Shorty’s Notes from the Chicago Public School Board Meeting
October 26th, 2011 by Shorty
Here are a a few notes from the information I gained at the Chicago Public School Board Meeting today.
- There are 283 schools on probation – 207 elementary schools and 76 high schools. That’s more than half of the high schools in the city.
- 72 schools have been on probation for 5 years in a row and 16 have been on probation for 15 years in a row. #Fail
- The average ACT score is 17.2 in Chicago; the benchmark score is 21.
- Over a 20- year period, there has been no improvement in African American and Hispanic reading. There has been an incremental improvement in math.
- There is a widening gap in reading and math scores between white and black and Hispanic students.
- The talent shortage in the principal and chief positions with the ability to address diverse students needs is being addressed.
- Only 7.9% of Chicago’s 11th graders are college ready.
- Parents will receive school progress reports during report card pick-up.
- Karen Lewis, President of the Chicago Teacher Union, noted that Chicago has the largest class sizes of any major district in the country
- Arguments for and against the extended school day were made. I guess I’d like to know what is going to be done during that extra time and will teachers get paid for the extra time?
- And are charter schools actually better than traditional schools?
Do you have any thoughts about the things listed above?
Image: technotraits
What Are Your Thoughts on Longer Schools Days?
October 24th, 2011 by Shorty
This is a hotly debated topic these days and I would really like to know your thoughts on longer school days? Without having all the facts, I would say “yes” if the extension includes curriculum that is currently not being offered and if teachers are getting paid for it. And, has it been proven that longer school days will actually improve education levels?
What are your thoughts? Should the school day be extended? Speak your mind in the comment section below?
Image: Extension
Which CPS Schools Have Rooms Where Young People Are Arrested Onsite?
September 10th, 2011 by Shorty
Hi All!
I need your help in compiling a list of Chicago Public Schools that have rooms at the school specifically for booking students that are arrested. I tried to get this info through CPS’s FOIA’s office, and they told me that they had no records. Now, I’m coming to you for help. If your child attends a school with such a room, please enter the name of the school in the comment section. Thanks for your help!
Response from Connie Thorps about Clothing Assistance from CTU
November 17th, 2010 by Shorty
To all of the Chicago Public School parents who completed applications for the clothing assistance from the Chicago Teacher’s Union:
I just wanted to let you know that I did speak with Ms. Thorps on Monday, and was told that the applications have gone to the reviewing committee, and parents just have to be patient.
If this answer in unsatisfactory, you may contact Ms. Thorps directly at 312-329-6259.
Successful Students at Overton Elementary School
October 31st, 2010 by ShortyTeachers at Overton Elementary School in the Bronzeville community on Chicago’s South Side have put forth much effort to help improve the educational levels of their students. With the help of programs and games created by the Mind Research Institute, it has been done. Check out the video below.
Do you feel as proud as I do about the successes of the young people?
I want to thank my friend, Tasha Clopton-Stubbs, a fourth grade teacher at Overton, for sharing this video. If you know of other South Side schools with successful students and programs, be sure to share them with Shorty.
Note: I am promoting students and staff achievement at Overton Elementary School, a Chicago Public School on the South Side and not the Mind Research Institute. However, if the Mind Research Institute wants to pay me to start promoting their programs, I’m willing to do it. 
First Day of School for Chicago Public Schools – September 7th
September 2nd, 2010 by Shorty
Chicago Public Schools have many different types of schools with many different return-to-school dates. Generally speaking, the first day of many schools is Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Be sure to have your children there, on time and ready for a great school year.
Ok, please tell me when we got to the point where parents need to be reminded to take their children to school? And how much money is spent on advertising these reminders??
Any thoughts?
There Are NO CPS School Clothing Vouchers but Limited Clothing Assistance is Available
August 13th, 2010 by Shorty
Today I spoke with Maribel at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Ms. Connie Thorps from Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU), and learned the following information.
First, there are NO vouchers as I shared in the post dated August 6th. The assistance is through the Chicago Teacher’s Union and not CPS. Do not call CPS cursing them out because they really don’t have details.
This is the information learned from Connie Thorps.
- Parents must call their child’s school on the first day of school and request applications from their union delegate
- The child MUST attend a Chicago Public School
- There are 5 applications per elementary school and 10 applications per high school
- Submission instructions are on the application
- After applications are submitted, they go to a reviewing committee for approval. The committee meets once a month so it may be October before applicants hear anything
- Approval is based on income
- There is $200 assistance and the parents that are approved will receive instructions on how to use it at Carson Pirie Scott
Should any of this information change, I will be sure to share. In the meantime, please please please don’t yell at the CPS staff because they have no idea. And don’t get upset with me because I’m merely a messenger.
Updated 8/12: $200 Clothing Vouchers for Chicago Public School Students
August 6th, 2010 by ShortyClick here for updated information about school clothing assistance.
How To Obtain a $200 Carson Pirie Scott Clothing Voucher
This information tells you how to obtain a $200 Chicago Public School clothing voucher, not Carson Pirie Scott.
* Student must attend a CPS school (K-12)
* Contact your child’s school and ask for a CTU (Chicago Teachers Union) delegate
* The delegate will contact Connie Thorps at CPS for an application.
That was the message that was on Ms. Thorps voicemail when I called to confirm if this was true. If you know anything different, please let me know.
Please note that you can only get a voucher every other year. You will not be eligible next year.
Contact your child’s school for more details.