In the News

Not Just an Add-On: After-school Programs benefit low-income students by providing more time for enrichment activities that boost learning
Catalyst. January 2010

 Community schools are Duncan's legacy, too
Catalyst, Letter to the Editor, December 19, 2008

Few Specifics from Education Pick
"...schools alone cannot close achievement gaps between poor and affluent students without broader investments in school-based health clinics and other social programs."
New York Times, January 13, 2009

Catalyst analysis of Arne Duncan's initiatives
On Dec. 16, President-elect Barack Obama nominated Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan as U.S. secretary of education. The night before, Catalyst Chicago, an independent news magazine that has covered school reform in Chicago since 1990, posted the first in a series of analyses. Here are links to those stories. 
Catalyst, January 12, 2009

Duncan's task: keep the spotlight on education
"Why not walk the streets of Seattle or Houston or Miami after school and round up idle students as a way to bolster support for a longer school day, for community schools that stay open till the evening, or for more partnerships with organizations that provide tutoring or music and art classes?"
Catalyst, December 17, 2008

New Vision for Schools Proposes Broad Role
“Can you imagine a federal law that promoted community schools — schools that serve the neediest children by bringing together under one roof all the services and activities they and their families need?” Ms. Weingarten asked in the speech.
New York Times, July 15, 2008

New national chief of teachers union calls for full-service schools
The newly elected head of the nation's largest teachers union on Monday called on school districts nationwide to create community schools that would offer services to students and their families ranging from health care to recreation.
Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2008

Community schools should be priority
Recently, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan jointly announced an expansion of “community schools” and other coordinated after-school activities as a way of creating safe havens for Chicago’s children.
Catalyst Chicago, October, 2007

Plan to expand community schools
Chicago Public Schools will expand its community schools effort over the next year with an infusion of $7.5 million from CPS and between $700,000 and $800,000 from Chase Bank.
Catalyst Chicago, October, 2007

Slain student's parent help launch school havens
At the 110 existing community schools in Chicago, parents receive job training, families access on-site medical and dental care and children have the option to take music and art lessons.
Chicago Tribune, September 14, 2007

Parents of slain student join bid to curb violence
In addition to calling for tougher gun laws, Daley said schools will spend $26 million this year to expand or create new programming for after school and weekends -- the times when kids are most at risk, officials said.
Chicago Sun Times, September 14, 2007

Schools aim to be havens after classes
In response to a spate of violent student deaths last year, Chicago schools and city officials are expected to launch an anti-violence campaign
Chicago Tribune, September 13, 2007

Taking it to the streets
What the Chicago Public Schools needs is a strike—not against it by the teachers union, but for it by everyone who cares about the city’s children and understands the importance of their education
Catalyst Chicago, September, 2007

South Chicago: A school for the community tries to raise math and reading test scores
Principal's vision to make Sullivan 'the educational center in the neighborhood' pays off
Catalyst Chicago, June, 2006

Chicago-style reform sells
Steady, personal leadership and targeted improvements are winning increasing private support for the district.  Meanwhile, state funding is barely keeping pace with inflation.
Catalyst Chicago, May, 2006

Thousands go without glasses
CPS is doing more screening, but follow-up is needed to make sure kids get --and wear-- their glasses
Catalyst Chicago, March, 2005

Parents, educators offer tips
Efforts include a salad bar at Nettelhorst, aerobics classes at Spry and a vegetable garden at Whittier
Catalyst Chicago, March, 2005

Clarifying history, mission of community schools
It is, rather, to increase community ownership of the public schools and to increase community investment in learning outcomes
Catalyst Chicago, December, 2002

New law gives boost to community schools
The goal is to open 100 community schools by 2006.
Catalyst Chicago, September, 2002

Creating a community school from scratch
“I would love to see the school as full in evening as it is in the day, and I’ve got a million and one ideas,” Rios says.
Catalyst Chicago, September, 2002 

A new vision of 'community schools'
The meaningful extension of the school day is about providing students with what they need to succeed, to beat the odds and capitalize on their strengths so they grow up to be competent, caring and responsible.
Catalyst Chicago, September, 2005