Union Gusts Grow in Windy City
Nearly 90% of the Chicago teachers union voted to authorize a strike if the union and district cannot come to an agreement on contract negotiations, surpassing the 75% required by law to authorize a strike. Throughout the year, the union has made it clear that they’re unhappy with Chicago reform proposals, even going as far as protesting at Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s house.
The union has made it clear that it opposes everything from including student performance in teacher evaluations, to extending the school year, to closing and restructuring failing schools. But, a chart published by the Chicago Sun-Times reveals that student test scores will only constitute 25% of teacher evaluations, and that’s only by year five. Initially, student scores will only count 15 percent. So while reforms in other states are markedly bolder than some on Chicago’s agenda, the union is causing quite a stir in their fight to maintain control over the status quo in the Windy City.
