catalyst-chicago.org

The Illinois Board of Education voted Thursday to put a five-member panel in charge of the troubled North Chicago school finances after the state schools chief described the school district's budgetary condition as a "train wreck."

On Thursday, the State Board of Education gave unanimous approval to establishing a financial oversight panel to control the district's spending. And, earlier this week, the state indicated plans to hire The Vallas Group, run by former Chicago schools chief Paul Vallas, to help improve low-performing districts, including North Chicago.

Students at Irma C. Ruiz Elementary School helped plant and water a new outdoor Learning Garden designed to encourage and teach students to develop healthier life habits on Thursday. The Learning Garden pilot program is part of a drive to promote a healthier Chicago and encourage students to make smart and balanced food choices. A $600,000 grant was directed to fund the program on behalf of The Kitchen Community (TKC), a Denver-based nonprofit organization focused on creating community through food. Six Chicago Public Schools are receiving Learning Gardens this month and next. The other schools are Benito Juarez Community Academy High School, Jonathan Burr Elementary School, Mildred I. Lavizzo Elementary School, Carter G. Woodson South Elementary School and Sir Miles Davis Magnet Elementary Academy.

IN THE NATION
Emerging research suggests that while the temptation to multitask may be pervasive, the ability to control it could be the real bellwether of academic success. (Education Week)

Teachers, pressured to better juggle disparate student needs, are finding that customized lessons help. (The Washington Post)

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said he doesn't understand why Florida passed a law requiring districts to continue offering free tutoring to students in struggling schools. (Education Week)