Charter schools are a major point of contention in Chicago and across the country. In Chicago, there are 96 charter school campuses, 14 percent of the CPS total, and officials have pledged to open another 60 in coming years. Mayor Rahm Emanuel supports them as a way to provide choice to parents, particularly in disadvantaged communities. (Any student may apply to a charter, and students are admitted by lottery.) Critics see them as a blow to public education. (Charters are run by independent organizations.) The Chicago Teachers Union also opposes charters because state law bars the CTU from representing them.

These issues and more are discussed by the panel, which includes: Andrew Broy, Illinois Network of Charter Schools; Charles Payne, University of Chicago, SSA; and Jackson Potter, CTU, Local 1. The panel is moderated by Linda Lenz, publisher of Catalyst Chicago.

Lorraine Forte, editor in chief of Catalyst Chicago, also presents “Charter Schools 101.” The PowerPoint for her presentation is accessible below.