From the CTU:
http://www.ctunet.com/quest-
The Schools Chicago’s Students Deserve
Research-based Proposals to Strengthen Elementary and Secondary Education in the Chicago Public Schools
The
Schools Chicago’s Students Deserve is a new Chicago Teachers Union
study which argues in favor of proven educational reforms to
dramatically improve the education of more than 400,000 students in a
district of 675 schools.
These
reforms are desperately needed and can lead Chicago towards the world-
class educational system its students deserve. Our study presents 46
pages of research-based details on the following 10 essential
recommendations:
1. Recognize
That Class Size Matters Drastically reduce class size. We currently
have one of the largest class sizes in the state. This greatly inhibits
the ability of our students to learn and thrive.
2. Educate
The Whole Child: Invest to ensure that all schools have recess and
physical education equipment, healthy food offerings, and classes in
art, theater, dance, and music in every school. Offer world languages
and a variety of subject choices. Provide every school with a library
and assign the commensurate number of librarians to staff them.
3. Create
More Robust Wrap-around Services: The Chicago Public Schools system
(CPS) is far behind recommended staffing levels suggested by national
professional associations. The number of school counselors, nurses,
social workers, and psychologists must increase dramatically to serve
Chicago’s population of low-income students. Additionally, students who
cannot afford transportation costs need free fares.
4. Address
Inequities In Our System: Students and their families recognize the
apartheid-like system managed by CPS. It denies resources to the
neediest schools, uses discipline policies with a disproportionate harm
on students of color, and enacts policies that increase the
concentrations of students in high poverty and racially segregated
schools.
5. Help
Students Get Off To A Good Start: We need to provide age- appropriate
(not test-driven) education in the early grades. All students should
have access to pre-kindergarten and to full-day kindergarten.
6. Respect
And Develop The Professionals: Teachers need salaries comparable to
others with their education and experience. They need time to adequately
plan their lessons and collaborate with colleagues, as well as the
autonomy and shared decision-making to encourage professional judgment.
CPS needs to hire more teaching assistants so that no students fall
through the cracks.
7. Teach
All Students: We need stronger commitments to address the disparities
that exist due to our lack of robust programs for emergent bilingual
students and services for students faced with a variety of special
needs.
8. Provide
Quality School Facilities: No more leaky roofs, asbestos-lined
bathrooms, or windows that refuse to shut. Students need to be taught in
facilities that are well-maintained and show respect for those who work
and go to school there.
9. Partner With Parents: Parents are an integral part of a child’s education. They need to be encouraged and helped in that role.
10. Fully
Fund Education: A country and city that can afford to take care of its
affluent citizens can afford to take care of those on the other end of
the income scale. There is no excuse for denying students the essential
services they deserve.
For more information contact the Chicago Teachers Union at 312-329-9100 or read the entire report on our website at www.ctunet.com/Deserve
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