catalyst-chicago.org

The Tribune has written a rather uncharacteristic editorial in the form of a memo. It asks U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan "to do something good for the schools and set an example for everyone who works there" by returning the $50,297 he collected in unused vacation time when he left CPS in 2009.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday ended months of deliberation and signed into law a measure allowing Chicago to install speed-enforcement cameras near schools and parks. Mayor Rahm Emanuel had been pushing for the measure for months. (Sun-Times)

A recent poll indicates that most Chicagoans are happy with Mayor Rahm Emanuel's job performance. The poll, however, comes from the Mayor's office, Chicagoist.com notes. In a sign that Emanuel is winning the PR battle with the Chicago Teachers Union over a longer school day, 63 percent of those polled said they approve of Emanuel's positions on education and three-fourths of those surveyed are in favor of a longer school day.

As part of his commitment to strengthening education in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today visited Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) to discuss recently adopted legislation that will allow more students in urban areas to pursue opportunities in Illinois’ vital agricultural economy. (Illinois.gov)

IN THE STATE
Downstate school districts could pay more toward their teachers' pensions by negotiating more frugal contracts with teachers, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton told The State Journal-Register editorial board on Monday. (Journal Star)

IN THE NATION
The entire faculty at Miramonte Elementary School, where two teachers were arrested last week on accusations of child sexual abuse, will be replaced by new teachers this week, the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent announced Monday night. (The New York Times)

The U.S. Department of Education on Monday released a guidebook to help states set new proficiency standards and academic achievement targets for English-language learners. (Education Week)