Chicago Public Schools Goals and CTU
By Bob Simpson and Estelle Carol
Schools Chicago’s Students Deserve
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has actively sought to improve the quality of public school education in Chicago, particularly for low-income and minority students who often face the challenge of inadequate funding. The CTU has proposed several measures to address these issues, as detailed in their report "Schools Chicago’s Students Deserve." These measures include:
reducing class sizes,
investing in comprehensive education that includes art, music, and physical education,
providing robust wrap-around services such as increased staffing for counselors, social workers, and nurses,
addressing systemic inequities,
focusing on early childhood education,
respecting and developing professionals,
accommodating special needs and
bilingual students,
improving school facilities,
partnering with parents,
advocating for fully funded education.
Financial Challenges of Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system faces significant financial challenges. The CPS is projecting a $391 million budget shortfall as federal COVID relief funds are depleted. This shortfall arises from a combination of the loss of federal aid and increasing costs such as pensions, debt service, and healthcare.
To address these challenges, the CPS officials have been seeking additional revenue from state, local, and federal sources. The CPS had previously utilized federal relief funds for salaries and hiring instructional staff, among other purposes. There have been calls for increased support from the state to fill the gap in funding, with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez highlighting the need for more state support.
Chicago schools leading in academic growth
When comparing Chicago Public Schools to other urban districts facing similar challenges, a study by Stanford University professor Sean Reardon shows that Chicago's students are learning and growing at a faster rate than 96% of school districts in the United States, including wealthier districts.
This growth is evident across all racial and socioeconomic subgroups, with Chicago leading in academic growth among the 100 largest school districts in the country. The average Chicago student's test scores improved by about six grade-level equivalents in five years, outpacing the national average. This success is attributed to the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, principals, and families in the CPS system.
Need for increased funding and support is the critical factor
In summary, while the CTU has advocated for substantial improvements in the education system to better serve Chicago's diverse and often underserved student population, the CPS faces a significant financial shortfall that threatens to undermine these efforts. Despite these challenges, Chicago Public Schools have shown remarkable growth and achievement compared to other urban districts in the United States. The need for increased funding and support from various levels of government remains a critical factor in sustaining and furthering the progress achieved in Chicago's public education system.
Comparing Chicago high school graduation rates
Is the rate of high school graduation in Chicago Public Schools same as most US large cities?
The graduation rate for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2023 was 84%. This is a significant increase compared to the rate in 2011, which was around 56.9%. In contrast, the U.S. national average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students in the 2019-20 school year was 87%.
While the graduation rate in Chicago Public Schools has shown remarkable improvement over the past decade, it is slightly below the national average. However, it's important to note that comparing the rates directly might not provide a complete picture due to varying factors such as demographics, economic conditions, and educational policies that can differ significantly between cities and the national average.
CTU Opposes Charter Schools
Charter schools are darlings of the right who wish to steer families away from regular public schools. One of the original main goals of the charter movement was to have schools without teacher's unions. They originally were given the right to hire non-certified teachers and still have the right to exclude kids with disabilities, LBGTQ + kids, and English Language learners.
The CTU has helped to unionize many charter schools in Chicago forcing the charters to bargain around salaries and working conditions.
They are run by usually high paid corporate types. They undermine neighborhood schools by taking students away and their educational outcomes are often in general the same as regular neighborhood schools. In general they mostly follow this pattern. They are not required to have LSCs like other Chicago schools which gives parents much greater say in their kids's education.