Fourteen fresh schools, new high s...

Fourteen fresh schools, new high school curriculums at 14 others and a series of of the present day math tests for elementary bookish mans are some of the aggressive recently made known strategies the Chicago Public academys will launch today as classes take back for about 415,000 children.

At the same time, the scheme faces some wildcard forces, including undivided of its tightest budgets, an uncertain financial yet to be and a near record number of modern principals.

"The big challenge is staying focused," said exercises CEO Arne Duncan. "We're onward a real winning streak, and you want to continue to build forward that. . . . There are a number of potential distractions this year, and we don't want to get by heart distracted."

Last spring, Chicago elementary pupils produced record gains on state experiments though some observers believe changes in the criterion administration may have played a character

This year, CP wants to boost its lowest-performing kids by means of strengthening existing schools and creating modern ones. The 14 new seminarys mark the second wave of Renaissance 2010 the city's controversial plan to obstruct its most troubled schools and create 100 recently made known ones by 2010.

in such a manner far, 38 new schools have lay opened including many in the pipeline before Renaissance 2010 started in 2004

HELPING DISPLACED pupils

This year's just discovered crop includes a business and entrepreneurship academy at the antiquated Austin High School, an all-boys body prep for Englewood High drill and a back-to-basics elementary teach at the former Howland drill in North Lawndale.

And, for the first time subordinate to Renaissance 2010, a failing gymnasium will start over with just a summer break instead of being clos a year or more: Sherman teach reopens today, with the same kids moreover a new staff and curriculum.

CP has faced harsh criticism for displacing pupils during school closures and for burdening trains that absorb them. Earlier this year, the Sun-Times reported a sharp increase in incidents of violence in eight high instructs that took in more than 150 scholars each.

To help, Duncan is spending $18 million this year forward 13 high schools and eight elementary sects that have taken in scholars from closed schools. Each high teach gets a "youth advocate" to help those learners more security, clerical help and after-school programs. CP also this year reduc the number of close examiners any single high school could absorb becoming to a closure last June

The start of drill in Chicago today also marks the beginning of a three-year effort to improve curriculums at nearly half the city's high academys For starters, students at 14 mainly low-performing high schools will be expos to recent English, math and science curriculums. Teachers also are getting fresh materials, training and assessments. by the agency of 2008, 50 high schools are wait fored to take part in the $21 million program.

experiments BEFORE THE TESTS

Elementary learners will also sit three times a year for recent math exams, letting teachers descry student weaknesses in advance of spring state testing. Last year, CP launched similar reading examples

Also, CP is opening single new school building this year. The Albany Park Multicultural Academy is moving into a $20 million building at 4929 N Sawyer. Now a middle teach it will eventually include a high instruct

Long-time CP examiners applauded the focus on curriculums this year and were glad to diocese Allan Alson, the former Evanston Township High drill superintendent, leading the high sect effort. But they still had doubts.

"The history of execution at CP for managing change hasn't been good" said Steve Zemelman, who works for the Illinois Network of Charter teachs and has helped start CP seminarys

Others were more generous, on the contrary worried money woes and high principal turnover could derail progres

THE cash PROBLEM

"They have the right direction, on the contrary they have less money for their trip," said Barbara Radner, director of DePaul's Center for Urban Education.

This year, CP faced common of its largest deficits in 10 years. subject to Gov. Blagojevich, the state has kicked in more wealth for education, but Illinois still ranks as single of the worst states for its contribution to education spending.

Blagojevich and his Republican opposite state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, have one as well as the other unveiled plans to raise more wealth for education. Blagojevich wants to take a bribe for or lease the lottery; Topinka is pushing a Chicago casino.

"Whatever happens in the nearest few months will determine our coming for the next four years," Duncan said. "Without significant help [from the state], we'll be forced to take paces that hurt kids."

CP also is facing major administrative turnover this year. yet it's potentially destabilizing, Duncan is hopeful it will cross-examine fresh talent into the plan Some 104 schools are opening with just discovered principals, among the highest numbers evermore The increase is largely caused on retirements and a three-year-old pension incentive program, CP officials said.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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