catalyst-chicago.org

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you'll find teachers in the Chicago area remembering the civil rights leaders in numerous way—from protest marches against school closings to using a variety of techniques to recognize the civil rights leader's contributions to society and show how his dedication to equality has touched lives. (Substance News/Daily Herald)

Chicago News Cooperative takes a look at Juan Rangel, of the United Neighborhood Organization, who has leveraged close ties to Chicago’s political leaders to create one of the city’s largest charter-school networks.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's second live Facebook Town Hall meeting will focus on education. It starts at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 on the Mayor's Facebook page and livestream channel. Those interested in participating now can visit askchicago.com where they can submit their questions early, vote on existing questions, or leave comments. (NBC Chicago)

A state legislative task force created to address community concerns over Chicago's efforts to shut down or completely overhaul underperforming schools is calling for a moratorium on school closings and "turnarounds," the Tribune reports.

And Catalyst reports: State legislative task force members last Thursday night accused CPS leaders of “playing games” and being disingenuous in engaging parents and community members as they move to close and turnaround schools.

While the Chicago Public Schools inspector general's report details several big investigations that may signal larger systemic problems, it also presents allegations of dozens of smaller violations committed by single CPS employees. The Tribune lists them.

Enrollment in Chicago’s Catholic elementary schools is up for the second straight year — the first time that’s happened since 1965, officials said Friday. City Catholic schools are seeing enrollment increases in areas of the west, north, southwest and south sides, ranging from Pilsen to Bucktown and from the South Loop to Bronzeville, officials said. (Sun-Times)

IN THE STATE

Ten years after the federal government attempted to reform education in the U.S., educators in Springfield are saying the No Child Left Behind law punishes schools that fail to meet unrealistic testing standards. (State Journal-Register)

Illinois state Sen. Ed Maloney has been selected as treasurer of the Midwest Higher Education Compact. (WBEZ)

IN THE NATION

Over half of the 38 school districts and 10 charter schools across Pennsylvania that were flagged for statistical irregularities on 2009 state exams have been cleared of any improprieties, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Education Week)

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote repeatedly on the subject of education and some of his thinking on the subject, while decades old, is still relevant, writes Washington Post Answer Sheet blogger Valerie Strauss, who again, in honor of the civil rights leader's birthday, publishes excerpts of his writings on education. Find them here.