Democratic National Convention to tout education policy near Chicago school where no kids read at grade level

Education and the Democratic National Convention

Introduction

Education will be a major platform piece during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, it is unfortunate that the party has chosen to meet near a Chicago school where spending $27,000 per student has not resulted in any students being able to read at grade level.

Educational Policies and the Democratic National Convention

A key focus of the Democratic Party’s platform is to ensure that every child has access to a quality and affordable education, regardless of their parents’ ZIP code or income.

The Reality at Collins Career Academy

Ironically, just a few miles away from where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept her party’s presidential nomination is Collins Career Academy, where not a single student can read at grade level.

Education Spending in Chicago and Illinois

The issue at hand is not whether Chicago or Illinois follows the Democrats’ call to increase spending on public schools. Collins Career Academy already spends $27,000 per student, while the average spending per student in Chicago Public Schools is $18,287. Illinois ranks 8th in the nation in terms of per-pupil education spending at $21,830.

The Effectiveness of Increased Spending

Research on education has shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of simply increasing funding for poor academic performance. It is important to consider how new education investments are spent rather than solely focusing on the amount of money being allocated. Merely increasing funding without implementing effective strategies has proven to be ineffective in advancing students’ academic performance.

The Reality of Education in Chicago

If Vice President Harris examines the state of education in Chicago closely, she will observe a concerning trend. Despite the continuous increase in spending per student citywide, proficiency levels continue to decline.

Since 2012, the budget of Chicago Public Schools has increased by 97%, but student proficiency has decreased by 63% in reading and 78% in math. If increased funding were the solution, there should at least be some progress in the right direction, rather than a decline in performance.

Conclusion

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago will undoubtedly involve lively discussions about education. However, Chicago serves as a cautionary example of what not to do in terms of education policy and spending.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

The article discusses the issue of education and the lack of students reading at grade level in a Chicago school. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above are relevant as they address the need for quality education, equal access to education, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the lack of students reading at grade level can be considered an indicator of the progress towards Target 4.1, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: illinoispolicy.org