The Battle Between CPS and CTU is about much more than Pay

If you follow the mainstream press you probably think that CPS and the CTU are battling mainly over what teachers should be paid. This is not accurate. A raise may be one issue at stake, but the bigger issue behind the scenes, as we understand, is that the state law that passed last year, SB7, changes the process of bargaining and essentially is forcing a stalemate between the two parties. What does this mean?

Check out the "College Ready Fund" document that CPS gave to schools

Attached is the guide that CPS provided to Principals to offer suggestions on how to use the discretionary money for the longer day. As you will see, it is heavy on on-line learning tools and textbooks.

Also to note is that CPS will be issuing RFPs for services but won't have the vendors and prices available until sometime in July. This certainly makes planning for our schools difficult.

Education Events Abound in May!

Sunday, May 20, 5pm-7pm, Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson

“Critically Thinking about Chicago Public Schools”

Sonia Kwon from Raise Your Hand on the panel as well as Alderman Ameya Pawar, members from the Albany Park Neighborhood Council, PURE, the CTU and VOYCE; CPS Board members are also invited.

Monday, May 21, Blaine Elementary, 7pm

Common Core Discussion – “What do parents need to know about the Common Core?”

Meghan Berry speaking, CPS, Reading and Language Arts

RYH Lobby Day: Call your Legislators if you can't be in Springfield

Dear RYH Members,

Working on the Parent-Teacher Connection During Tough Times

As we all know, these are very tense and uncertain times in our district. There’s a massive amount of change occurring, a lot of uncertainty about budgets and having the time to manage proper implementation of budgets for the school year ahead, and let’s be honest, a lot of concern over a potential teacher’s strike ahead.

School budgets for Elementary Schools out this week

High Schools shoud have received budgets last week and elementary schools will get their budgets this week. Please let us know the overall picture for your school. Below are some articles on this topic:

Catalyst Article - Princials get budgets but Uncertainty Remains

Education Forums this Month - with RYH and other fantastic parent and community groups!

There's a lot to talk about regarding education and Chicago! We are excited to be speaking on several panels this month along with other parent and community groups from around the city.

Coverage of Longer Day on April 23rd NPR Morning Edition

Raise Your Hand and members of the newly formed Chicago Parents for Quality Education were featured on Morning Edition yesterday on NPR. Check out the story here:

NPR Morning Edition Story

Raise Your Voice Lobby Day - Wednesday, May 9th

Sometimes you raise your hand to indicate you want to speak and sometimes you cannot wait; you need to "Raise Your Voice." Now is that time. On Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 we hope you will Raise Your Voice with us in Springfield. We will head to our state capitol to voice our concerns and experience as parents to the legislators whom we, “the people,” elected into office.

Mayor Emanuel and CPS switch gears and announce a 7 Hour Day for Elementary Schools

"Bowing to pressure from parents and teachers, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday his modified plan for a longer school day"

"Emanuel backs 7-hour school day after parents protest longer plan"

 "Parent Power"

These are a few of the headlines that appeared following today's  press conference at Disney II Elementary where members of Raise Your Hand witnessed Mayor Emanuel announcing a change in his plans from a 7.5 hour to a 7hour school day for elementary students in Chicago.  The 7-hour day will include a 45-minute lunch/recess period, which RYH has been advocating for over the past year.

Indeed, the headlines are proof that the parent voice has been heard and that we are having an impact. Of course, we know that the headlines don't tell the full story. We know that time alone is not the answer that we have been seeking. We should acknowledge this small win, but we cannot and will not rest until the bigger picture of funding, staffing and programming are addressed. We must build on today's positive momentum and continue our efforts to ensure that CPS children get the quality education they deserve.

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