31 kids at West Side school taken to hospitals

Thirty-one fifth- and sixth-graders were taken to hospitals today after complaining of rashes  and irritation at a Humboldt Park elementary school, but the injuries were not considered serious, officials said.

Students offended by slurs on 'no derogatory language' fliers

A schoolwide discussion about race and inappropriate language led students at Chicago's Hancock High School to post fliers on campus that listed 15 specific ethnic or racial slurs that students should not use.

Interim CPS chief plans for the long haul but hasn't talked to Rahm Emanuel

Chicago Public Schools chief Terry Mazany will complete his 100th day in office this week, a milestone that has him reflecting on the school district's troubles and promoting a new vision to help fix what he considers the chaotic and fractious reign of his predecessor, Ron Huberman.

High School cutoff scores reveal impact of diversity policy

Scores needed for admission to selective enrollment high schools last fall increased for students in Chicago's wealthier neighborhoods while falling — in some cases dramatically — for those living in poorer parts of town, data released by Chicago Public Schools show.

Faceoff with teachers union awaits Emanuel

No sooner had Rahm Emanuel taken the stage Tuesday night as mayor-elect than his thoughts turned toward restoring confidence in the city's fractured public school system.

Charter schools to CPS: We need more space

A month after Chicago Public Schools approved two new charters and several new campuses for charter schools, the charter community was back before the school board Wednesday asking for space.

Charter school says it's private, though it gets millions in tax dollars

A Chicago charter school that has received more than $23 million in public money since opening in 2004 is arguing that it is a private institution, a move teachers say is designed to block them from forming a union.

CPS likely to approve Montessori charter in Englewood

A charter for a proposed elementary school in Englewood will be considered by the Chicago Public Schools board on Wednesday.

Urban Prep again beats the odds

For the second consecutive year, every single senior in Chicago's only public all-male, all-African-American high school has been accepted to a four-year college or university.

Cramming for kindergarten tests

To test into some of Chicago's top schools, incoming kindergartners must be able to do more than just count to 10 or rattle off the alphabet.

How cold is too cold for recess?

With temperatures again dipping below freezing, Chicago-area school principals are confronting a perennial dilemma: How cold is too cold for recess?

Most schools set to reopen Friday

After back-to-back snow days, most school districts across the region planned to resume classes Friday.

Bilingual learning starts in preschool

Illinois is 1st state to require bilingual preschool programs.

CPS report card shows many schools struggling

Dozens of elementary, high schools get poor or failing grades in the district's own scoring system.

Kindergarten: It's the new first grade

With homework, testing and full-day classes, today's kindergarten bears a striking resemblance to first grade.

Online learning attempts to make the grade in Chicago schools

Supporters say online learning is inexpensive and flexible; critics call it untested.

Should students 'friend' teachers online?

Schools struggle to develop rules for social media interaction.

Lack of jobs leave many teachers wondering

Teaching no longer applies as a stable career choice, experts say.

Educators question significance of grades for homework

More teachers break with tradition, reserve grades for classroom work instead.