catalyst-chicago.org

Next week, the district will make its third payout under its pilot pay-for-grades program, a controversial initiative that allows high school students to earn cash toward college for good grades. More students have signed up for the program since its launch in September, CPS says. Among high schools contacted by Catalyst, the percentage of students who received checks for good grades was rise over the first two payouts. 

At Dyett High School, the stories told by four students show how the work of a community organization can bring in resources to help schools.

The students—all African-American boys—explained how the Education to Success Initiative and a restorative justice program helped them re-engage in school. They spoke recently at the Chicago Urban League as part of its High School Equity Project.

Last year, students at Robeson High School in Englewood had one of the district’s worst attendance rates. But somehow, on the first day of school this year, attendance was more than perfect.

This unlikely phenomenon is the result of how Chicago Public Schools calculates first-day attendance. Instead of counting the number of students who actually show up out of those who were assigned or enrolled to a school, the district compares them to enrollment estimates made in February.

No-shows do not count against a school’s attendance at all.