Stories by Matt Masterson
Dyett High School Reopening 1 Year After Activist Hunger Strike
| Matt Masterson
Doors at the school will reopen next week in Bronzeville for the first time since the 2014-15 school year. Chicago Public Schools announced last fall the school would be transformed into a neighborhood school focused on arts.
Suspended Blaine Principal Troy LaRaviere Announces Resignation
| Matt Masterson
Troy LaRaviere announced Tuesday he has resigned his position at Blaine Elementary – which was recently named among the top public schools in Chicago – four months after he was suspended, blaming Mayor Rahm Emanuel and "political obstructions."
New Documentary Highlights Students’ Efforts to Keep School Open
| Matt Masterson
A new documentary highlights the work of five grade schoolers who worked to keep Barbara A. Sizemore Academy open after CPS voted to shut it down late last year.
‘Nosy Neighbors’ Keeping Kids Safe on Daily School Commute
| Matt Masterson
For the seventh straight year, children and teens will be guided along their daily commute by Safe Passage workers – community members hired out by CPS to keep watch over students during as they walk to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon.
Fewer Than Half of Students Proficient in Math, English on Statewide Exam
Math scores up, English scores down over 2015 results
| Matt Masterson
State superintendent says there is "considerable distance to travel" to make sure students are prepared for life after high school following new PARCC assessment results.
CTU Considers October Strike if New Deal Not Struck
| Matt Masterson
Without a new contract agreement with CPS, Chicago teachers are looking at their second work stoppage this year.
Could Evidence-Based Model Fix Broken Education Funding Formula?
| Matt Masterson
Facing the largest equity gap in the country, Illinois state leaders are considering an evidence-based approach designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.
CPS Looking to Increase Line of Credit up to $1.5 Billion
| Matt Masterson
On top of a $5.4 billion proposed budget and nearly $950 million in long-term borrowing, Chicago Public Schools is also seeking to increase its line of credit for the upcoming school year by nearly $500 million.
Speakers Question TIF Dollars, Special Ed Funding at CPS Budget Hearings
| Matt Masterson
Nearly two dozen speakers attended a pair of hearings Friday to voice their concerns about the district's proposed 2017 budget, questioning the morality and legality of funding cuts and staff layoffs within the cash-strapped district.
CTU Prepping Teachers for ‘Strong Possibility’ of Strike
| Matt Masterson
An email sent to Chicago teachers this week claims the union is “likely to strike” and advertises a strike training session this weekend.
CPS Seeking to Issue up to $945M in Bonds for Capital Improvements
| Matt Masterson
The schools district and Chicago Board of Education have scheduled a public hearing downtown next week just before the board will vote on the bond proposal.
CPS Announces Record-High Attendance Rate
| Matt Masterson
The attendance rate at Chicago Public Schools has risen consistently since 2008 and now stands at its highest rate since at least 2003.
Officials Remind Families to Get Vaccines in Order Before New School Year
| Matt Masterson
With less than a month before school is back in session across Illinois, parents and guardians are encouraged to get their children up to date on their immunizations soon or face a possible school suspension.
New Study Finds Teacher Pay Gap Larger Than Ever
| Matt Masterson
With a growing need for educators and a dwindling pool of qualified workers, teachers have seen their wages diverge significantly from their fellow college-educated professionals, according to a new report.
Budget Cuts Force Educator Layoffs in UNO Charter School Network
| Matt Masterson
The UNO Charter School Network laid off 29 union educators – including teachers, support staff and social workers – late last week as it worked to balance its 2016-17 budget and negotiate a new contract with its teachers union.
Chicago Landspout Marks City’s First Tornado in a Decade
| Matt Masterson
Tornadoes had kept away from Chicago since 2006, but a brief landspout brought an end to that streak Tuesday afternoon.
New State Bill Seeking to Cut Remediation in Higher Education
| Matt Masterson
State lawmakers hope newly passed legislation will help better prepare Illinois high schoolers for the rigors of a college education.
CPS to Cut More Than 1,000 Teaching, Support Staff Positions
| Matt Masterson
Declining enrollment and vacancies at other schools cited as Chicago Public Schools announces layoffs for hundreds of educators
CPS Students Who Pass IB Exams Can Now Earn College Credit
| Matt Masterson
A new bill passed late last month aims to cut higher education costs and allow Chicago Public Schools students to begin earning college credits sooner.
Reform Commission Takes 1st Look at New School Funding Model
| Matt Masterson
Illinois may become the ninth state since 2000 to adopt a new education funding system, and state leaders are hoping a new reform commission can figure out how its current formula can be fixed.
STEM Competition Aims to Inspire Teen Girls
| Matt Masterson
Dozens of teenage girls from the Chicago area are getting a unique, hands-on STEM experience as they transform recycled refrigerators into solar-powered race cars in the ComED Icebox Derby.
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