U.S. Education Secretary (and former CPS head) Arne Duncan blew back into town this week with some interesting comments on the issues looming in the showdown between the teachers union and City. more ›

The president of the Chicago Teachers Union says that the chances of a teachers' strike is "very high." more ›

Yesterday the Illinois House sent a massive education overhaul bill to Governor Quinn with support from representatives, education advocates and school administrators. The bill, which passed the House 112-1, could lengthen the school day and year in Chicago, links tenure for teachers to student performance, cuts funding and makes it more difficult for teachers to strike. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan called the legislation “truly remarkable.” more ›

It shouldn't be a surprise at all: teachers pressured to change grades for students. A Sun-Times investigation revealed reasons such as:

"to avoid parental conflict. The parent is a CPS teacher."

"graduating senior who needed to pass and parent pressure."

"principal wanted graduation rate to increase so she would not be reprimanded."

An internal memo revealed non-union Chicago Public Schools staff will “have to take six unpaid furlough days this year,” adding to CPS’ woes on a local level. Earlier this week, Mayor Richard M. Daley encouraged the city’s agencies to make “such cuts,” according to a Chi-Town Daily news report. CPS Chief Executive Officer Ron Huberman was behind the July 28 memo, confirmed CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond, the report said. The memo states: more ›

• Stop us if you've heard this one before: so the CTA is threatening fare hikes and service cuts...
• The City Council today voted to ban baby bottles and sip cups using the chemical BPA.
• Gov. Quinn is standing by his budget and insisting there's no more room for cuts.

Wilmette Public School District 39 approved earlier this morning a 5-year contract with the teacher’s union. The new contract increases salaries 5 percent in the first two years, and 5.5 percent in each of the remaining three. 20 minutes have also been added to the day for kindergarten through fourth grade. more ›

A special education teacher in Naperville is suing the school district because she says administrators let a violent child stay in school despite repeated dangerous behaviour. Paula Jackson alleges in her suit that the student eventually seriously injured her. more ›