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Greg Hinz compares changes to Chicago schools under Arne Duncan’s watch to proposed changes for No Child Left Behind. (Crain’s)
* Bullying at Doolittle Elementary gets out of hand for one child. (Sun-Times)
* Jobs tough to find for Chicago teens. (Defender)
In 2008, only 19 percent of Black teens in Illinois – 15 percent in Chicago –were employed, according to a recently released report by the Boston-based Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University.
* Schools Chief Ron Huberman curbs principal discretion in the selection of students for top schools.
More from the Sun-Times:
Eighth graders have only nine days to turn in their “principal pick’’ applications, due March 26. And they must follow very strict new rules requiring a “personal statement’’ of up to 1,000 words, three letters of reference, and scannable 8 x 11-inch copies or photographs of any awards or supporting materials.
And siblings of existing college prep students can no longer use that status to win a principal’s pick. Four other reasons for such picks remain: having “unique skills or abilities,’’ demonstrating “social responsibility’’ or “extenuating circumstances,’’ or an “ability to overcome hardship."
More from the Tribune:
Auditors found that in past years, elementary schools were able to enroll unqualified students in the selective high schools through a hole in the computer system. Huberman said central office staff now will verify every student on the rolls.
Among other recommendations that the district has implemented are using an algorithm to match applicants to the best school they are qualified to attend, restricting transfers into the schools for non-freshmen, mandating that principals must defend their picks before a panel selected by Huberman and mandating that any person recommending a student for admission through principal discretion must have detailed knowledge of the student — not simply know of them or their family.
More from WBEZ:
The district’s Inspector General is still investigating possible abuses of the system. Elected officials and employees of the district have come under scrutiny for the possible use of clout to influence admissions.
* Chicago school facilities task force to meet in Springfield today. (Substance)
* Rube Goldberg competition spurs teen interest in science and technology. Competing teams included Prosser and Jones. (ARS)
* David Vitale, former Chief Administrative Officer for CPS and chair of the Academy for Urban School Leadership, will become ShoreBank Corporation's executive chair. (Press release)
In state news
* Jerry Stermer, chief of staff for Gov. Pat Quinn, and Betsy Clarke of the Juvenile Justice Initiative offer thoughts on fixing Illinois’ juvenile justice system. (Eight Forty-Eight)
* District 300 staff members voice concerns in the hiring of a new schools chief. (Daily Herald)
In national news
* Lawmakers representing rural areas say Ed. Sec. Arne Duncan’s No Child Left Behind blueprint fails to address their communities’ needs. (NYT)
* Last minute switch puts only African American on Louisiana’s Race to the Top presentation team. (Ed Week)
* Rhode Island education commissioner says the state’s R2T put its best foot forward. (Projo)
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