Chicago Public Radio - Education

Illinois Budget Deficit Could Hurt Odds of Winning Federal Money

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Illinois' top education official is worried the state's budget problems could hurt its chances of winning federal money for schools. Illinois is competing against several other states in a federal program that would grant nearly $400 million in education funding.

State school Superintendent Chris Koch just got back from a meeting in Washington about Illinois' application. He says Illinois' odds of winning the money could be in trouble if the state cuts school funding to balance its own budget.

KOCH: I worry as I look around the country and I see states that have done reductions they're not really in the running here as a finalist…so it's a concern to me that we're able to keep delivering on this.

Koch says federal education officials grilled him over Illinois' ability to keep up with changes that are requirements for getting the money.

Teachers Fearful, Angry Over Budget Cuts

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Teachers across Illinois are wearing pink today. That’s to show solidarity for the thousands in their ranks who’ve just been handed--or are about to get--pink slips. As school districts wrangle with grim budget scenarios, teachers are reacting with fear and anger.

No Details on CPS Clout Admissions, But Tightened Controls

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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Chicagoans will have to wait to find out what role clout has played in admissions to the city’s top high schools. But the district is tightening controls over one part of the process.

Chicago Police Defend Use of Taser on Chicago Public School Student

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Chicago Police Department says its officers were justified in using a Taser on a 17-year-old Chicago Public School student. Police say Keaira Matthews, a junior at Michele Clark High School, punched an officer in the face. They say they've charged her with two counts of aggravated battery and resisting arrest. The scuffle happened at a bus stop near the school. Jennifer Matthews, the student's mother, says the officers' actions were a violation of her daughter's rights.

MATTHEWS: I mean, we're all human. She's not a dog. She's not a second class citizen, here, you know. You just don't treat people any kind of way. And think, just because you're wearing a badge, you can get away with it.

Police were responding to a disturbance at the high school when Matthews was tased. A police spokesperson says two officers were injured in the incident. Earlier this month CPD officials said they plan to add 380 Tasers to the department, and will be assigning a Taser gun to every squad car.

Tighter Controls Over "Principal Picks" at Elite City High Schools

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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Principals at Chicago’s top public high schools can handpick five percent of their students. Today the district is announcing tighter controls for how those kids can be selected.

Inside and Out: Full-time School for Only Half the Kids at St. Charles

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

All this week we're resuming our series on juvenile justice, Inside and Out.

Today, half of the high school-aged kids locked up at the St. Charles youth prison west of Chicago are not getting full-time classes because there aren't enough teachers.

Listen to this and more from the series.

Changes to No Child Left Behind Welcomed, Scorned

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Audio Available

Local educators are reacting to the proposed overhaul of the nation’s key education law.

Charter Schools Feel Budget Heat

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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Schools across the city and state are grappling with the prospect of major budget cuts. Some Chicago charter schools warn they may have to close altogether.

U of I Might See Layoffs

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Illinois may see layoffs this year. Faculty have been taking some furlough days this year as part of budget-cutting measures. Interim President Stanley Ikenberry says the university is waiting on $487 million from the state. He doesn't want to require more furloughs next year.

IKENBERRY: We may have to tighten our belts in other way. And layoffs may have to be one of them. And the hiring freeze may be another.

Ikenberry says the university is looking for departments and positions to consolidate or eliminate. He says he will need to raise tuition and take out loans to help balance the budget.

Everybody Gets into College at Southside Charter High School

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Audio Available
One of Chicago's charter schools is marking a milestone today. All seniors at the Urban Prep Academy for Young Men have received acceptance letters from four-year colleges. The district's rate is about half that. Urban Prep is the city’s only all-boys public high school. Its students are all African American. Many are from the city’s poorest neighborhoods.