Catalyst In Focus

From security guard to teacher

May 09, 2012
By: Rebecca Harris

Michael Vargas held down three jobs while he studied to become a teacher through the Grow Your Own program, an initiative that aims to create a more diverse teaching force. In CPS, newer teachers are now more likely to be white, with Latinos like Vargas the most under-represented.

Tags: equity, teacher training, teachers
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Opinions

Cloud computing raises student privacy concerns

May 14, 2012
By: Jon Bernstein

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently made a critical decision that many schools systems are making around the country: to move massive amounts of student data to a more cost-effective storage system of computer servers often referred to by technology experts as the “cloud.” On its surface, the decision seems rather benign. Cost savings…check. Ease of use…check.  Streamlined services…check.

Tags: technology
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Community Calendar

Catalyst Notebook

Wednesday, May. 16, 2012 7:32 AM

In the News: Voters side with CTU on school reform

By: Cassandra West

Chicago voters overwhelmingly back Mayor Rahm Emanuel's push to extend the school day, but far more of them side with the teachers union than the mayor on overall efforts to improve education, a new Tribune/WGN-TV poll shows.

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Friday, May. 11, 2012 5:25 PM

CTU: Poll shows members unhappy with contract proposal

By: Sarah Karp

In the ongoing battle between the Chicago Teachers Union and CPS over a new contract, CTU announced Friday that the first large-scale poll of its members found that more than 90 percent think the current proposal will "lower the quality of education in the city."

But CPS spokeswoman Becky Carroll fired back, accusing the CTU of putting out misleading information about the details of the proposal in an attempt to fire up the base. “If I were a CTU member, I would be disappointed,” she said.

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Thursday, May. 10, 2012 3:46 PM

Comings & Goings: Foundation News, Chapman

By: Debra Williams

Polk Bros. Foundation CEO Sandra P. Guthman and Executive Director Nikki Will Stein will retire at the end of December. The foundation then will merge the two positions into one leadership role—Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation. For two decades, Guthman and Stein have led the foundation in providing grants to nearly 800 local nonprofit organizations. Guthman will continue to serve as board chair through November 2018.

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Thursday, May. 10, 2012 12:22 PM

Charter funding bill not yet a done deal

By: Jim Broadway

SPRINGFIELD -- The Chicago Teachers Union and other charter critics spoke out strongly in opposition to a proposal that would increase the funding that school districts must provide for charter schools, squaring off against supporters who want equal funding with traditional public schools.

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Special Education

Spring 2012
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