CPS Succeeds, CTU Misleads

For the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), a glass that is three quarters full is still half empty. Consider the dueling announcements from the University of…

This Is Why the Oppressed Can’t Get No Sleep

While many were celebrating the Fourth of July with hamburgers, hotdogs, fireworks and good ole fashioned apple pie, I was rereading Frederick Douglass’ speech of July…

The Tragic Tension Between College and Career Readiness

What’s the right approach: Counsel all graduating seniors to go to college, including the students who can’t afford it or may be unprepared academically or…

I Always Hated Charter Schools. Until I Put My Kids on the Waitlist.

I have never been much of a proponent of charter schools. I am the proud product of traditional public education from kindergarten through 12th grade…

Education Reform Isn’t Just for Cities

School reform advocate Derrell Bradford and policy writer Andy Rotherham hit on it. Illinois education writer Tracy Dell’Angela has a blog focused on it. Teacher/education…

Illinois’ Current School Funding Formula Is the Definition of Insanity. Here’s How This Superintendent Says We Can Fix It.

Kimako Patterson is the superintendent of Prairie-Hills Elementary District 144. Prairie-Hills is a 2,600-student district in the south suburbs of Illinois where 95 percent of…

What Do Baltimore Parents Want? Advanced Academics and Help Choosing Schools

When it comes to school choice, opportunity in theory isn’t enough. We must ensure that families have the know-how to exercise choice wisely and that…

How States Are Approaching School Accountability

For the most part, what states measure for school quality has already been decided by federal law under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Every state,…

What Good Is School Choice for Low-Income Families If It Doesn’t Come With a School Bus?

As the mother of three children of color who attend Denver Public Schools (DPS), I appreciate the district’s commitment to equity—raising the achievement of all…

We Used to Be One of the Worst Schools in California. Not Anymore.

With high suspension rates, low achievement scores and ineffective teachers, Pacoima Elementary had the dishonor of being one of the worst schools in California. So…