Chicago’s youngest learners struggled on state exams, highlighting the pandemic’s impact
New results from spring standardized tests show a drop in reading and math scores for students in Chicago Public Schools and statewide.
Education
With the largest education reporting team in Illinois, WBEZ Education covers the issues that matter to students, parents, educators, as well as the general public. Our coverage includes Chicago Public Schools, other city schools, youth culture, suburban schools, state education issues and higher education.
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A look at the push to ban ‘Gender Queer’ book in Downers Grove
LGBTQ students in Illinois are reporting a spike in harassment as a push to ban a book about coming out as non-binary erupts in the suburbs.
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What happened to Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day?
The 25-year-old was found dead in the Illinois River two months ago. His family says police were dismissive of the case because he was Black.
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How one Chicago public school is changing its culture now that the police are gone
About 50 schools have removed police officers since 2020. Curie High School says it’s de-escalating student conflict by talking and listening.
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CPS knew for years about sexual misconduct claims against staff at a city high school, but promoted principal anyway, records show
CPS said it only learned the full extent of the probe this fall but it was first informed in 2019 by the inspector general and kept updated.
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CPS has a plan to keep students safe, but students fear gun violence at dismissal
Chicago has experienced several high-profile shootings near public schools this fall at a time when gun violence is up in the city.
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Chicago’s substitute teacher shortage is hitting Black and Latino schools especially hard
In about a third of schools, when a substitute teacher was requested this fall, no one showed up more than half of the time.
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National fight is creeping into Illinois schools over what is read, taught and who belongs
A push to ban a book about coming out as non-binary erupts in the suburbs amid reports of a spike in harassment against Illinois LGBTQ students.
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For Milwaukee-based queer automotive educator, sharing knowledge is key
Chaya Milchtein will help you gain confidence when buying a used car and communicating with a mechanic.
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Federal aid helps Chicago schools focus on mental health
With more federal coronavirus relief money at hand, schools across the U.S. are using portions to quickly expand their capacity to address students’ struggles with mental health.
