Most Chicago students still read, perform math below grade level
Most Chicago students still read, perform math below grade level
Chicago students made gains in proficiency in reading and math on 2023 state assessments compared to 2022, but most students continue to perform below grade level. Overall student proficiency rates remain worse than before the pandemic.
By Hannah Schmid
Vallas: How to boost Chicago Police Department strength, morale
Vallas: How to boost Chicago Police Department strength, morale
Mayor Brandon Johnson deserves much credit for approving a new Chicago Police Department contract that is generous and fair. Now comes the big question.
By Paul Vallas
Governor’s doors locked on students advocating school choice at rally
Governor’s doors locked on students advocating school choice at rally
A rally Nov. 1 outside Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office in Chicago ended with private school students finding themselves locked out of the public building. They were there to ask Pritzker to save the Invest in Kids program.
By Jess Plowman
Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes rose by $909 million. Property owners should expect bills in the mail after Nov. 1, which are due Dec. 1
By Dylan Sharkey
Matthew Hamer
Matthew Hamer
Matthew Hamer grew up on Chicago’s South Side. In junior high, his family of four was evicted from their one-bedroom apartment, leaving them in homeless shelters. An abundance of hard work and the intervention of a highly committed teacher allowed Matthew and his brother, Levy, to graduate college and find successful careers. “I still remember...
Illinois student proficiency up in 2023, but two-thirds still read below grade level
Illinois student proficiency up in 2023, but two-thirds still read below grade level
Illinois state education administrators celebrated academic progress in 2023, but student achievement is still behind where it was before COVID-19 hit. Chronic absenteeism remained high. Enrollment dropped again.
By Hannah Schmid
Want to eradicate Chicago poverty? Create more full-time jobs
Want to eradicate Chicago poverty? Create more full-time jobs
Data shows full-time, year-round employment virtually guarantees Chicagoans will live above the poverty line.
By Bryce Hill
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s new attack on charter schools
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s new attack on charter schools
Chicago Public Schools’ decision to significantly shorten the number of years charter schools are allowed to operate before their charters are up for renewal is the latest Chicago Teachers Union effort to destroy public school choice.
By Paul Vallas
5 problems with report implying Illinois is growing. Problem No. 1: it’s not
5 problems with report implying Illinois is growing. Problem No. 1: it’s not
Authors left out key data that contradicted their findings to claim Illinois’ population is growing. Evidence Illinois is shrinking comes independently from the IRS, U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois Department of Revenue and multiple moving companies.
By Bryce Hill
Democratic state lawmakers file bill extending school choice
Democratic state lawmakers file bill extending school choice
Chicago state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar filed a bill that would extend Invest in Kids scholarships through 2028 but would cut total tax credits by one-third and therefore the number of scholarships. Another bill would make the program permanent.
By Dylan Sharkey
Students at Illinois capitol to demand last-minute scholarship rescue
Students at Illinois capitol to demand last-minute scholarship rescue
Hundreds of students and school choice advocates were at the Illinois House chambers to let state representatives know they expect them to save the Invest in Kids Act for low-income students.
By Jess Plowman