WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

WBEZ has reported a lot about Harper High School’s struggle with neighborhood violence. This week, Harper High is celebrating some good news.

A group of Chicago high school students plans to boycott part of next week’s state exam, because they’re upset with how their results are being used.

While school closing plans have rattled communities and teachers, some see an opportunity.

Parents who say play is being pushed out of Chicago schools in favor of standardized testing are protesting in an unusual way.

Chicago is holding more than 190 community meetings and public hearings this spring—all required by law—to gather feedback on its proposal to close an unprecedented 54 schools.

Union president Karen Lewis says a “voter education campaign” will add 100,000 new voters in Chicago.

As Chicago prepares to close 54 schools, one of its greatest challenges will be safely maneuvering thousands of students through rival gang territories.