Yesterday Obama announced Arne Duncan, head of the Chicago school system, as education secretary. With the reputation of a tough, results-gettin' reformer and an agenda to make schools so competitive you'll think you're in a Korean prep school, his appointment on paper sounds like an A. Minus.
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The Mayor of Chicago estimates that the Obama election night party could cost the city as much as $2 million. The free and open-to-the-public lakefront party at Grant Park will require the city to beef up security; but the Obama campaign has agreed to reimburse seriously cash-strapped Chicago.
Down in Arizona, rumor has it that McCain might not even show up to his soiree.
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A new study comparing US urban school districts and foreign countries found that math scores in Chicago are on par with other countries — Third World countries. Only 13 percent of eighth graders in the city's public schools are proficient in math.
One education expert thinks the scores make a persuasive case against creating magnet schools for gifted students, arguing that students need the few top students as role models, and examples of "normal kids who perform well."
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Questioning the notion that segregation is bad for students, Chicago's school district is considering opening a high school for gay, lesbian, and transgender students. The school is among a group of recommended specialized schools, another example being a technology-focused campus.
Schools targeting gay students — a group more likely to drop out, abusing drugs, and committing suicide — exist in other cities.
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Chicago residents have faced an exceptionally deadly Summer this year — 123 people were shot and killed, twice the amount of US soldier casualties in Iraq over the same period.
Throughout 2008, murder rates in Chicago have risen. In July Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich said he was prepared to call in the National Guard to help restore order to the "out of control" city.
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