The number of charter schools in Chicago is set to go up. That’s the result of the state’s new charter law. Five of those alternative schools will be set up to provide a second chance for kids who drop out.  These are students who likely have only a handful of credits and are reading at an 8th grade level or below. So, the classes are expected to be small and students will also have a chance to receive intensive counseling with mentors. But is this enough to keep kids in school, especially those making a second attempt? That’s the question asked in next month’s issue of Catalyst Chicago magazine. Sarah Karp is the deputy editor of the magazine, and she shares more on her article.

In the interest of full disclosure, Sarah Karp is the wife of  Daniel Ash, our Vice President of Strategic Communications.

Music Button:  Shawn Lee & Clutchy Hopkins, “70mph Isn’t Fast Enough To Get Out of Nebraska”, from the CD Fascinating Fingers, (Ubiquity)