New magnet school cluster designed be a supercollider of tech education

Mayor Richard M. Daley on Tuesday again called for more state funding for schools in announcing a plan to increase technology education.

“The state of Illinois is suffering in regards to education. If you constantly fight for ego and personality, then nothing gets accomplished," said Daley, alluding to continued wrangling between the state legislature and Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"That’s what’s wrong with Washington, that’s what’s wrong with Springfield. If you don’t move the agenda, we’re stuck.”

The mayor wants legislators to agree on a long-term funding program instead of what he calls crisis funding. He asked why a school infrastructure bill isn’t on the table with more money.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan joined in the call for more money from the state, describing a different conversation with legislators – compared to other visits in his seven years as schools chief – during his trip to Springfield last week.

“There’s a real sense that they know what’s going on in Chicago, more so than ever before,” Duncan said.

Daley, Duncan, CPS officials and Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) gathered at Dunne Elementary on the South Side to announce a proposal converting five neighborhood schools into "magnet cluster" schools with a focus on technology. The new schools would increase the number of new education options for families this fall to 35.

Calling the proposal another step in bringing high-quality education to every neighborhood in the city, Daley sees the program as an important tool in putting Chicago students on par with other students nationally and internationally.

“If we are to produce the type of students who will keep Chicago a leader in the global economy, we must have a major focus in science, math and technology,” Daley said.

The plan, expected to go before the Chicago Board of Education at its April 23 meeting, is funded by a federal Voluntary Public School Choice grant for $11.7 million. All five schools, which include Dunne, are located on the South and West sides.

Unlike many magnet schools, entrance testing would not be required for these magnet cluster schools. Neighborhood students attending the existing schools would transition to the new ones. A citywide lottery would be held for any remaining seats once all of the neighborhood students have been enrolled.

School officials outlined a technology-based curriculum that would take shape differently at each school. Students would have access to laptop computers to use e-mail, video and other applications. Parents would get similar technology classes to be able to better help their children with schoolwork.

The plan would also duplicate the programs of three existing schools that have seen success. Two of the schools would be run by the University of Illinois-Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology.