Reporting to the UEI Senior Executive Director, this seasoned communications professional will develop and implement a high-impact communications strategy in support of the Urban Education Institute (UEI)’s mission.

Save The Music’s old tagline was “Music Equals Brainpower.” But how does music improve the mind? How does playing music affect the brain? Is it actually true that playing an instrument makes you smarter? 

Among musicians, teachers, and parents, there is a strong intuitive sense that music education and academic performance are linked. But what do the research studies in music education say? How does music help the brain? How does music help you learn?

Key Findings

• About 70% of 5th-8th grade students continuously enrolled in non-charter CPS schools since fall 2017 were deemed eligible in summer or fall 2020 for Chicago Connected, based on their level of socioeconomic disadvantage.

After a career as a chef, Gloria Simpson knew she wanted to teach, and when she got the opportunity in 2002, she jumped at the chance to pursue her dream. 

Simpson spent 15 years as a culinary teacher in Chicago Public Schools until 2017, when she was forced into retirement, she said, after receiving a poor teaching evaluation. Simpson’s career came to an abrupt end due to what she called “principal manipulation.”

Event Overview

What insights and improvements are possible when school systems and research partners collaborate?

Chicagoans have built a data-informed culture throughout our city's education ecosystem. 

Hear from Chicago Public Schools leaders and research partners about bright spots and opportunities in evidence-informed strategy, practice, and policy in schools and the education ecosystem. 

This recorded discussion took place on March 13, 2025.

Key Findings

• Attendance matters because it affects students’ academic skills, grades, and likelihood of high school and college graduation. 
• Grades are typically the best predictors of students’ learning and long-term outcomes, including college enrollment and college degree completion. 
• Standardized tests can help identify needed, extra supports for students. 
• “On-track” indicators help educators ask key questions and build stronger, more supportive relationships with students.

Playbooks para familias ofrecen información clave, datos e investigación para ayudar a los padres y cuidadores a tomar decisiones informadas y actuar en temas importantes.

Las investigaciones demuestran que las calificaciones y la asistencia del preescolar al 12o grado son los ingredientes más importantes para el éxito de los estudiantes durante y después de la escuela preparatoria.

Family playbooks offer key info, data and research to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions and take action on important topics.

Research shows that grades and attendance from pre-K—12th grade are the most important ingredients for students’ success in and after high school.

Parents and families can understand if and how their school is helping students have high attendance and grades—and can provide their own support, too.

It takes a village to help students achieve high attendance and grades.