New Report Shows Negative Effects of Chicago School Closings
A new report from the University of Chicago’s Consortium on School Research confirmed what many educators, parents, students, and activists long-held about Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s controversial closing of nearly 50 public schools in 2013 - they had a negative effect on students. Researchers compiled information from data, interviews school students and staff at six welcoming schools. “Staff and students from both closed and welcoming schools reported that the planning process for merging schools was not sufficient, resulting in feeling unprepared for the start of the school year,” the authors said in their key findings “In addition, interviewees used the word “chaotic” to describe the process of moving schools, saying it was difficult to adequately prepare schools in time to receive students.” (Full report at UChicago Consortium on School Research)