Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Diversity & Equity

Diversity Debate

New York
June 10, 2019

A ‘big deal’ or not enough? What to know about the diversity recommendations de Blasio just embraced

Despite the soaring rhetoric, the suggestions the city has pledged to adopt don’t come with precise integration goals, changes to any enrollment policies, or a timeline.

Inclusive Environment

Colorado
June 10, 2019

Jeffco schools to consider updating LGBTQ policies as backers call for ‘more foundation and meat’

“Jeffco public schools wishes to be an inclusive place for students and staff," said Superintendent Jason Glass.

Taking the Advice

New York
June 10, 2019

In bid to increase integration in city schools, de Blasio accepts slew of recommendations from diversity advisory group

To increase integration, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday that he is accepting nearly all the initial recommendations of the city’s School Diversity Advisory Group.

First Person

Chicago
June 10, 2019

I’m a longtime education advocate. Here’s why I’m hopeful about Chicago’s next chapter.

In my time in Chicago, I certainly have not witnessed anything this broad, this inclusive, or this deliberate to make sure diverse voices in our city are heard.

Gifted gap

New York
June 7, 2019

Families receive offers to gifted & talented programs — but program designed to boost student diversity misses goals

Numbers released Friday show that out of seven programs, just three met goals of enrolling kindergarten or first-grade students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

ask the mayor

New York
June 7, 2019

This Brooklyn teen keeps pressing de Blasio on school segregation during his weekly radio appearance

That thorn in de Blasio’s side: Tiffani Torres, a 16-year-old junior at Pace High School in Manhattan.

implicit bias

Colorado
June 6, 2019

Denver teacher ‘will not return’ to district after reportedly making black student clean up feces

The 6-year-old was reportedly made to clean the feces after his kindergarten teacher believed a white student’s claim over his.

Lost in Translation

New York
June 6, 2019

‘Why don’t you learn English?’: Lawsuit blasts NYC translation services for special education families

The lawsuit describes a “pattern and practice” of failing to provide interpretation regarding special education services.

Future plans

Chicago
June 6, 2019

Chicago schools equity chief promises new decision-making tool this summer

The former Tilden High School principal said that his office plans to begin showing its work sometime in the next few months.

Head Start

Colorado
June 5, 2019

How these Denver students earned credits for a college Spanish minor while in high school

The program has been so successful that it’s expanding to several other Denver high schools this fall.

On their way

Colorado
June 4, 2019

This Colorado high school made a big push to get students into college. It’s working.

Harrison High School has made a concerted effort to work closely with its at-risk students and expose them to all of the possibilities for their future, officials say.

admissions maze

New York
June 4, 2019

Where do NYC’s top-scoring middle schoolers go to high school? Hint — it’s not just the specialized high schools.

Beyond the three big specialized high schools, the schools where high-performing students enroll vary.

Admissions Debate

New York
June 1, 2019

What’s happened in the year since Mayor Bill de Blasio called for overhauling NYC’s specialized high school admissions

A year after Mayor Bill de Blasio called for an overhaul of specialized high school admissions, actual progress has stalled, though some see hints of progress.

checking biases

New York
May 31, 2019

NYC’s anti-bias training for educators is contentious — and behind schedule. Some advocates say that’s not a bad thing.

The education department’s implicit-bias trainings have been the subject of intense controversy.

use of force

Colorado
May 30, 2019

Handcuffed in Denver in the fifth grade: ‘Whenever I shut my eyes, I saw the cuffs’

The experience left the Denver 11-year-old with nightmares, scars on his wrists, and a visceral fear of police.