Chicago Public Schools launches ambitious five-year improvement plan

In a recent meeting, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan titled \"Together We Rise,\" aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and school environments across the district. The plan sets specific goals to be achieved by 2029, including a 20% increase in the number of 3rd to 8th graders meeting or exceeding proficiency levels in English Language Arts and Math on the state's IAR Assessment. Additionally, CPS aims to reduce chronic absenteeism by 15% and increase the percentage of schools rated as strong or very strong on the annual 5 Essentials survey, which assesses school culture.

The plan also targets a significant rise in the number of students earning the equivalent of a semester of college credit or advanced career training, aiming for 70% participation. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement through school-specific goals developed by local communities.

CPS leadership expressed gratitude to the thousands of community members who contributed to the plan's development, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative. However, they acknowledged the ongoing challenges of underfunding, noting that CPS has historically struggled to secure adequate financial resources. The district has identified $500 million in potential reductions and efficiencies but insists that more funding is essential for providing students with the facilities and resources they deserve.

The meeting underscored the urgency for community engagement and support in realizing the goals of the strategic plan. CPS officials invited parents, educators, and the public to participate in upcoming engagement sessions to ensure the plan meets community needs. They emphasized that the success of \"Together We Rise\" hinges not only on written commitments but on collective action and advocacy for better funding.

As CPS moves forward with this strategic vision, the call for a united effort to secure fair funding and improve educational outcomes for all students remains a central theme.