Overview

National context: Schools across the United States have long grappled with the role and impact of school-based police officers, often referred to as school resource officers (SROs). Proponents for school-based policing believe that SROs contribute to school safety by preventing or addressing crime and violence in schools. Opponents of SROs in schools argue that the presence of SROs criminalizes students and increases the likelihood of school-based arrest, particularly for students of color. Policies around SROs vary in districts across the country. 

Chicago Public Schools students who live in direct proximity to a homicide often suffer in the classroom afterwards, but a new report from the University of Chicago examined the ways schools can mitigate the impact that violence has on kids. 

The findings of that report, published this week by UChicago’s Consortium on School Research, show the ways some schools are already working to limit the negative effects that living near violence can have on students...

Some Chicago schools excel at curbing the academic and social-emotional fallout experienced by students who live near where homicides happen, a new University of Chicago study found. 

In 2021, Chicago Public Schools launched a $135 million curriculum called 'Skyline'. And this school year they've added an additional $25 million. This is one of the largest educational initiatives in CPS history...

Understanding student discipline and suspensions data and research can empower parents to help their children and school communities flourish. 

This playbook summarizes research and data that shows suspensions negatively affect all students; some students are suspended more than others; the positive effects of restorative justice; and more. It also includes actions parents can take to learn more about their child’s school’s approach to school discipline and school climate.

Launched in 2023, Prep Period with the UChicago Consortium on School Research is a collaboration with The White Rhino Blog for educators who work with low-income students of color. The episodes bring the Consortium's research together with student, family, and teacher voices for insights on the most important conversations in schools today. 

What do standardized test scores and grades tell us? What don’t they tell us? How might they best be used? 

These questions are frequently discussed and debated among teachers, principals, parents, policymakers, and researchers. 

Maureen Kelleher of FutureEd talks with the UChicago Consortium’s Elaine Allensworth about what the research says about standardized tests and grades.

Si su hijo es o ha sido un estudiante de inglés en CPS, puede que tenga preguntas acerca del rendimiento de los estudiantes de inglés. ¡Un nuevo estudio del Consortium on School Research de la Universidad de Chicago evidencia que los estudiantes de inglés están progresando adecuadamente en CPS! 

El mismo información en inglés aquí.

If your child is or has been an English Learner in CPS, you might have questions about how English Learners are doing in school. 

Learn important information from a study by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research shows that English Learners are succeeding in CPS. 

El mismo información en español aquí.

Sophomore year is a powerful time. 

Key data points in tenth grade can help educators better understand which sophomore students may need additional support to be successful in tenth grade and beyond. 

Importantly, these categories are not "destiny." With proper supports from adults, students can move between these categories, which can greatly impact their outcomes.