catalyst-chicago.org

Catalyst In Focus

Youth advocates want more data on school arrests

January 25, 2012

Black students are almost twice as likely to be arrested at school than their peers.Youth advocates want a new policy requiring the district to disclose school-based arrests at every school on a quarterly basis.

Tags: discipline, school arrests, suspensions and expulsions

Neighborhood high schools losing students

December 20, 2011

By: Sarah Karp

The number of students attending new high schools without neighborhood boundaries has risen fivefold in the past decade. Proponents of choice celebrate the increased options, but others see the loss of comprehensive, neighborhood high schools as a problem for communities and students.

Tags: high schools, school closings

Community Calendar

January 28 - 9:00 - 3:00

The 5th Annual New Schools EXPO

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February 01 (All day)

Report Cards Sent Home

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February 02 - 5:00 - 7:00

Expungement Workshop (Note: Date change)

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February 03 (All day)

No Classes, Staff Only Day

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Catalyst Notebook

Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 9:13 AM

In the News: Churches with city deals back mayor on longer day

By: Cassandra West

This morning's Tribune is reporting on faith-based groups that show their community support for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's controversial plans to lengthen the school day and close failing schools while also receiving millions of dollars in grants from his administration.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 6:30 AM

In the News: CPS probing bused protesters

By: Cassandra West

The Chicago Public Schools inspector general said Wednesday he is investigating reports that bused protesters were paid to carry signs or read scripts at school closing hearings, the Sun-Times reports.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 7:34 PM

Board member Hines: School actions not "done deal"

By: Lindsay Abbassian and Rebecca Harris

A number of school turnaround and closure opponents spoke at Wednesday's board meeting. Alderman Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward) asked CPS to save Crane, slated for phase-out, from the chopping block. He suggested a litany of extra programs to help the school: career education, International Baccalaureate, 7^th and 8^th grade feeder programs, a night school program for credit recovery, and increased special education services.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 6:16 PM

In the News: Longer day may be too much, parents say

By: Cassandra West

Some parents are speaking out, forming groups, drafting petitions and setting up Facebook pages to call on CPS to rethink the 7.5 hour extended day, which they say is making their children physically and mentally exhausted, the Tribune reports.