Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Chicago

universal pre-K

Asked and answered

Chicago
September 6, 2019

7 questions for the Chicago commissioner in charge of a game-changing early learning expansion

"It’s not an us-versus-CPS thing. We are really partnering with them closely."

Policy impact

Chicago
September 5, 2019

‘Something has gone wrong’: Providers sound alarm over Chicago’s $200 million award for early learning

Advocates said they would like the city to be more transparent about how it determined winners and losers in a high-stakes grant competition.

moving on

Chicago
July 15, 2019

Chicago’s early learning chief stepping down as universal pre-K plan enters second year

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a vacancy to fill at a critical juncture of Chicago's universal pre-K rollout. 

Unfinished Business

New York
June 26, 2019

School year ends in NYC with demands for integration, calls for Carranza’s ouster, and lingering questions over pay parity for pre-K teachers

Debates that have dogged the system — about integration, the prestigious specialized high schools, and pay parity for pre-K teachers — remain unresolved.

Young learners

Chicago
May 31, 2019

‘I don’t understand how it works’: Parents voice frustration during decision week for Chicago preschool

Over the course of a 1½-hour meeting Thursday, emotions ran high as parents described frustration at the system, particularly the central application.

Asked and answered

Chicago
May 30, 2019

Here are 12 things Chicago parents want to know about universal pre-K

Parents asked — and we answered — questions about enrollment, curricula, half-day programs, naps, and more.

Changing course

Chicago
May 22, 2019

Chicago to shelve free pre-K at popular Lincoln Park magnet school

Trimming back a yearslong benefit for families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Chicago school district has proposed charging parents nearly $14,000 a year.

to the races

New York
Updated May 15, 2019

As de Blasio weighs a presidential run, will his New York City education record be an asset or liability?

Though his frequent trips have drawn scorn locally his education agenda could resonate nationally.

application season

Chicago
April 22, 2019

Chicago will start taking universal pre-K applications on April 30

Even as universal pre-K expands the number of free seats, Chicago families still encounter a complex menu of options depending on where they live.

Q & A

Detroit
April 9, 2019

Watch: We asked Gov. Gretchen Whitmer about schools in Michigan. Here’s what she said.

In future years, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she’d like to see a more substantial overhaul to the way Michigan schools are funded.

money matters

New York
April 5, 2019

As New York City pre-K teachers weigh a strike, new estimate puts cost of pay boost at $438 million

With a potential strike looming, the first estimate for what it would cost to boost salaries for pre-K teachers who work in community…

Find your school

Chicago
March 28, 2019

These Chicago neighborhoods will see the biggest preschool investments next year

Public schools in Austin, Avondale, Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and South Lawndale will see the biggest preschool investment next fall, according to a new report.

universal pre-k

Chicago
March 22, 2019

Big day for preschool: Illinois governor says state universal pre-K coming in 4 years; Chicago invests $77 million in early learning

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expects Illinois would have universal preschool for 4-year-olds in 4 years. Next year, Chicago will add more than 100 pre-kindergarten classes

who's the boss?

New York
March 15, 2019

Parents, advocates, and some state senators weigh limits to mayoral control of New York City schools

Senators and the public floated specific changes to how schools are governed, including giving City Council more oversight.

decisions decisions

New York
March 13, 2019

Some New York City pre-K teachers mull a strike as de Blasio weighs presidential run

A union representing thousands of New York City prekindergarten teachers is laying the groundwork for a strike, casting a shadow on one of Mayor Bill…
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