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Adolescent Literacy

A raft of past programs have failed to substantially improve the reading skills of middle grade and high school students. CPS is trying once again, as part of a federal project that aims to help teens learn how to analyze complex non-fiction.

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Nicole Koetting

Summer programs teach teens about health, science
August 31, 2012
By: Nicole Koetting

At the Options For Youth offices in Hyde Park, dozens of posters cover white walls and display a plethora of information: diagrams of the male and female reproductive systems, the different types of birth control and tips for healthy communication in relationships.

At the front of the room on an August night, a young man in dress clothes points to a poster of “The Five Love Languages.” They are: words of encouragement, appropriate physical touch, quality time, acts of service and giving meaningful gifts.

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For the Record: Teacher basic skills test
July 27, 2012
By: Nicole Koetting

Despite plummeting pass rates, the Illinois State Board of Education recently held the line on the rigorous cut-off scores on the basic skills test for prospective teachers. The scores were raised back in September 2010, causing many to fail, especially minority candidates. 

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CPS releases student Code of Conduct revisions
June 26, 2012
By: Nicole Koetting

In advance of Wednesday’s Board of Education vote, CPS today released its proposed revisions to the Student Code of Conduct. But the revisions, though making changes such as eliminating automatic 10-day suspensions for even the most severe offenses, did little to quell the dissatisfaction of student and community groups with how the district handles discipline.

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