Illinois has more graduates but with lower scores, fewer heading to college
Illinois has more graduates but with lower scores, fewer heading to college
Illinois is in the minority of states graduating a higher percentage of students during the first two years of the pandemic. But state data shows those high school students’ SAT scores are dropping and a smaller percentage are immediately continuing onto higher education.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids
Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids
The Illinois General Assembly approved $100 million in grants so students can choose a private or public university. But when it comes to giving that private or public choice to low-income students, there soon may be no choice at all.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget
Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget
The Illinois General Assembly is poised to pass a budget without extending the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which allows 9,000 low-income students to attend a school of their choice. The program expires Dec. 31.
By Dylan Sharkey
What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members
What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members
Chicago revealed proposed district maps for the 2024 school board election that have drawn plenty of criticism. Here’s what you need to know about how, when and from where those 21 members will be picked.
By Joe Tabor
Roni Facen
Roni Facen
“Our kids here in this community deserve it. They deserve the opportunity to choose where they go to school and be provided with the best education possible."
Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Illinoisans support school choice
Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Illinoisans support school choice
New polling shows 62% of Illinois voters support school choice. Also, 59% support Illinois’ only school choice program, the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which will expire at the end of 2023.
By Dylan Sharkey
Carly Hill
Carly Hill
“I had gone to elementary school at a private school and actually still live in the town where I attended. And I loved my experience as a student. So, I started to explore the idea of my own children being able to go to the private school that I had attended as a kid and...
Teachers union lobbyists push to end scholarships for low-income students
Teachers union lobbyists push to end scholarships for low-income students
Illinois Families for Public Schools released a statement denouncing tax-credit scholarships in Illinois. Invest in Kids grants low-income students a scholarship to attend a private school of their choice.
By Dylan Sharkey
SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017
SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017
SAT scores are dropping for high school students in Illinois and Chicago. Here’s how Illinois’ 20 largest school districts compared to the state average in reading and math.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off
The Chicago Teachers Union’s funding of the Brandon Johnson campaign for Chicago mayor has fueled backlash from members. As one of its own employees, Johnson has banked more than $390,000 as CTU’s “legislative coordinator” in the past 5 years.
By Mailee Smith
Mayor race pits school choice against more power for Chicago Teachers Union
Mayor race pits school choice against more power for Chicago Teachers Union
Former Chicago Public School CEO Paul Vallas and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will advance to the April 4 runoff election. Both have very different views on public safety and education.
By Dylan Sharkey
John Jacob
John Jacob
“Without the Invest in Kids Act, these kids couldn’t afford school here and we couldn’t afford the extra scholarships. So, this has helped in so many ways.” “There are more kids getting the exposure to the education their parents desire. Also, it has benefited all our kids, not just the ones who received scholarships.” “A...
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off
The Chicago Teachers Union’s funding of the Brandon Johnson campaign for Chicago mayor has fueled backlash from members. As one of its own employees, Johnson has banked more than $390,000 as CTU’s “legislative coordinator” in the past 5 years.
By Mailee Smith
Poll: Just 1 in 3 Chicago voters happy with Chicago Public Schools
Poll: Just 1 in 3 Chicago voters happy with Chicago Public Schools
A new survey shows most Chicago voters polled were not satisfied with Chicago Public Schools. A majority supported school choice.
By Patrick Andriesen