December 16, 2011
Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement
With jobs at the top of the national agenda, public and private funders are intent on finding effective job training programs. But what data demonstrate effectiveness, and how can programs use data to improve what they do? more >
October 6, 2011
Joining Forces to Save Arts Education
Budget troubles and relentless testing are putting pressure on arts educators as never before. In Chicago, artists and educators are discovering that there is strength in numbers. By combining forces, they are working to ensure that arts instruction not only survives, but is expanded, improved, and available for all Chicago students. more >
October 6, 2010
Training and Supporting New School Leaders
"There are no great schools without great leaders," says Maggie Blinn. With Chicago facing another round of principal retirements, Blinn and her team are training a new generation of leaders to take over Chicago schools. These principals in training start from the belief that all kids can learn and set out to manage, lead, and inspire school staffs dedicated to pursuing that vision. more >
October 6, 2010
Organizing Resources to Help Abused Kids
The sexual abuse of a child is devastating for both the victim and his or her family. Counseling can help—the sooner the better. When the Fry Foundation discovered that abused children in Chicago face long waiting lists for mental health services, it helped a coalition of mental health providers coordinate efforts to improve systems to get victims the help they need as quickly as possible. more >
October 6, 2010
Expanding Options for Low Skilled Workers
Training programs for good-paying jobs require solid literacy and math skills—a challenge for high school dropouts and immigrants with limited English. Literacy programs to boost skills are poorly coordinated with job training and inadequate to meet the need. Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition is stepping up to coordinate services and resources to help Illinois workers get started on the path to better jobs. more >