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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In the News: Pro-charter passage stripped from tests
By: Cassandra West / May 29, 2012
The Scantron Corporation, a national testing company, has pulled a reading passage that critics say subjected a captive audience of Chicago Public School children to pro-charter-school “brainwashing.’’
The action happened this month after the head of Chicago’s Parents United for Responsible Education demanded the company drop the passage and apologize to what could be thousands of Chicago students were forced to read it this school year and last, she said. PURE executive director Julie Woestehoff said the passage, titled “Reforming Education: Charter Schooling,’’ is so one-sidedly pro-charter that its use amounts to an attempt to “brainwash’’ children “with propaganda about charter schools.’’ (Sun-Times)
The Tribune takes a look at swimsuit policies at high schools in the Chicago area. It's worth a read.
IN THE STATE
Parents of Arlington Heights special education students are complaining about a social worker being transferred away from a program at Westgate School. (Daily Herald)
IN THE NATION
California could be facing a teacher shortage in the coming years if it doesn't find a way to attract fresh recruits to replace a wave of baby boomers set to retire soon, educational scholars say. (Pasadena Star-News)
Education experts disagree on importance of school class size. (Denver Post)
A proposal by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg would cut back a program that thousands of blue-collar and poor parents in New York City depend on while saving only a slight amount. (NYT)
Top Prince George’s school limits students from outside its boundary. (Washington Post)
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