Education

Chicago Teachers Union leaders appear outside City Hall with a list of their demands and a box of coal in December. As of Tuesday, the union has failed to reach an agreement with Chicago Public Schools on a return to in-person learning.

Don't Call It A Comeback: School Districts That Never Opened Are Having Trouble Now

9:59am January 27, 2021

About a third of U.S. students haven't had a single day in a classroom since March 2020. Coming back now — with the virus still spreading and teachers pushing back — hasn't been easy.

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Prekindergarten students listen as their teacher reads a story this month at Dawes Elementary School in Chicago.

CDC Makes The Case For Schools Reopening

7:23pm January 26, 2021

by Cory Turner

Federal researchers say, with proper safety precautions, schools don't seem to fuel outbreaks, with some exceptions such as indoor sports practices.

Tip: Take your kids for a walk and help them understand which places are public and which are private.

Education

COMIC: How To Raise Informed, Active Citizens

12:23pm January 26, 2021

by LA Johnson

From talking about history to volunteering in your community, here's how to get your kids thinking about what it means to be a good citizen.

The Chicago Teachers Union voted on Sunday to continue remote work only, in defiance of the school district's plans for K-8 teachers and staff to return to classrooms this week. Here, a sign in front of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Septemb

Chicago Said Teachers Needed To Return In Person. The Teachers Voted No

4:33pm January 25, 2021

by Laurel Wamsley

After the union vote, the district said it had pushed back the return of K-8 teachers and staff until Wednesday to "ensure we reach a resolution without a disruption to student learning."

Miguel Cardona, President Biden's nominee for U.S. education secretary, speaks during a December event announcing his nomination.

Education Pick Miguel Cardona On Biden's Promise To Reopen Schools

3:47pm January 25, 2021

President Biden pledged to reopen most of the nation's K-12 schools during his first 100 days. When asked if that goal was "too optimistic," Cardona said, "No, I think it's strong leadership."

Education

How The Pandemic Transformed Senior Year For 3 High School Students

4:52pm January 24, 2021

Three high school seniors — Bronte Roltsch, Aya Hamza and Madeline Mueller — update NPR's Michel Martin about how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their lives and post-graduation plans.

Historian Discusses The Politics That Shape U.S. History In Schools

4:52pm January 24, 2021

NPR's Michel Martin speaks to historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries about how American school children learn about U.S. history.

Author Interview: 'The New Phd: How To Build A Better Graduate Education'

5:35pm January 23, 2021

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with professor Leonard Cassuto and former university administrator Robert Weisbuch about their new book.

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Biden's Plans To Reopen Schools In His First 100 Days

5:15am January 22, 2021

by Anya Kamenetz

Biden has made reopening most K-12 schools a major priority for his first 100 days and he's signed a flurry of executive orders indicating a much stronger role in federal leadership to do that safely.

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News Brief: Vaccine Rollout, State Of The Economy, Biden's Education Plan

5:15am January 22, 2021

The U.S.' coronavirus vaccine rollout continues to be difficult. A look at the state of the economy as Biden begins his presidency. And, Biden wants to open schools as soon as possible.