DFER Illinois
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"And in this corner..."
April 18, 2012
By Rebeca Nieves Huffman, DFER Illinois State Director
Education reform has always been a blood sport in Chicago with the usual suspects engaged in combat. But now with the "full" (aka: longer) school day debate, we've see a new group enter into the ring: middle class parents.
Allow me to explain.
The 2011-12 school year not only brought Chicago a new mayor and new leaders of the school district and school board but it also brought new policies. With the start of the new school year came a push by the district to give all of its students more time in school via a longer school day and school year.
Chicago has one of the shortest school days in the nation (5.75 hours). In January, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and school district CEO Jean Claude Brizard began an earnest push to add an additional 90 minutes to the City's school day.
Given the contentious relationship between the City's teachers union, the district, and the Mayor's office it was not surprising this proposal hit like a lead balloon. In particular, the Chicago's Teachers Union was not on board -- especially since the mayor would not commit to increase salaries for the additional time, canceled an expected 4% salary increase in 2012, and opened the district's contract negotiations earlier than expected. What was surprising, however, was the loud and vocal opposition supporters encountered against lengthening the school day by parents and advocates in a number of the City's middle class neighborhoods.
While supporters of the longer day touted the positive effects for students in low performing schools, longer day opponents lambasted the administration for an over reach into their children's after school time. I heard parents saying at school board meetings that their kids "didn't need the extra instruction, since their schools are already so good." Several parents stated, "our kids need music and art and time to pursue extra curricular activities."
REPUBLICAN FY 2013 BUDGET PROPOSAL
March 29, 2012
REPUBLICAN FY 2013 BUDGET PROPOSAL
DRAMATIC AND RECKLESS CUTS TO EDUCATION SPENDING
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives began debate on its budget proposal for FY 2013, the upcoming fiscal year that begins October 1st. The debate resumes on the House floor today.
In Illinois:
• Almost 12,000 children will be eliminated from the Head Start program;
• Nearly 77,000 students with disabilities' costs will shift to states and districts as part of cuts to IDEA; and,
• Approximately 170,000 students from historically disadvantaged groups will have reduced or eliminated services due to Title I cuts.
Read more here.
With all due respect, Rev. Jackson, what happened to 'with all deliberate speed?'
March 20, 2012
By Rebeca Nieves Huffman, DFER Illinois State Director
Racism! Apartheid! Lawsuits! That's what we've been hearing from Rev. Jackson and the Chicago Teacher's Union (CTU) these days since the school board's unanimous decision on February 22nd to close 7 schools, and stage "turnaround" for 10 schools - all of which have been chronically underperforming. When I say, chronically underperforming, we are talking about a state of emergency for the future of our kids. For example, the highest percentage of proficiency reached in reading and math at Dyett High School over the course of five years was only 8%; their lowest point over the last five years - 2%.
We can all agree that our experiences form our perspectives. Given all Rev. Jackson has seen and experienced it's no wonder he is concerned with fighting injustice and inequality. In this case, however, I don't understand why he would oppose an immediate rescue for the impacted students, and instead recommend delaying the school board's decision for another year. Our children cannot - should not - wait any longer to receive the education and opportunities they deserve.
Sitting in that school board meeting and hearing Rev. Jackson say that the leadership at the Chicago Public Schools was instituting a system of apartheid was the icing on the cake. The majority of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board members are people of color who have worked alongside Rev. Jackson and other civil rights leaders to address some of the most pressing problems affecting our city's Latino and African-American communities. I believe they took those experiences into account when they made their decisions to shut down and turnaround the severely underperforming schools. As a Latina, it gives me great pride to see people who look like me at the table of decision and leadership.
Alas--the teasing ends!
January 19, 2012
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
By Rebeca Nieves Huffman, DFER Illinois State Director
If there were a theme for the last 10 years of my education reform experience, it would be, "teased but not completely pleased." I've been working for amazing, national organizations doing meaningful work in many places across the country - except in my lovely Chi-town. While working in other cities, I watched as Chicago experienced bold, and at times, trailblazing efforts in my own backyard and longed to be a part of the action in my own hometown.
If Tyra Banks hosted "America's Next Top Reformers," the band of reform allies across Illinois would win. She'd ordain the likes of Phyllis Lockett (New Schools for Chicago), Beth Purvis (Chicago International Charter Schools), Juan Rangel (United Neighborhood Organization), Bruce Rauner (Philanthropist), State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D), and Josh Anderson (Teach for America) with the coveted 'f' word...fierce.
For me, the teasing began in 2001 when I was working for the KIPP Foundation. The CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Arne Duncan, and former Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, announced the closure of three chronically failing public schools and the creation of new schools, many of which would be charters. I practically did a back flip while watching the news conference out of excitement for the reforms about to take place in my city.
Fast-forward 10 years later and reformers are still aggressively working to put the best interests of kids first--and I'm so thrilled to be joining them in that work as the Illinois State Director for Democrats for Education Reform.
DFER Launches Illinois Branch and Appoints Rebeca Nieves Huffman as State Director
January 17, 2012
We are happy to announce the opening of our new Illinois branch. Longtime education advocate and Illinois native Rebeca Huffman will lead DFER's development in the Prairie State as director.
"Rebeca has spent the last 10 years working tirelessly to improve public education for children across the nation," said Joe Williams, DFER's executive director. "Now, she'll bring the expertise and knowledge she honed at the national level to her home state of Illinois. Rebeca's vision, track record, and deep understanding of the many challenges facing Illinois' public education system make her the perfect choice for state director."
Read the full press release here.
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