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Opinions

Teach social-emotional learning for better schools, safer neighborhoods

May 16, 2013

When I was introduced to the term “social-emotional learning” and began to understand its meaning I recognized it as a ray of hope. Hope for my community, which, seemingly unbeknownst to me, had changed dramatically over the years.

Tags: safety, social-emotional learning

Catalyst In Focus

Early childhood teachers adapt to Common Core

May 06, 2013

By: Rebecca Harris

Many early childhood teachers have long resisted efforts to impose academic expectations on young children. The Common Core standards have re-ignited the debate, and the fear that tasks meant for older students will be “pushed down” to younger children.

Tags: Common Core, early childhood education

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Catalyst Notebook

Monday, May. 20, 2013 4:25 PM

As school closings vote nears, questions remain on money, academics, safety

By: Sarah Karp

When Margarita Miranda moved to Old Town in 2000, the area looked much different. The Cabrini Green public housing projects cast a long shadow, and neighborhood elementary schools were located on every few blocks.

Today, the high-rise public housing has been wiped away, leaving the area with a smattering of row houses, townhouses and some stretches of still-empty lots.

In the News: 3-day marchers make way to City Hall

By: Cassandra West

A three-day series of marches through neighborhoods with schools on the closure list was part of a final push organized by the Chicago Teachers Union and community groups before the Chicago Board of Education votes Wednesday on the closure plan. The marches will culminate Monday afternoon with a rally outside City Hall.

Karen Lewis wins second term as CTU president

By: Rebecca Harris

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis has announced that she won a second term in Friday's election, garnering 80 percent of the votes in preliminary results.

The election was a referendum on how well Lewis' leadership and the Caucus of Rank and File Educators handled the fall's teacher strike and contract negotiations.

The opposition caucus, Coalition to Save Our Union, charged that Lewis put style and big-picture promises over substance and results.

Union election: Karen Lewis vs. challenger, strike gains vs. contract losses

By: Rebecca Harris

Almost buried in the whirlwind of news on school closings is the Chicago Teachers Union election, in which challenger Tanya Saunders-Wolffe is seeking to oust current President Karen Lewis.

Community Calendar

May 21 (All day) - May 24 (All day)

I Care Week 2013

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May 21 - 12:00 - 3:00

Dunne Technology Academy and SEEDS Opening Planting in the Garden and Outdoor Classroom Dedication

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May 21 - 12:30 - 2:30

Train the Trainer Financial Aid Workshop

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May 21 - 6:30 - 8:00

Keeping Your Kids Safe: Practical Strategies For Parents Who Want to Protect Their Children

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