catalyst-chicago.org

Chicago posted flat reading scores in today’s release of the 2009 Trial Urban District Assessment, which stacks up 18 big-city districts based on results from last year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the “nation’s report card.” Chicago tied Baltimore and outscored six other districts on 4th-grade reading tests, but fell short of 10 other districts—including Atlanta, New York and Boston.

Chicago performed somewhat better on 8th-grade tests, outscoring eight urban districts but lagging behind nine others.

Chicago’s average 8th-grade score of 249 is three points lower than the average for all large-city districts and 13 points behind the national average. The city’s average 4th-grade score of 202 is eight points lower than the urban district average and 18 points behind the national average.

These scores signal that Chicago’s students are performing behind many of their counterparts in other large cities, and more than a year behind students nationwide. NAEP officials estimate that a 10-point difference on the assessment’s 500-point scale is equal to a year’s worth of learning.

Mayor Richard Daley, Ald. Toni Preckwinkle and others visited Reavis Elementary to celebrate a promising first year for five school-based health centers across Chicago. Physical and immunization rates topped 95 percent at all schools and, in some schools, discipline referrals are down 70 percent.

Catalyst profiled the approach in its September 2008 issue.

* The Caucus for Rank-and-File Educators, which has fielded candidates for tomorrow's Chicago Teachers Union election, is suing CPS to force greater budget transparency. Progress Illinois has the backstory.

Related: CTU President Marilyn Stewart faces multiple opponents, dissatisfaction at the polls. (Medill)

* The Peer Parent Education Network is surveying parents on the quality of the city's schools. Parents in Bronzeville are strongly encouraged to participate, but all school stakeholders are invited.

* A Jones College Prep student is pushing for an eco-friendly prom. (Sun-Times)

Related: making prom green, tackling prom pressure, highlighting prom glamour and creating prom safety.

* Chicago Opera Theatre is celebrating 10 years of work with five Chicago schools. (Broadway World)