Tuesday, September 8, 2009

CPS Seeks "Culture of Calm" in Chicago High Schools

CPR:
Schools CEO Ron Huberman says you go into some schools, and there’s a climate of respect and hard work. In others, there’s disorder.

HUBERMAN: The culture of calm is wholly not dependent on neighborhood, demographics, socioeconomics, race. It’s about the adults in the building setting the tone.

Huberman wants successful principals to mentor struggling colleagues. He says school climate affects academic performance, the ability to attract quality teachers, and also student safety outside of schools. Thirty-four CPS students were killed last school year in.

The district wants to re-train security guards and bus students across gang lines—even if that’s just a few blocks. But none of the strategies will be in place today. A district spokesperson says the initiatives will roll out through the fall.
Did you know today was the first day of school? What do you think of these initiatives?

BTW, I still want to do this LSC meeting at Harlan on the 17th!

UPDATE 11:04 AM What's new this year at CPS - Sun-Times
Renaissance 2010: Mayor Daley's goal of creating 100 new schools by 2010 -- including some failing ones "turned around" by outsiders -- reaches the 92 mark, with 19 new or rejuvenated schools opening Tuesday. Another five newly constructed schools also open.

•More layoffs: After more than 1,000 job cuts, a third round of cuts -- including layoffs that could hit schools -- will take place sometime after school opens to help save $61 million and plug the biggest deficit in more than a decade.

•Fighting the violence: 1,200 high school students identified by a "probability model" as most at risk of being shot will each get the help of an advocate and a social worker -- as well as a paying job -- as part of a $30 million anti-violence effort.

•Universal breakfasts: Free breakfasts will be offered in all schools, to all kids, regardless of family income.
...
•Grading schools: By the end of the school year, CPS hopes to issue a "grade'' to every school -- either a letter, ranging from A to F, or a one- to five-star rating -- so parents can choose among them more easily.

•"Data-integrity:" Every school will be audited at least once to double-check grades and attendance.

•"Performance management": New $4.7 million unit with 33 employees pushes performance outcomes, from schools all the way up to central office.

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