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Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Designate May Day for Civic Action

Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Designate May Day for Civic Action

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have reached an agreement to designate May Day as a 'day of civic action' for students and teachers. This decision allows both students and staff to participate in civic activities and rallies on May 1. Despite the civic action focus, CPS has confirmed that schools will remain open on this day. The initiative is part of a broader effort to engage the school community in civic matters, reflecting a commitment to social and political awareness among students and educators.
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Chicago Public Schools to Remain Open on May 1, Allowing Participation in Civic Rallies

Chicago Public Schools to Remain Open on May 1, Allowing Participation in Civic Rallies

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced that it will remain open on May 1, but will allow students and staff to participate in civic engagement events, including a rally. This decision comes after discussions with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which had been advocating for May 1 to be a teacher-directed professional development day. The day, known as International Workers' Day, is marked by nationwide protests against federal policies and in support of immigrant and labor rights. CPS CEO Macquline King emphasized the importance of maintaining classroom time while also respecting the tradition of civic action. The district will provide transportation and bagged lunches for students and staff attending the events, and will not retaliate against those who choose to participate. Additionally, CPS and CTU have agreed to designate May 1, 2028, as a professional development day.
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Cedar Rapids Embraces School Choice, Sparking Debate on Educational Outcomes

Cedar Rapids Embraces School Choice, Sparking Debate on Educational Outcomes

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the concept of school choice is gaining traction, leading to a competitive educational environment. This shift is part of a broader national trend where public schools face competition from alternative educational institutions. The idea is that competition will drive improvements in education quality. However, this movement has sparked a debate about its effectiveness. President Trump and other Republicans have criticized public schools for not meeting students' needs and being overly 'woke,' while Democrats often resist school choice, arguing it undermines public education. NPR's Cory Turner explores how this dynamic is playing out in Cedar Rapids, examining whether students benefit from this competitive approach.
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CoSN2026 Highlights Innovative Uses of AI in K-12 Education

CoSN2026 Highlights Innovative Uses of AI in K-12 Education

At the CoSN2026 conference in Chicago, discussions centered around the practical applications of AI in K-12 education. Educators are using AI to personalize learning experiences, such as re-leveling texts and generating practice sets. District leaders are employing AI for planning and reflection, enhancing workflow efficiency. Students are also finding ways to use AI for decoding assignments and translating languages. The conference emphasized the importance of integrating AI into existing educational frameworks to maximize its impact on teaching and learning.
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Oregon Governor Issues Order to Preserve School Instructional Time Amid Budget Pressures

Oregon Governor Issues Order to Preserve School Instructional Time Amid Budget Pressures

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued an executive order to prevent further reductions in school instructional time, responding to budget pressures that have led some districts to consider cutting hours. Oregon currently has one of the shortest school years in the U.S., averaging 165 days compared to the national average of 180 days. The state also requires fewer instructional hours than the national average. The order mandates that the Oregon Department of Education prioritize policies to maintain or increase instructional time and requires districts that have reduced hours to submit plans to restore them by the 2027-28 school year. The order also restricts waivers for reduced instructional time, except in emergencies, and calls for changes to ensure instructional hours reflect actual student-teacher engagement.
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You can put beef tallow and salmon sperm on your face. But should you?

You can put beef tallow and salmon sperm on your face. But should you?

Animal-derived skin care products are gaining popularity, from salmon sperm facials to moisturizers made with beef tallow — the fat around a cow's internal organs
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Sheridan School District Faces Prolonged Teachers Strike, Merger with Denver Public Schools Considered

Sheridan School District Faces Prolonged Teachers Strike, Merger with Denver Public Schools Considered

The teachers strike in the Sheridan School District in Colorado has entered its third week, causing significant disruption to the local education system. The strike, which began over disputes related to pay and working conditions, has left classrooms without teachers and students without regular instruction. In response to the ongoing situation, a Colorado lawmaker has proposed a potential solution: merging the Sheridan School District with the larger Denver Public Schools. This proposal aims to address the issues by potentially providing more resources and support to the teachers and students of Sheridan. The strike highlights ongoing challenges in the education sector, particularly in smaller districts that may struggle with funding and resources.
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Chicago Public Schools Restores Disability Support Funding for Catholic School Students

Chicago Public Schools Restores Disability Support Funding for Catholic School Students

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reinstated instructional support funding for over 800 students with disabilities attending Catholic schools in the Chicago area. This decision comes after the Archdiocese of Chicago accused CPS of halting services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) just two months before the school year ended. The funding will resume on Monday and continue through May 22, as initially planned. The Archdiocese expressed gratitude towards CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King and her team for restoring these services, highlighting the support from parents and the community. The funding, which is federally mandated under IDEA, is distributed by CPS to Catholic schools within its jurisdiction for services like specialized instruction and assistive technology. Previously, CPS and the Archdiocese had conflicting accounts regarding the cessation of funding, with CPS citing budget constraints and the Archdiocese claiming a lack of prior warning.
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Chatham Tree Planting Initiative Aims to Mitigate Flooding Issues

Chatham Tree Planting Initiative Aims to Mitigate Flooding Issues

A new tree planting initiative has been launched in Chatham, a neighborhood in Chicago that frequently experiences flooding. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address the persistent flooding problems that have plagued the area. The initiative involves planting trees throughout the neighborhood, which is expected to help absorb excess rainwater and reduce the impact of flooding. This project is seen as a proactive measure to enhance the community's resilience against environmental challenges.
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Governors Focus on K-12 Education Reforms to Address Workforce Needs and Academic Achievement

Governors Focus on K-12 Education Reforms to Address Workforce Needs and Academic Achievement

Governors across the United States are prioritizing K-12 education reforms to better align with workforce needs and improve academic achievement. According to an analysis by the Education Commission of the States, governors from 42 states have highlighted key themes in their state of the state addresses, including the need for foundational academic skills, new spending priorities, and collaboration between K-12 education and employers. Many governors are advocating for evidence-based reading instruction and reforms in math instruction to address declining student achievement. Additionally, there is a push for increased funding for career-technical education and youth apprenticeship programs to prepare students for emerging job markets. Governors are also focusing on early-childhood education and child care, recognizing the importance of strong prekindergarten programs in preparing children for K-12 education.
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Blackhawks Extend GM Kyle Davidson's Contract Amid Rebuild Efforts

Blackhawks Extend GM Kyle Davidson's Contract Amid Rebuild Efforts

Blackhawks Extend GM Kyle Davidson's Contract Amid Rebuild Efforts
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Trump nominates former Deputy Surgeon General as CDC director

Trump nominates former Deputy Surgeon General as CDC director

By Yasmeen Abutaleb and Julie Steenhuysen WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S.