Even as CPS opens more new schools, children with special needs have a tougher time finding options. Placements in private therapeutic schools are scarce, and some charters are reluctant to enroll them.
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Current Issue
Small Numbers, Repeated Failures
This article from the Wall Street Journal shows that only a small number of schools nationally have repeatedly failed to make AYP under NCLB -- just 1300 in all last year -- but that past and current efforts to turn around schools are often crude and reactive rather than thoughtful or tailored efforts.
"Since 1997,
Chicago's Orr High School has undergone several staff overhauls and
been divided into three separate academies. With the majority of its
students still failing state tests, the Chicago school district now
plans to fold the academies back into one school run by a nonprofit
group that trains teachers."
Yes, that's AUSL they're talking about. Link: No Child Left Behind Lacks Bite - WSJ.com.

The idea that CPS has dilapidated and asbestos filled buildings is such an interesting observation. I never thought of it that way. However, now that it's been pointed out it fits quite nicely in...