WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Chicago Public Schools is trying some controversial strategies to improve under-performing schools. CPS announced Wednesday that it wants to close two elementary schools and phase out two under-performing high schools.

More than half of Chicago's 675 Public Schools are on probation for chronically low student performance. CPS is trying a few strategies to change that.

Many schools hold parent-teacher conferences this month. For parents who don’t speak English, having a conversation with a teacher can be difficult.

Chicago Public Schools is offering its principals bonuses—as much as $20,000—for exceptional improvement in student test scores.Merit pay is a hot topic in education right now.

A major chunk of government deficits were derived from outstanding pension obligations; but the latest attempts to rethink Illinois’ pension system stalled. Both unions and politicians put up roadblocks to proposed legislation.

No more schools will join Chicago’s Longer School Day Pioneer Program this year, but the 13 schools that already approved a longer day will keep their extended hours.The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools reached that agreement in their ongoing battle over the longer school day Thursd

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is announcing a partnership he says will give the city's students more time in the classroom.Emanuel will make the announcement Thursday morning at a charter school on the city's South Side.A national group says Chicago's public schools have the shortest school day and one