nation’s first-ever strike by charter school teachers.

Point of view

Chicago
December 4, 2018

Dispatch from the picket line: Why five Acero charter teachers are on strike

Educators braved early-morning freezing temperatures and light snow to call for higher pay, more support staff, and an investment in special education at Acero schools.

Making history

Chicago
Updated December 4, 2018

With no deal reached at bargaining table, Acero teachers begin nation’s first charter union strike

Fifteen Chicago charter schools are closed Tuesday after their teachers called a strike — making history with the nation’s first-ever strike of a charter…

legal victory

Chicago
December 3, 2018

Chicago’s popular National Teachers Academy fends off closure

Judge allows lawsuit to block the closure of popular National Teachers Academy to proceed. Chicago Public Schools wants to build a high school on the elementary campus.

enrollment woes

Chicago
November 30, 2018

With zero students, Englewood high headed toward formal closure after just 12 years

Faced with declining enrollment, Chicago Public Schools wants to close TEAM Englewood High, which it opened only in 2007, and three other neighborhood high schools

uncertain outlook

Chicago
November 29, 2018

How will Noble schools cope with political changes? Charter network seeks to reassure bondholders

After years of expansion, Noble faces uncertainty in leadership, a unionization move and state and local political changes that may be more hostile to charter schools.

Dual Language

Chicago
November 28, 2018

Dual-language schools draw in young families. So Chicago is investing in them.

The district chose locations for its newest dual language programs, which are in high demand districtwide, from among campuses applying to add new academic offerings.

Annual Regional Analysis

Chicago
November 28, 2018

Six chances left to attend meetings on controversial school inventory report

Here’s a list of presentations to come, and a preview of the issues facing communities where the meetings are scheduled.

charter activism

Chicago
November 26, 2018

Why teachers say Noble CEO’s downfall could bolster unionization efforts

Teachers say Milkie’s misconduct with alumni — and suspicions that leaders delayed responding — bolster arguments that teachers should be more involved in decision-making

Snow Day

Chicago
November 26, 2018

Power outages hit 20 campuses during first snowstorm of the school year

But school remained in session at all 513 district-run Chicago Public Schools campuses.