catalyst-chicago.org

"I want to make clear that we will remain at the (negotiating) table until a deal gets done," CTU President Karen Lewis said at a news conference Wednesday, following the union's filing of a 10-day strike notice. "We will have a contract and it will come the easy way or the hard way."

The Chicago Teachers Union filed a 10-day strike notice Wednesday, moving the city closer to its first teacher walkout since 1987, while at a news conference CTU President Karen Lewis said that contract negotiations will continue through the week and likely the weekend. (Tribune)

The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board confirmed the union filed the notice shortly after 4 p.m., and union leaders announced the move at a press conference a few minutes later. (Catalyst)

Shortly after filing the notice late Wednesday afternoon, Lewis said CPS could have avoided it by listening to the union earlier. The two parties have been negotiating since November. (WBEZ)

The prospect of a strike in the nation’s third-largest school system puts a strain on the first term of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has listed improving public schools as being among his administration’s top priorities. (The New York Times)

A CTU decision to strike date has CPS coaches and players considering the consequences beyond missed academic and social time that potentially will alter lives too. (Tribune)

Also: Chicago parents fret: What to do if teachers go on strike? (Sun-Times)

Thousands of schools across Illinois are getting a new curriculum this fall because Illinois is one of 46 states adopting a new set of national math and reading standards called the “Common Core.” Common Core is in the process of developing science and social studies standards, but those won’t be out until later this year or next year. (WBEZ)

IN THE NATION
New York City public-school students can no longer be suspended for one-time, low-level infractions, and the youngest pupils can be suspended only for 5 days for midlevel offenses, down from 10, according to new disciplinary rules posted by the Education Department this week. (The New York Times)

Senior citizens now outnumber school-age children in more than 900 U.S. counties—and experts say that trend is growing. (Education Week)