Around-the-Clock Learning: Extending the Definition of 'School'

TL;DR

A Chicago school transforms into a successful learning community, with high test scores, a high graduation rate, and strong community partnerships.

Transcript

Narrator: Built in 1898, this brick schoolhouse on the southwest side of Chicago has seen good times and bad. >>Arne: Twenty years ago, we were called the worst school system in America. I don't know whether that was true or not, but we definitely didn't have a school system we could be proud of. And we've come an extraordinarily long way, partic... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Chicago's school system has made significant progress in recent years under new leadership.
• ☠️ Spry, a Chicago school, has transformed into a successful learning community with high test scores and graduation rates.
• ✋ Unique scheduling, community partnerships, high expectations, internships, tutoring programs, and after-school initiatives contribute to Spry's success.
• 👨‍🏫 The school believes in the importance of a strong partnership between school, family, and community for student success.
• 🧡 Spry utilizes community resources and offers a wide range of out-of-school time programs.
• 👨‍🏫 The school focuses on teaching life skills and offers programs like Miracles, which boosts math, reading, technology, and life skills.
• 🧑‍🎓 Spry promotes student leadership and personal responsibility.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the Chicago school system improved in recent years?

The Chicago school system has made significant progress under new leadership, particularly since the mayor took over in 1995. The school system now has higher standards and is more focused on community involvement.

Q: What is Spry and what makes it successful?

Spry is a pre-kindergarten through high school learning community in Chicago. It has a high graduation rate and rising test scores. The school's success is attributed to unique scheduling, community partnerships, high expectations, and various programs like internships and tutoring.

Q: How does Spry accommodate different age groups and alleviate overcrowding?

Spry has developed a unique scheduling system where K-8 students start the day at 9 a.m. and high schoolers start at 11 a.m. This avoids conflict between younger and older students and helps alleviate overcrowding.

Q: What kind of community partnerships does Spry have?

Spry takes advantage of various community resources, such as partnering with a local hospital for student internships. The school also collaborates with agencies like the Boys and Girls Club to offer a wide range of out-of-school time programs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Built in 1898, a Chicago school that once had a poor reputation has made significant progress in recent years under new leadership.

• Spry, a pre-kindergarten through high school learning community, has implemented unique scheduling to accommodate different age groups and alleviate overcrowding.

• The school's success is attributed to high expectations, community involvement, internships, tutoring programs, and after-school initiatives.