Three CPS schools break from union, OK longer school day

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/7431070-418/three-cps-schools-break-from-union-ok-longer-school-day.html

BY STEFANO ESPOSITO AND ARIEL CHEUNG Staff Reporters September 2, 2011 6:12PM

Three city elementary schools broke from the Chicago Teachers Union Friday, voting in favor of a controversial proposal to add 90 minutes to the school day this year.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard in a joint statement thanked the “courageous” teachers and principals for their “dedication to investing in our children’s future” at the three schools: Genevieve Melody Elementary, Skinner North Elementary and STEM Magnet Academy.

But the union blasted Emanuel and Brizard’s announcement as having nothing to do with improving kids’ education.

“This is political football school reform at its worst,” said CTU Vice-president Jesse Sharkey. “It’s old-style Chicago ward plantation politics.”

[alcibiades_mystery]

1. Pure union busting in advance of the contract negotiations

And yes, I have a child entering kindergarten in a CPS elementary school.

[xchrom]

2. +1

[seabeyond]

3. the added hour and half takes kids to 5 when parent gets out of work

is that really what it is about? make the day longer for the kids because so many parents need a babysitter? i notice that it is with the elementary schools only. these are little kids. they dont need a longer day. what they are doing is fine. how self serving for adults at kids expense

[mainstreetonce]

4. Shorter

Elementary students, especially primary students would benefit from a shorter day with much of the fluff taken out and more direct instruction.

A longer schedule for young children will just mean more filler time.





30 yrs in elementary education and retired