Stanford University professor Sean Reardon, a leading expert on education equality in the United States, presented a new analysis today on Chicago Public Schools that shows Chicago’s students learn and grow at a faster rate than 96 percent of school districts in the country – including wealthy districts. Reardon and other education research presented their analysis and data at a forum today hosted by the Joyce and Spencer foundations.

“This report is a testament to the hard work, progress and success of Chicago’s remarkable students, teachers, principals and families,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “CPS students make Chicago proud every day. They not only lead in the classroom, they lead the country in academic growth, and their achievements are earning national recognition and respect.”

Reardon’s key findings include:

• Chicago’s growth rate is higher than 96 percent of ALL school districts in the United States;
• Among the 100 largest school districts in the country, Chicago has the highest growth rate between third and eighth grade; and
• The average Chicago student’s test scores improved by roughly six grade-level equivalents in five years’ time – 20 percent more growth on average.
• Each successive CPS class is outperforming the class that came before and improving at a rate far above the national average.

"The data is clear: Chicago's students are making unprecedented academic gains across all racial and socioeconomic subgroups, and they are more likely to succeed than ever before,” said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool. “Education experts from across the country are taking note, helping change perceptions about urban education and providing the district with invaluable insights that will help us continue to make progress and tackle challenges head-on.”

"Our story is Chicago's story; our success is Chicago's success: it belongs to students, parents, dedicated educators, support staff and principals,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “We all envision a bright future for our students, one in which every student in every neighborhood has the ability and support to achieve success. That shared vision will continue to be the driving force behind the district's efforts."

A link to Reardon’s analysis can be found here: http://cepa.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/chicago%20public%20school%20test%20scores%202009-2014.pdf

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